Edge Hotels and Resorts signs BOI deal for seven resorts

The newly established Edge Hotels and Resorts yesterday signed two agreements with the BOI for the development of two of their properties, namely Reefs Edge Hotel and Villas at Uswetakeiyawa and City Edge Colombo at Marine Drive, Bambalapitiya.

These agreements were sealed between the Board of Investment and Edge Hotels and Resorts respectively for the two hotels.

Edge Hotels and Resorts aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of our island paradise by offering memorable stays at strategically located, architecturally appealing hotels. Its repertoire ranges from resort-type properties to business-friendly city hotels to cater to different needs.

Whatever the location, the Edge experience is geared to help the visitor unwind and relax in a small luxury hotel that reflects and complements its surroundings. Every property is fitted with IT enabled facilities for the convenience of their guests. Superior service standards will be maintained by their highly motivated, hospitable and friendly staff at all levels. Furthermore, the Edge Group believes in sustainable development and operational practices in keeping with the best environment practices.

Explaining the significance of signing up with the BOI, Graetian Gunawardhana, Chairman of Edge Hotels said, “This is only the beginning. We plan to launch more hotels in key locations across the island with time. The approval of the BOI for this venture is both encouraging and heartening, since it is a massive undertaking on our part. It is our belief that our hotels will attract selective visitors from all over the world, and thereby bring in more foreign exchange to the country.”

Reefs Edge will offer the traveller breathtaking sunsets and warm beaches along with an indoor environment that’s contemporary and traditional, comfortable and sleek. This four star property comes complete with 23 beachfront rooms with all modern amenities and a 300 pax banquet hall for events ranging from weddings to corporate functions and offsite workshops.

City Edge Colombo is another property that overlooks the Indian Ocean in the heart of Colombo. It is conveniently located within easy distance from the major office complexes and hotels in the city. This hotel is geared to offer every convenience to the business traveller, but also serves as a perfect overnight stay for newly arrived visitors before they embark on their holiday to other parts of the island. It has 35 rooms with sea views.

The main investor of Edge Hotels is its Chairman, Graetian Gunawardhana, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, and was selected the ‘Best Governor in the World’ out of 750 Governors of the Lions Club at the Boston Academy Awards held in 2006.

He also served as Chairman, Sri Lanka Exporters Association for five years and as Director of the American Chamber of Commerce for two years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka.

The other major stakeholders in the company include Kushal Perera, Managing Director/ CEO, Shehan Gomez, a young entrepreneur and Managing Director of Chariot Restaurants, and Upul Gamage, Director/General Manager, in charge of the development and management of all properties, is an industry specialist with 25 years of experience having served at Lanka Oberoi, AVP at Aitken Spence Hotels and Director/General Manager of Colombo Continental Hotel.

The second phase planned for Reefs Edge will include 23 water villas for a novel experience. Further development of Edge Hotels includes Corals Edge, Ambalangoda, which is listed as one of the ‘newest found best beaches down south’ which will have 36 rooms. Construction for this is due to begin in May 2013.

Next will be Lakes Edge, Nuwara Eliya, which will have 40 cosy rooms. This hotel will be located by the idyllic Lake Gregory and will offer travellers the perfect getaway. Also on the cards is Kingdoms Edge, Sigiriya and Bays Edge, Kalkudah, on which construction is to commence in August 2014 and early 2015 respectively. Edge Hotels will eventually have six properties operational within the next four years.  

Talking about the Edge’s vision, Kushal Perera, Managing Director/CEO said, “We will be catering to the traveller who is discerning yet value conscious. All our hotels will offer guests unique experiences in the most scenic locations in Sri Lanka. Each one of our properties is unique in concept with designs and colours inspired by its surroundings.”