NYNE HOTELS
Nyne Hotels: Redefining Hospitality with an All-Encompassing Sensory Experience
Nayantara Fonseka (Taru), launches Nyne Hotels, marking a new chapter in hospitality excellence and creativity. This transition isn’t merely a name change; it signifies the brand’s commitment to providing unparalleled experiences that engage with all nine senses (vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, intuition, time, and presence).
The significance of the number nine is rooted in completeness and culmination: at Nyne Hotels, it represents the pinnacle of our dedication to crafting extraordinary moments for our guests, where senses are indulged and experiences are transformative. “Our journey with Nyne Hotels is a testament to our passion for excellence and innovation in hospitality,” said Nayantara Fonseka ‘Taru’, the founder and chairperson of Nyne Hotels. “We believe in going beyond the ordinary to create experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests.”
Nyne Hotels isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about curating sensory journeys that revitalise the soul. From visually captivating designs to the aroma of exotic scents, from the melody of nature’s symphony to the tantalising flavours of culinary delights, Nyne Hotels invites guests on a voyage of discovery. “Our goal is to engage not just the traditional senses, but all nine senses,”. “We want our guests to experience their holiday in a way they’ve never imagined, to be fully present and immersed in the moment.”
The Nyne Hotels website www.nynehotels.com serves as a portal to this sensory world, inviting guests to explore our unique offerings and tailor their experiences to their preferences. From tranquil retreats to vibrant cultural hubs, each Nyne Hotels property offers a distinct ambience that celebrates local heritage and artistry.
Lake Lodge in Colombo is a contemporary green oasis, offering guests a quiet neighbourhood escape from the bustling city streets. Meanwhile, Rock Villa in Bentota embodies understated luxury, with its tropical bungalow architecture and sprawling gardens. The Muse, also in Bentota, exudes timeless style, while Leela Walauwwa in Induruwa evokes the charm of a bygone era. Landesi, which means ‘of Dutch origin’ in Sinhala, is a manor house set in the 17th-century Galle Fort, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mayur Lodge – Yala is a hidden gem nestled amidst the ‘Chena’ farming community, and offers a contemporary villa in a jungle environment, on the outskirts of the famed safari destination, Yala National Park.
“Our properties are more than just hotels; they are reflections of their destination,”. “Each property tells a story, weaving together elements of local history, culture, and art to create an authentic experience for our guests. We are proud to say that we will be adding further properties to our portfolio by the end of 2024, including three in Bentota.”
At Nyne Hotels, art is more than decoration; it’s an integral part of the guest experience. From paintings and sculptures to installations and performances, art is woven into the fabric of each property, inviting guests to engage with their surroundings in new and unexpected ways. “Being passinate about creating, I understand the power of art to evoke emotion and inspire imagination,”. “That’s why we’re committed to showcasing local talent and supporting the arts in all its forms.”
In addition to its commitment to sensory indulgence and artistic expression, Nyne Hotels is dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. From eco-friendly practices to community engagement initiatives, Nyne Hotels strives to make a positive impact on the world around it. “As stewards of the environment and champions of local communities, we believe in leaving a legacy that extends beyond our boundries,”. “By embracing sustainability and social responsibility, we can create a brighter future for generations to come.”
As Nyne Hotels continues to expand its portfolio, with new properties set to open in the coming year, the brand remains committed to its core values of excellence, creativity, and authenticity. From secluded retreats to vibrant urban escapes, Nyne Hotels welcomes guests on a journey of discovery, teaming with opportunities to engage their senses and nourish their souls. For more information and bookings, visit www.nynehotels.com.
Lake Lodge – Colombo: A Contemporary Retreat in the City
Secluded from the buzzing streets of Colombo, Lake Lodge is imbued with a heritage tracing back to 1967, the country’s first registered and officially recognised ‘Guest House’, the words used back then to describe this genre. Discover a contemporary retreat infused with Sri Lankan brogues intimately nestled amidst verdant finger palms and blossoming bougainvillaea.
Lake Lodge is a welcome respite from the bustling city with ten attentively composed rooms. Expect top-tier service and privacy at all times. Dining at Table by Nyne promises a unique culinary journey, with a marriage of Sri Lankan and international cuisine that attracts a loyal local and cosmopolitan fanbase of diners. Slow-sip signature cocktails at a cheery little bar. Skål, kanpai, cin cin, prost, santé, proost, cheers!
Meanwhile, the discreet gallery of public and private spaces within the Lake Lodge property offers a feast for the eyes, showcasing over 50 works of art by renowned artists, including Priyantha Udagedara and Kingsley Gunatillake.
Landesi – Galle: A Stately Retreat Steeped in History
Landesi is Sinhala for ‘of Dutch origin’. Fitting, as this manor house graces the vicinity of a fort fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stately house was designed and built by renowned architect Ashley de Vos, a conservationist of the Galle Fort who expertly retained the classic features of the period. Reclaimed wood handcrafted into intricate trelliswork across the property, doors and 18-foot pillars from an old colonial home, transpose you in a blink of an eye back to the spirit of the Dutch era of Ceylon.
Four plush bedrooms overlooking colonnaded gardens give a view to the Groote Kerk now known as the Dutch reformed church.
Inside, art by famous local artists including Laki Senanayake and several lithographs by Donald Friend enhance this house’s unique and special character. All around outside, are the feats of the mastery of culture and history to engage with.
Leela Walauwwa – Induruwa: A Heritage Haven of Serenity
Narrow winding roads snake through dense foliage to transport you to this rural manor house dating back two centuries. Its charming heritage promises to entice with colonial architecture, secret gardens and a gazebo made for meditation or reflection. Antique four poster beds in four supremely comfortable rooms and intricately-carved furniture give you more than a hint of the splendour of its past, immaculately restored to modern comfort.
Peace and seclusion set the mood for a haven of bucolic calm and quietude. An immersive dip in the pool, nearby beach exploration or dinner under the stars, it promises delightful gastronomy and tailormade service.
Do take the opportunity of an art class led by the Villa Guardian, a well-known artist, to release the creativity in you. You’ll find it effortless, with the numerous works of art and sculpture surrounding you.
You may book the entire Walauwwa for unforgettable memories.
Mayur Lodge – Yala: A Hidden Gem Within Nature
Off the beaten track, hidden away in the rural hinterlands on the outskirts of Yala National Park, Mayur Lodge is a four-acre retreat surrounded by nature. You will enjoy frequent sightings of the abundant birdlife and foraging peacocks and peahens after whom this lodge is aptly named: Mayur means peacock in Sanskrit.
Be cosseted in two sublimely spacious villas with their own private pools, stylishly touched with heritage accents. Perfect for families or couples alike. Unwind and forget the world in a peaceful book-reading nook or a dip in the pool and an afternoon siesta for the less jungle-inclined. The property’s naturalist will gladly reveal the secrets of the surrounding fauna and flora and walk you to the graceful, centuries-old tamarind tree under which you could request a barbeque dinner at sundown, surrounded by fireflies.
Rock Villa – Bentota: Tropical Bungalow by the Sea
Surrounded by three acres of frangipani and meticulous rows of coconut trees, Rock Villa’s serene sanctuary encompasses a 180-year-old Walauwwa, the name given to ancestral heritage homes. The oft-imitated welcome popsicle, our blend of fresh mint and tangy passionfruit, sets the tone for an indulgent stay where every detail matters.
Filled with Sri Lankan collectables and a palette of white, beige and pops of turquoise, Rock Villa’s sprawling property is a laid-back tropical indulgence. Laze in an unspoiled beach beyond the single-track railway line, dip in one of the azure-blue pools, meander through the cooling mangroves, enter bliss in the spa or retreat into one of nine varied, well-appointed rooms.
Artfully-plated gastronomy and antique hand-carved wooden trellises for discretion elevate your stay from start to finish. An astounding display of over 90 pieces of work by celebrated local artists grace the walls of this silent art exposition. Rock Villa epitomises comfort in abundance for a cherished family holiday or a quiet getaway.
The Muse – Bentota: Tranquil Seclusion with Artistic Flair
Tranquil and captivating, The Muse is where generous Sri Lankan hospitality enters absolute contentment. With nine divinely comfortable rooms and breezy open-plan living, it promises picture-postcard corners for an unforgettable family staycation or a quiet hideaway for two.
In this one-of-a-kind escape, step over the single gauge railway track and stroll across the powder-soft sea sand, feel quietness amongst mangroves, dip in the aquamarine pool or deep-dive into tantalising food.
The artwork calmly resonating within and in the frangipani fragranced garden are creations of reputed names such as Pala Porhupitiya, among others, adding a little extra magic to this design oasis. Be soothed and captivated by the simple, artistic beauty of The Muse.
