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From left: Uga Escapes Director and CEO Ramli Ghaffoor, Uga Escapes Managing Director Priyanjith Weerasooria and Uga Escapes General Manager Roshan Dylan
Uga Escapes officially opened its doors to its fourth property, Residence, an all-suite boutique hotel in Colombo, yesterday (19).
Uga Escapes, demonstrating its commitment to the luxury tourism sector, has done a total revamp of the existing property with an investment of Rs. 200 million, enhancing suite features and incorporating a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Built in the 19th century and situated in Colombo 2 on Park Street, Residence by Uga Escapes was once the family home of Sheikh Salehboy Moosajee. The mansion was designed to host his receptions and entertain guests on a grand scale with great halls, expansive gardens and stables for visitors’ carriage horses.
Speaking about the new addition to Uga Escapes’ chain of boutique hotel, Uga Escapes Managing Director Priyanjith Weerasooria said: “We at Uga Escapes have always strived to be a benchmark in the up market tourism sector. We have given this historic building a new lease of life transforming it into a luxurious 11-suite hotel. Residence is glamorous, contemporary and comfortable but remains reminiscent of the Ceylon days in which it was built.”
He further added: “With a large garden, swimming pool, gym, bar and private dining rooms, the Residence offers plenty of spaces to meet, relax or celebrate.”
Elaborating further, Weerasooria added: “With the addition of Residence to our portfolio, along with our soon to be revealed property in Yala, we are a step closer to offering our guests a comprehensive Sri Lankan itinerary while staying exclusively at an Uga property.”
The chic but informal ground floor 86-seater restaurant at Residence offers an intimate experience to enjoy lunch or dinner in the heart of Colombo, while the property also features private dining rooms. Guests could also dine al-fresco, by the terrace or near the pool.
The eclectic a la carte menu features international cuisine with an emphasis on Sri Lankan ingredients while the extensive wine list showcases over 70 wines, quite a few available by the glass.
The Residence High Tea experience is set to be the perfect evening escape, where classic afternoon tea treats are served alongside quintessentially Sri Lankan loose-leaf artisan tea, created especially for Uga.
The plush Bar, which is discreetly located off the Lobby, feels like an exclusive den, with a team of bartenders regularly experimenting with a fresh and innovative menu, including an ever-changing list of ‘Bartender’s Specials’.
Uga Escapes is a fully-owned subsidiary of the Finco Group. Incorporated in 1963, the group comprises several companies recording success in diverse fields.
The company owns boutique properties offering unique experiences across the island that include the 20 luxury villa Ulagalla Walawwa in Anuradhapura, Jungle Beach Resort, Trincomalee, and UGA Bay, Passekudah, and the latest addition is the Residence by Uga Escapes in the heart of Colombo.
Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera
