The first stage of the world’s eighth and Sri Lanka’s first seven-star hotel, Aviyana’s Private Chalets will open in Kandy next May, said Chairman and Founder of the Aviyana Private Chalet Complex, Dr. Indika Thisara Hewawasam at a media briefing at Cinnamon Life on Thursday.
Hailing from Elpitiya in Galle, he said that they will have 50 swimming pools in the Chalets making it the only such hotel in the region built outside a city.
In response to a Sunday Observer Business query, he said that of the total estimate of around Rs 9 billion, Rs 7 billion has been invested and 70% of the construction has now been completed. The first stage is set to open in May 2025 and over 300 workers were engaged in the construction work. “This will comprise around 12 chalets; out of a 50 plus that will be built when the construction comes to completion,” he said.
“We hope to have a novel global marketing campaign and market a chalet at around USD 1,000 minimum, helping to position Sri Lanka as an upmarket destination attracting billionaires and helping to set a new standard in luxury travel,” Dr Hewawasam said.
Sri Lanka has untapped potential to cater to high-end travellers and celebrities seeking luxury, privacy and an unparalleled experience marketing the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity in the Knuckles Mountain range. “We hope to at least muster around USD 500 million annually as our contribution to the local tourism segment revenue annually”, he added.
“I have already invested around Rs. 2 billion on this property spanning around 18 acres and the balance is raised through local professionals and locals and foreigners too could own a villa for around USD 180 million and pre purchases were now available. “Investors are guaranteed one of the highest ROIs in the market, with earnings in either USD or LKR. We’ve created a model where investors don’t need to worry about tenants or maintenance — everything is handled by our dedicated team,” Dr. Hewawasam added.
When asked why they did not want to venture into the stock market and raise the balance, he said that they did not want to broad-base the ownership but limit it to a few local professionals and foreigners.
Dr. Hewawasam said they had already contacted world class chefs, professionals and wellness centres to join the staff and service sector to enhance the services of the hotel.
