ISLAND LIFE – SRI LANKA
Q: What inspired you to establish Island Life – Sri Lanka and what vision has guided the brand from the very beginning?
A: I always wanted Sri Lanka to have a strong homegrown presence in the boutique hotel space – a purveyor of all things Sri Lankan, if you will.
I also wanted my properties to be experience led, which prompted me to begin with Thotalagala in Haputale 10 years ago, followed by Galle Fort Hotel, both of which are quintessentially experiential. The aim has always been to showcase the most authentic expression of Sri Lankan identity in a curated, luxurious manner.
Q: Island Life is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive heritage properties. How do you preserve their authenticity while making them relevant to today’s international traveller?
A: We believe every restoration begins with respecting the history of the building and its surroundings, whether it’s a 300-year-old Dutch mansion in Galle (now the Galle Fort Hotel) or a planter’s bungalow transformed into our luxurious getaway: Thotalagala, in Haputale.
We then layer in contemporary comforts without compromising the property’s original character. The goal is to create luxury that is not contrived but lived in and authentic.
Q: Tell us about the idea behind Ropewalk in Galle…
A: Ropewalk is the world’s first arrack speciality bar at the Galle Fort Hotel. Arrack is Sri Lanka’s most iconic spirit; yet, it has never received the global recognition it deserves.
Ropewalk was created to change that by showcasing arrack through premium tastings and contemporary cocktails that highlight its incredible versatility. It has been well received and established itself as a ‘must visit’ destination in Galle.
Q:Ropewalk has recently been recognised at #93 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars Extended List, becoming the only bar in Galle and one of only three in the country to receive this recognition. What does this achievement mean for you and for Sri Lankan hospitality?
A: It’s an incredibly proud moment, not just for Ropewalk but for the country. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and validates our belief that local ingredients, craftsmanship and hospitality deserve a place on the international stage.
We also hope it shines a wider spotlight on Sri Lanka as an exciting destination for food and cocktail culture, celebrating its unique spirit while inspiring others to continue elevating local talent and traditions.
Q: Thotalagala was recently named on the World’s 50 Best Hotels Discovery List. How does that feel?
A: This award comes at a particularly special time as Thotalagala, our flagship property, celebrates its 10th anniversary. To receive two major international recognitions is a significant milestone and we hope it will further cement our position as a brand synonymous with luxury in Sri Lanka.
Q: In an increasingly digital world, how has storytelling helped shape Island Life – Sri Lanka into a modern luxury hospitality brand?
A: We are a very digitally forward-thinking group. If you explore our social media platforms, you will see how active we are.
Our channels are filled with collaborations featuring international and local content creators, like-minded brands and personalities. We have consistently used social media as our primary showcase, rather than relying on more traditional methods such as brochures and advertising banners.
Storytelling is central to everything we do as people connect with experiences, not only places and rooms. Every property has its own narrative – from the colonial history of Galle Fort Hotel and the wildlife surrounding The Warden’s House to the rich tea heritage of Thotalagala.
Q: Travellers today seek meaningful experiences rather than simply places to stay. How does Island Life create hospitality that feels authentic, immersive and uniquely Sri Lankan?
A: Every experience is designed around its destination.
Guests can explore the history of Galle Fort through architectural walks and arrack tastings; discover Yala through game drives and visits to pilgrimage sites such as Sella Kataragama; or experience life on a working tea estate in Haputale with luxurious high teas, treks through the tea gardens and guided walks across the region.
We want every stay to leave guests with a genuine understanding of the people, culture and landscape that make each destination unique and timeless.
Q: With international recognition growing and new ventures such as Umi Hiriketiya on the horizon, what is the next chapter for Island Life and how do you hope it will continue showcasing Sri Lanka to the world?
A: My aim is for travellers to be able to explore multiple regions and experiences across the country, all within the Island Life collection. Our focus is to continue building destination led properties that showcase the many different facets of Sri Lanka.
Umi Hiriketiya – our newest and first beach property, opening in Hiriketiya in October – will introduce a contemporary coastal experience that complements our existing heritage, safari and tea country offerings. It will add another dimension to the Island Life collection while staying true to our philosophy of celebrating place, culture and design.
– Compiled by Natalie Seneviratne
COMPANY DETAILS
- Telephone: 0742 376866
- Email: info@islandlifesrilanka.com
- Website: www.islandlifesrilanka.com
