Nüwa at City of Dreams Sri Lanka celebrates prestigious 5-Star recognition

City of Dreams Sri Lanka Vice President and General Manager Property Michael Habashi (left) receives the 5-Star certification from Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe. Others from left: SLTDA Hotel Classification Committee Chairman Trevine Gomez, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and Nuwa Hotel Manager Thakshila Galappaththy

From left: City of Dreams Sri Lanka Head of Marketing Chamika Karunaratne, Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams General Manager and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Senior Vice President Kamal Munasinghe, City of Dreams Sri Lanka Vice President and General Manager Property Michael Habashi and Nuwa Hotel Manager Thakshila Galappaththy

Nüwa at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the luxury flagship hotel within South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort, on Friday marked a significant milestone with a special press conference and celebration honouring its prestigious 5-Star recognition, further reinforcing its position as one of the leading luxury hospitality destinations in the region.

Held at the elegant Crystal Lounge at Nüwa, the exclusive evening brought together key figures from Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors, media representatives, and senior leadership from City of Dreams Sri Lanka to celebrate a moment that reflects the country’s growing prominence on the global luxury travel map.

The event was graced by Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, whose presence underscored the significance of Nüwa’s achievement for the national tourism industry.

The evening commenced with a press conference moderated by City of Dreams Sri Lanka Head of Marketing Chamika Karunaratne, and featured leadership insights on Sri Lanka’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape and the role of integrated resorts in positioning Colombo as a world-class destination. Senior leadership from City of Dreams Sri Lanka, including General Manager – Property Michael Habashi and Hotel Manager Thakshila Galappaththy, shared perspectives on Nüwa’s journey and its vision for setting new standards in personalised luxury. Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams General Manager and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Senior Vice President Kamal Munasinghe was also present.

As the ultra-luxury crown jewel of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Nüwa offers 113 exquisitely designed rooms and suites perched atop the resort, delivering unparalleled privacy, bespoke service and panoramic views of Colombo’s skyline and the Indian Ocean. From exclusive dining experiences and private wellness offerings to highly personalised butler services, Nüwa has redefined the meaning of contemporary luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.

The highlight of the evening was the formal 5-Star Award presentation, where dignitaries joined leadership and department heads on stage to commemorate the achievement, followed by a celebratory photo opportunity marking the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Michael Habashi said: “This recognition is a proud milestone not only for Nüwa, but for Sri Lanka’s luxury tourism landscape as a whole. It reflects our commitment to delivering world-class experiences that meet the expectations of the global luxury traveller while showcasing the warmth and excellence of Sri Lankan hospitality. Nüwa was designed to be more than a hotel—it is an experience of elevated living.”

The celebrations continued with a live orchestra performance, curated cocktails, an exclusive buffet experience and a dance performance, creating an evening that reflected the sophistication and elegance synonymous with the Nüwa brand.

As City of Dreams Sri Lanka continues to redefine hospitality in the region, Nüwa’s 5-Star recognition stands as a powerful symbol of Colombo’s emergence as a destination for global luxury travel.

- Pix by 

Shehan Gunasekeraw