AMARI COLOMBO
Amari Colombo: Where Heritage Meets Luxury in a Contemporary Jewel of Design
Blending Sri Lanka’s Storied Past with Modern Sophistication, Amari Colombo Sets a New Standard in Colombo’s Hospitality Scene Through the Vision of FBEYE International and PLD Singapore.
In the vibrant heart of Colombo, a new chapter in hospitality unfolds with the opening of Amari Colombo, an elegant and timeless addition to the city’s skyline. Designed by the creative minds at FBEYE International, led by visionary designer Warren Foster-Brown, and enhanced by the expertise of renowned lighting designer Stephen Gough of PLD Singapore, Amari Colombo offers guests a seamless blend of Sri Lanka’s rich colonial heritage and modern luxury.
From the very first steps into Amari Colombo, guests are enveloped in a unique ambience where history and sophistication are intertwined. “Our vision was to create an immersive experience that resonates with the soul of Sri Lanka while seamlessly blending the essence of Thai culture, the home base of the Amari brand, and delivering the luxury and modernity expected by today’s discerning travellers,” explains Warren Foster-Brown.. “We achieved this by combining local materials and cultural motifs with contemporary elegance, so each space resonates with both charm and refinement.”
A Jewel Inspired by Sri Lanka’s Heritage
Amari Colombo’s design is a contemporary masterpiece that pays homage to Sri Lanka’s colonial past while offering every modern comfort. Inspired by the island’s historical architecture, the design showcases subtle details that evoke a sense of nostalgia—a touchstone for locals and a cultural journey for international guests. Faceted details, intricate geometric patterns, and local materials infuse a sense of place into every corner, emphasising the property owner’s pride in Sri Lanka’s legacy as a gem of the Indian Ocean.
Foster-Brown elaborates, “Amari Colombo is a contemporary jewel, reflecting the spirit of Sri Lanka through nuanced details like sapphire-inspired lighting and touches of Thailand’s celadon green to honour Amari’s Asian roots. We wanted each element to not only stand out but to create a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere that celebrates the country’s rich heritage.”
Lighting as a Language
In partnership with PLD Singapore, the lighting design plays a key role in defining Amari Colombo’s aesthetic, with each space carefully illuminated to balance ambience and functionality. “Lighting here is more than a feature—it’s a language that conveys mood, intimacy, and timeless charm,” shares Stephen Gough. “We focused on enhancing every detail, from the grandeur of the drop-off area to the subtle sparkle reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s treasured sapphires. Lighting creates layers within the spaces, allowing guests to experience the design’s depth at every turn.”
The interplay of light and shadow, accentuated by thoughtful textures, brings a distinctive elegance to Amari Colombo. Each room and public space is enhanced by warm, inviting lighting that exudes luxury without overpowering the natural beauty of the design elements.
A New Standard in Hospitality
Creating a destination that appeals to sophisticated travellers with a taste for history and luxury posed its own set of challenges. One of the most significant was balancing the scale and intimacy of each space. “We wanted Amari Colombo to be both grand and personal,” says Foster-Brown. “The scale of the public areas, like the Prego Bar with its 3D ceiling details, required intricate planning to create a space that feels exclusive while still exuding a warm welcome.”
Guests staying at Amari Colombo can explore thoughtfully curated details in every facet of their experience. From the textures in the hallways to interactive lighting setups, each aspect of the design invites visitors to slow down and engage with the environment. This immersion adds a new dimension to the guest experience, inviting them to connect deeply with the space and leaving a lasting impression.
An Inspired Destination for the Discerning Traveller
Amari Colombo is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination crafted for gourmets, connoisseurs, and travellers with a refined sense of style. “We aimed to create a sense of place, soul, and romance here,” Foster-Brown reflects. “Amari Colombo offers guests a truly unique environment that feels timeless yet fresh, a place to be savoured and remembered.”
The design of Amari Colombo not only enhances the guest experience but also elevates the brand’s presence in Colombo’s competitive hospitality scene. “In a market where many properties can feel soulless, we wanted to set Amari Colombo apart as a landmark of luxury with depth and character,” adds Gough. The combination of historical reverence and modern sophistication gives Amari Colombo a distinctive identity, positioning it as a new standard in the city’s luxury hospitality sector.
Interview Highlights:
- What was the primary vision for Amari Colombo’s design?
“The goal was to seamlessly blend Sri Lanka’s rich heritage with Amari’s Thai roots, infusing modern elegance to craft an immersive experience where history and luxury converge,” shares Warren Foster-Brown. - How did Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage influence the design?
“We drew inspiration from local architecture and historical elements, subtly incorporating them into modern spaces that reflect the island’s colonial past,” Foster-Brown explains. - What design elements make Amari Colombo stand out?
“Every corner showcases carefully curated materials, textures, and lighting that balance cultural authenticity with contemporary sophistication,” Foster-Brown adds. - Can you share insights on the role of lighting in this project?
“The lighting design enhances both ambience and function, using warmth and shadow to evoke a sense of timeless charm,” Gough says. - What was the biggest design challenge you encountered?
“Creating spaces that feel both intimate and grand, while ensuring each area tells a story, was a rewarding but intricate challenge,” explains Foster-Brown. - How do the design elements enhance the guest experience?
“From thoughtful textures to interactive lighting, each detail captivates the senses, allowing guests to connect deeply with the space,” he adds. - What makes Amari Colombo a destination for discerning travellers?
“With its thoughtful fusion of history and modernity, Amari Colombo offers an enriched, experience-driven stay that resonates with the sophisticated traveller,” shares Foster-Brown. - How do you see the design impacting the brand’s perception in Colombo’s hospitality scene?
“Amari Colombo’s aesthetic sets a new standard for luxury, positioning it as a landmark destination where design plays a central role in brand distinction,” says Gough.
With its seamless blend of elegance, history, and modernity, Amari Colombo stands as a testament to the transformative power of design in hospitality. Each space is an invitation to explore, connect, and savour, ensuring that Amari Colombo will be remembered as a remarkable experience on Sri Lanka’s evolving hospitality landscape.
For more insights, reach out to Warren Foster-Brown on warren@f-b-eye.com and Stephen Gough on stephen@pld.com.sg, as they share the journey and inspirations behind this masterpiece.
