Last Updated on October 3, 2025
Luxury Stay with Ocean Views, Rooftop Dining & City Adventures: Amari Colombo
Colombo has never been a city to stand still. Drive along Galle Face Green and you’ll see a skyline in flux: cranes carving new outlines against the horizon, colonial-era villas sitting stubbornly beneath banyan trees, and the steady churn of tuk-tuks and traffic circling the city’s temples, parks, and gleaming shopping malls. It’s a place where the past and present negotiate daily.
Amid this restless energy rises Amari Colombo, a 27-storey tower of glass and steel that has quickly become one of the capital’s most striking new landmarks. Opened in December 2024, its silhouette is visible from miles away, standing confidently above the ocean.
For travellers, Colombo is far more than a gateway. It’s worth pausing here for a few days before heading inland to tea country or down the coast. The capital rewards curiosity: colonial architecture beside glass towers, markets spilling into the streets, the ocean never far away. Staying at Amari Colombo places you at the heart of it all, with the city’s bustle below and sweeping sea views from the upper floors, best appreciated from the rooftop as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.
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Getting to Colombo and the Amari Hotel
Amari is just under an hour’s drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Arriving in Sri Lanka, we were greeted with smiling faces – a first impression that carried through our trip, as the people here proved to be remarkably gentle, open-hearted, and attentive. Amari Colombo arranged a seamless transfer, which felt like the ideal start to our Sri Lankan journey.
Getting around is refreshingly simple: tuk-tuks gather on almost every corner, and if you prefer more comfort, Amari Colombo can arrange a car in moments. Colombo also runs on Uber, though locals tend to favour PickMe, an easy-to-use app for booking both cars and tuk-tuks.
Arriving at Amari Colombo
Still, before I set out to explore, I was grateful for a soft landing at Amari; the comfort and calm were very welcome after the long, direct flight from London Heathrow. Yet while its presence is bold, the welcome is surprisingly warm and gentle. On arrival, we were invited to light a candle, a simple yet symbolic ritual that felt both calming and grounding, before being welcomed with cool towels and fresh juice, setting the tone for a stay that blends five-star contemporary polish with quiet, thoughtful detail.
Inside, the hotel unfolds with clean lines, polished marble and wood, bronze-toned ceilings and bold geometric lighting. There is nothing fussy about the design; it is sleek, international, urban – yet never cold.
Rooms and Suites at the Amari Colombo
With 167 luxurious rooms and suites, some looking across the city and many gazing directly out to sea, Amari offers a sense of perspective as well as comfort. Our room on the 16th floor came with spectacular ocean views, the railway line tracing the coast below like a reminder of Colombo’s restless energy.
Inside our room, the design struck a balance between sleek and welcoming – with a gorgeous tray of treats awaiting us. Soft neutral tones, a splash of coloured upholstery, and supremely comfortable beds dressed in crisp white linen created an easy sense of calm, the kind that even my fussy pillow standards couldn’t fault.
Practicality was considered too: sockets exactly where you needed them, a daybed angled towards the floor-to-ceiling windows for long gazes out to sea, and all the right touches within reach, from a minibar and coffee station to robes, ironing facilities and a safe. A large TV and reliable WiFi covered the modern essentials, while the marble bathroom, with its powerful shower, made mornings feel less like routine and more like indulgence.
Club Pahana: Life on the 24th Floor
One of Amari Colombo’s greatest strengths is its sense of elevation, not only in its physical height but also in its hospitality. Guests staying in club rooms and suites are invited to ascend to Club Pahana on the 24th floor, a serene executive lounge that feels more like a private apartment than a hotel facility, which provides all-day refreshments.
Breakfast here offers a calm start to the day, with an à la carte gourmet menu and plenty of choice. If, like me, you fancy a taste of Sri Lanka, the egg hoppers are not to be missed as the city slowly wakes below. Later in the day, afternoon tea is a real treat, while coffee and light snacks provide a quiet pause from the bustle of Colombo.
By evening, Club Pahana becomes distinctly glamorous. From 5.30, cocktails are poured – punchy Negronis, crisp Martinis, accompanied by a spread that ranges from sushi and cheese to traditional Sri Lankan bites. The room, wrapped in glass, offers sweeping views from the Indian Ocean to the city’s temples and towers, with the sunset casting a cinematic glow over the scene.
Dining at Amari Colombo
Food is at the heart of Amari, and at Ahãra, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant on the fifth floor, an international-meets-local buffet presented by Chef Arm is delivered with both variety and vibrancy. The restaurant is open 24 hours, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ocean while the stations hum with activity.
At breakfast, you’ll find chefs crisping egg hoppers, stirring fragrant curries, frying noodles, or serving waffles, pancakes, bacon, and eggs for those who prefer something more familiar. There is also a fine array of freshly pressed juices, breads, and a colourful spread of tropical fruits. My favourites were the fresh fruit and a Sri Lankan staple – curd and treacle, although I couldn’t resist a small plate of curry and sambal; it was simply too tempting not to try.
By night, Ahãra transforms. A live singer and guitarist provide a mellow soundtrack as guests circle an extensive buffet. Regional Asian dishes sit beside international staples, while Sri Lankan favourites are served with evident pride.
It’s buzzing but never overwhelming, international yet firmly rooted in its setting, a reminder that Colombo thrives on its rich blend of influences. The food is superb, and the only real challenge is knowing when to stop, especially once you reach the desserts.
For a change of tempo, take the lift to Attico Rooftop Bar at sunset. The view is striking – ocean on one side, city on the other. We settled in with drinks from their signature cocktail list, watching Colombo shift from day into night as the sky turned golden, cameras appearing everywhere to capture the moment.
Afterwards, we dined at Prego Colombo, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, which offers both indoor and al fresco seating. Inside, rustic trattoria roots are reimagined in a polished setting of marble, warm wood, striking red upholstery, and sculptural lighting. Under Chef Marco Boscaini, the menu is confident and authentic: calamari fried crisp, wood-fired pizzas with blistered crusts, and homemade fettuccine in rich Bolognese. My truffle risotto was divine, rich and creamy enough to rival anything in Milan. It was both comforting and ambitious, a reminder that Colombo’s dining scene is as cosmopolitan as its skyline.
Other dining options at Amari add further depth to the experience. At Mira Lounge, located in the lobby, Sri Lankan heritage meets Thai flair and a touch of French elegance – perfect for a pot of Ceylon tea, a global coffee, or delicate pastries enjoyed on the outdoor terrace. For something more indulgent, The Chancellor offers a refined, intimate setting where mixology takes centre stage. Here, a curated collection of single malts, craft gins, premium arrack, and signature cocktails make it one of Colombo’s most sophisticated spots to unwind.
Infinity Pool, Spa, and Gym at Amari Colombo
There’s no shortage of relaxation at Amari Colombo. The top-floor infinity pool is spectacular – early morning swims were my favourite, with the city skyline and ocean views creating a dreamy, almost cinematic backdrop (the kind of scene made for Instagram).
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-equipped gym, while the spa offers a host of indulgent treatments for the ultimate pampering experience.
What to do in Colombo
Amari arranged a curated tuk-tuk tour of Colombo, the perfect way to dive into the city’s vibrant culture, colonial history, and bustling streets.
We weaved past crumbling colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and traffic-packed avenues, taking in highlights such as the Red Mosque, Victoria Park, Independence Square, the Pettah Floating Market, Viharamahadevi Park, and the richly adorned Temples.
Along the way, we stopped for a tea-tasting experience at Pilimathalawa Tea Factory, sipping fragrant Ceylon teas while the city hummed around us.
Our driver and guide, Asoka, was a wealth of knowledge, sharing stories of Colombo’s past and pointing out hidden gems at every turn.
It’s also worth taking time to visit Galle Face Green, just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from Amari Colombo. This popular oceanfront promenade is where locals and visitors alike gather to fly kites, take leisurely strolls, and watch the sun set over the sea.
The sight of hundreds of kites dancing in the sky makes the experience feel especially memorable, a joyful spectacle that captures the spirit of Colombo at play.
Staying at Amari Colombo makes exploring the city effortless. Within a couple of kilometres lie the Colombo National Museum and Independence Square.
One of my favourite experiences was visiting No. 11, Geoffrey Bawa’s stunning Colombo home, a must-see for design lovers. Those with an eye for creativity might also enjoy shopping at Paradise Road and Barefoot, where curated homewares and artisanal pieces reflect Sri Lanka’s vibrant design scene.
Exploring further afield from Colombo
One of the joys of Colombo is that stunning beaches and many cultural sites are within easy reach. Negombo Beach is under an hour’s drive, while Kandy is just a few hours away by train or private driver. We were lucky enough to take a day trip south to Galle, arranged by Amari with our driver, Asoka. If the city’s pace ever begins to feel intense, these day trips offer a welcome change of scenery.
On the way, we visited Brief Garden, once the estate of Bevis Bawa, Geoffrey’s older brother, where landscaped gardens meet whimsical sculptures and fragrant frangipani trees.
We continued to Galle Fort, the UNESCO World Heritage site where 16th-century Portuguese ramparts blend with Dutch villas, boutique shops, and seaside cafés. A stroll along its walls at sunset is one of Sri Lanka’s great pleasures, history and atmosphere fused in golden light.
Amari Colombo is precisely what a great city hotel should be: a vantage point from which to take in the city around you. Stylish rooms, attentive service, spa, and fine dining options ensure every stay feels effortless, while the infinity pool, rooftop cocktails, and club lounge benefits add memorable touches. The hotel captures Colombo itself -dynamic, cosmopolitan, and full of contrasts, making it an ideal base to explore the city and beyond. It was the perfect start to our journey in this beautiful country, setting the tone for an unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.
Fact Box
Amari Colombo
No. 254, Galle Road
Colombo 03, 00300
Sri Lanka
Amari Colombo weblink: www.amari.com/colombo
For those looking to elevate their stay, Club Pahana offers exclusive access and refined comforts high above the city.
Club Pahana at Amari Colombo – At a Glance
Where: 24th floor, with panoramic city and ocean views
Who: Guests staying in Club Deluxe rooms and suites
What’s Included:
Gourmet breakfast
Daytime snacks and refreshments
Afternoon tea
Evening cocktails with skyline views
All-day coffee and tea
Perks: Private check-in and check-out
I set off from Heathrow T3, where Holiday Extras made the journey seamless from the very start — with convenient meet-and-greet parking and relaxing lounge access, it was the perfect beginning to my trip.
Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers – and last year its customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance.
Booking Airport Parking and Airport Lounges means you can enjoy more of your holiday with less hassle. Plus, with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend, you can do so without charge. Twenty-two days’ parking at Holiday Extras Meet and Greet at Heathrow T3 is available for £323.50 based on arrival on 22nd September 2025. Lounge access for two people at No1 Lounge at Heathrow T3 is available for £92 based on arrival on 22nd September 2025.
For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified, and therefore availability may be limited at this price.
Prices are correct as of 12/09/2025 and are the cheapest available rates for the product specified; therefore, availability may be limited at this price.
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