LF Review: ★★★★★
Colombo is a destination that cradles local culture with international trends beautifully. And as Sri Lanka gains increasing prominence on tourists’ maps, Colombo is developing into an interesting destination that includes everything – from Buddhist temples to modern cocktail blends. Perhaps, the arrival of NÜWA was imminent.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the newly launched luxury hotel NÜWA is all set to rewrite Colombo’s luxury hospitality scene. Situated inside City of Dreams (COD), an integrated resort complex with multiple facilities, we take a quick look inside NÜWA.
Towering high
As my driver veers the car around the roundabout, and we pull into the magnificent driveway of the City of Dreams, I cannot help noticing the huge scale of the stunning façade that greets me. And as I enter the expansive space, I am whisked off into the lift to the reception on the 25th floor, where the check-in formalities happen in a breeze. A pianist is playing a mellow tune in the lobby, and there are large artworks from local artists that adorn the walls here.
NÜWA is the flagship luxury hotel brand under COD, with destinations in Macau, Manila, and now Sri Lanka. The name, interestingly, I am told, is inspired by the Chinese goddess NÜWA, who brought elegance and order to the world. And this is extended to the brand itself, which is known for its values of refinement, artistry, and meaningful luxury.
Soon I am led to my Deluxe King Oceanfront room on the 26th floor. The plush room overlooks the Indian Ocean and has fantastic views of probably one of the best addresses in Colombo. The property spread over four levels has 113 rooms and suites done up with curated art pieces and handcrafted details that blend modern technology with serene comfort.
Detailing matters
My room has several new age elements, including a ‘maxi bar,’ a playful take on the chargeable mini bar. Here all the drinks are complimentary, as are the local snacks (one time per day). There are three variants of Cassava Chips from the brand Rancrisp using freshly harvested Sri Lankan cassava.
Special mention must be made of the selection of teas from Walters Bay (a hand-plucked, sustainable, homegrown Ceylon brand). All six blends are exotic and sure to tickle your senses. For instance, ‘The Lavender Flush’ is a serene blend of white and green teas infused with fragrant lavender. Its sweet, floral bouquet pairs beautifully with the soft, earthy undertones of the tea base, offering a soothing and rejuvenating experience that evokes a blooming lavender garden.
The in-house toiletries are from the Barcelona brand Natura Bissé, and the Rosemary and White Tea collection is fantastic.
Activity mix
The property has several dining venues, including the all-day diner Crystal Lounge, which has a buffet for breakfast and lunch and an à la carte menu for dinner. The venue has stunning views of the cityscape and ocean and offers superlative bites that will ensure you are in a good food mood when you are here. This is where you can also indulge in a selection of curated teas, premium patisserie, and refined wine tastings. A must try are the Sri Lankan dishes that celebrate local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
For a spot of fine dining head to Yoroko, where you can sample fine Japanese cuisine for dinner. Bistro des Marées offers French fare while Staten Bar & Grill is an American steakhouse serving a large selection of meat dishes. For a quiet evening over drinks, Cloud Wine, an intimate wine bar is perfect, while the rooftop restaurant Dreams & Beats, offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean with a menu to match.
The Vault (open from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.) is Sri Lanka’s first premium whisky and cigar lounge and is designed like a hidden speakeasy bar with rare whiskeys and custom cocktails. Head to The Pool Bar for tropical cocktails and light bites with city and ocean views. And if you are in the mood for some Asian food, do not miss Spice8, the signature all-day dining restaurant that has eight Asian culinary influences and an open kitchen, that will satiate your tastebuds for sure.
NÜWA also offers 24/7 in-room dining service with bespoke menus for elevated in-room experiences. A separate gaming room with a pool table is available on site. If you are into wellness, step into NÜWA Spa (only with prior appointments), for signature treatments with eco-conscious Italian products by Hortus.
Their fitness center (a Technogym-equipped gym with personal training) and swimming pool is a rooftop oasis with panoramic views. It will keep health watchers (and children) happy. Among the biggest draws, however, is the casino that is operated by Melco. This is a world-class gaming space that has popular table games and modern slot machines, VIP salons, private gaming rooms, and high-limit zones. The casino operates with cash and promotional chips as per City of Dreams global standards.
Do more
The property has several artworks, all made by local artists, and you can take a guided tour with a staff member to walk you through, explaining the ethos behind each of these wonderful creations. Within the rooms as well there are stunning artworks that are part of the décor. In fact, the lower floors have the 687-room Cinnamon Life hotel, and there are over 1000 works of art on display here.
James Balmond, founder of Clan B and creative director of Balmond Studio, whose father, Cecil Balmond, has conceptualized the complex, has also designed the public interiors. The space has been designed to take in the energy of the city to the east and the sea to the west. “The idea of the continuous movement of energy between the city and the sea is a recurring element in the property,” explains Balmond.
If you like to shop, the property also has its own mall, The Shoppes, that has several luxury brands, lifestyle boutiques, and concept stores that are an eclectic blend of global and local. Whether it is Heritage Sapphires, Zam Gems, Spa Ceylon, Dilmah Tea, Sifani Jewellers, Esna Jewellery, Common Wealth Gem Company, or Chatham Luxury Watches, it is all here. There are also excellent meeting spaces, a boardroom, and MICE facilities that make this an all-encompassing space.
So on your next visit to Colombo, check out this brand-new property, and you are rest assured to have a holiday that ticks all the boxes.
LF Review: ★★★★★
Coordinates: Location 01, Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
