Sapphire Residences ‘Sky Mansions’ Tower above Galle Face Centre reaches 40th floor

Sapphire Residences, Colombo’s landmark development under construction on Galle Face Centre, continues to rise impressively with a new floor added every week. The residential tower has already reached the 40th floor – which is 80% of the proposed number of floors in the structure. 

Sapphire Residences has pride of place at the centre of Colombo’s most prestigious location. Overlooking the Galle Face Green with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, it is unsurprising that this remarkable new development is described as one of Colombo’s most talked-about new luxury address. 

The building is destined to become a global landmark for the city, and indeed the country, due to its distinctive architecture, notably the iconic Sky Bridge that spans 55 metres between the ITC One hotel tower and the Sapphire Residences tower at the 19th-21st floors. The first of its kind in South Asia, this engineering marvel will incorporate a jazz bar and lounge, with two full-length pools and a sunbathing deck on top; offering some of the best views in Colombo. It will surely become a “must visit” destination for residents and visitors alike. 

The residential interiors are just as spectacular. Exquisitely designed by YOO Inspired by Starck, the residences are incomparable with other Colombo offerings. Appropriately named ‘Sky Mansions’, these enormous residences average 5,500 sq. ft. living areas (the penthouses are over 9,000 sq. ft.), large enough for a whole family – with staff – to live in spacious and unhindered luxury. 

Arun Pathak – Managing Director of the development company WelcomHotels Lanka Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd. registered in India), comments: “Our objective was to develop a new icon for the country on this ultra-prime Colombo coastline. This inspired us to bring together an exceptional team of international architects, designers and engineers to deliver what will be the finest collection of residences in the region.” 

A crucial element is the very high level of security that is also discreet. Whereas private villas require high walls, barred windows, locked gates and guards, life at Sapphire Residences will be more secure without an overbearing presence of the security features. The integrated security systems at Sapphire Residences are designed by Control Risks, one of the world’s leading security specialists. 

Sapphire Residences have been designed to enhance ‘The Splendour of Gracious Living’ for all residents, raising the bar for luxury living to set new standards in the region. All aspects, including over 40,000 sq. ft. of social and leisure amenities, have been carefully designed to appeal to an elite group of like-minded individuals who enjoy the finest things in life. The concept is based on the new breed of international private members’ clubs that provide a place for playing, relaxing and socialising, with a focus on enhancing its members’ experiences and wellbeing. 

The Residents’ Clubhouse with its sumptuous Club Lounge, also conceptualised by Philippe Starck and his team at YOO, offers the perfect place to meet, socialise and network in privacy and comfort with neighbours and guests.

Every Sky Mansion at Sapphire Residences comes with a state-of-the-art home automation solution that operates with hands-free voice control and mobile devices, putting residents in control of their environment and ensuring total peace of mind: This offers convenience, comfort and security at your fingertips. The concierge can arrange essential services including maids, laundry, babysitting, travel and chauffeur driven cars, enabling residents to require fewer domestic staff but with more services on hand, 24/7. Additionally, there is home delivery service available from the neighbouring five-star ITC One hotel.

How do people respond when they visit Sapphire Residences? “‘Wow!’ is a word I hear every day,” comments Sri Lanka Sotheby’s International Realty Resident Director Charles Phillpot. “The Philippe Starck interior in the show apartment never fails to provoke an enthusiastic response. Most of all, potential buyers quickly appreciate how the sheer scale and luxury of these Sky Mansions will offer them and their families a unique living experience, combined with the convenience of efficient maintenance and high security.” He adds that they recognise that, with real estate values set to rise in Colombo as other major developments come to life, it will also be a good investment.

One issue facing all potential buyers in the country is that VAT may be levied on condominiums from 1 April this year. “Whilst in the past this proposed tax has been withdrawn post announcement, this time it has been notified and so far there is no announcement from the Government about any further deferment or cancellation,” observes Phillpot. “So, as we stand the clock is ticking and prudent buyers are making assessments on completing their purchases in advance of this new tax potentially coming into force.”

Sapphire Residences has already achieved the prestigious and globally respected LEED pre-certification at the highest Platinum level, ensuring the lowest environmental impact of any building on this scale. Arun Pathak explains: “‘Luxury with sustainability’ is ingrained in our DNA and best practices have been incorporated here.” 

Above all, Sapphire Residences will be defined by its residents. This extraordinary complex, which comprises only 132 Sky Mansions and Penthouses, is expected to be home to a select number of fortunate individuals who have ascended the pinnacles of success and personal achievement and appreciate the stylish, carefree living in some of the most luxurious and secure homes in Colombo.

Arun Pathak concludes, “Construction is well on target and we are committed to the timely completion of the project. The market has received the development very positively and we remain extremely optimistic for the future.”