Sri Lanka has long captivated travelers with its natural splendour–golden beaches, lush tea estates, and ancient ruins. But now, rising from the heart of Colombo, a new icon is taking shape: one that aims not just to attract but to transform. The recently launched City of Dreams Colombo, a $1.3 billion integrated resort, signals a bold pivot for the island nation: from a scenic escape to a cosmopolitan luxury destination.

Located along the Beira Lake waterfront and visible from nearly every vantage point in the city, City of Dreams Colombo is not just a skyline-changer–it’s a symbol of a country rewriting its story. This is Colombo’s answer to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands or Macau’s Cotai Strip: a sprawling, high-energy precinct where ultra-luxury hospitality, immersive entertainment, designer retail, and world-class dining converge.

It marks the first large-scale luxury integrated resort in South Asia, and with its unveiling, Sri Lanka is signalling its readiness to join the ranks of global lifestyle capitals. At the helm of this transformation is Krishan Balendra, Chairperson and CEO of the John Keells Group, the Sri Lankan conglomerate behind this landmark project. “Our vision with City of Dreams was to create a destination that redefines Colombo as a modern, cosmopolitan gateway to South Asia,” he shares. “This project is a statement of confidence in the country’s future.”

A high-stakes bet on Sri Lanka

In partnership with global luxury gaming and hospitality giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment, City of Dreams Colombo introduces the country’s first world-class integrated resort–complete with luxury hotels, entertainment venues, fine dining, retail, and a high-end casino. For a country not historically known for gaming tourism, this move is making all the noise.

“Colombo’s strategic location, growing connectivity, and increasing appeal to high-net-worth travelers presented a clear opportunity,” says Balendra. “The South Asian region lacked an integrated resort experience of this scale. With the right global partnerships, we knew we could introduce a new era for tourism and entertainment in Sri Lanka.”

Indeed, while Melco’s other flagships in Macau and Manila have helped redefine luxury entertainment in Asia, Colombo brings something fresh to the table. “City of Dreams Colombo is uniquely Sri Lankan, yet built on the same DNA of excellence and immersive storytelling,” notes Balendra. “It’s a gateway to South Asia with an identity deeply rooted in local culture but elevated through global standards.”

Two hotels, one destination

At the heart of the complex are two distinct hospitality experiences. The ultra-luxury Nüwa hotel caters to the ultra-high-net-worth traveler. Think privacy, bespoke interiors, and service that anticipates every need. “Nüwa is the epitome of refined, bespoke luxury– a curated experience for the traveler seeking discretion, artful design, and exclusivity,” explains Balendra.

In contrast, Cinnamon Life, Sri Lanka’s first five-star city hotel by a local brand, offers a vibrant, design-forward stay aimed at international travelers and digital nomads. “It’s ideal for urban explorers who value connectivity, design, and energy,” he adds.

Together, the two properties offer a range of luxury accommodations that appeal to diverse traveler profiles, yet remain rooted in the same ethos of excellence.

Despite boasting over 800 rooms between them, Balendra is quick to emphasise the commitment to personalised service. “Scale does not mean compromise,” he says. “Through smart design, advanced technology, and a highly trained service culture, we’re able to personalise each stay. Every guest, whether staying at Nüwa or Cinnamon Life, feels seen and valued.”

Where culture meets spectacle

The resort’s entertainment district is another strong frontier. Designed as a global stage, it promises a calendar of A-list performers, immersive shows, and international acts. But for Balendra, showcasing Sri Lankan talent is equally essential. “Our stage is global, but our soul is local. The entertainment zone is designed to be a fusion of worlds, where international excellence and Sri Lankan creativity meet.”

This spirit of integration also guides the project’s approach to design. The entire development is built around the philosophy of ‘Modern Sri Lankan Soul,’ blending local textures, materials, and aesthetics into a contemporary, luxurious environment.

“From handcrafted materials to curated art collections, every detail is intended to honour the island’s heritage,” Balendra explains.

That fusion extends to the culinary landscape. Signature restaurants helmed by internationally acclaimed chefs offer everything from modern Japanese to regionally curated Indian cuisine, as well as a coastal dining concept that celebrates Sri Lanka’s bountiful seafood and local produce. “We want guests to experience vibrant, healthy dishes crafted with care — flavours that reflect both the island and the world,” says Balendra.

While the resort houses high-end global brands, the lifestyle promenade will continue its focus on featuring local designers, artisans, and jewellers. “We’re passionate about giving a platform to Sri Lankan craftsmanship,” says Balendra. “This creates a meaningful connection for guests where they can discover authentic, homegrown luxury alongside familiar premium brands.”

More than a resort

City of Dreams is not a siloed project but part of a broader vision for the country’s economic and cultural resurgence. “The opening marks the beginning of a larger vision,” Balendra notes. “We are exploring further enhancements within the complex –in wellness, events, and lifestyle–and we see immense opportunity in developing luxury experiences in Sri Lanka’s coastal and heritage regions.”

In many ways, City of Dreams Colombo is more than a gleaming new resort, it’s a declaration of intent. One that seeks to reposition Sri Lanka on the global luxury tourism map not as a sleepy paradise, but as a world-class, future-facing destination.

As Balendra puts it, “We believe in anticipating where the world is going, not simply reacting to where it has been.”

And in Colombo, the world may just have found its newest city of dreams.