Indulge in staycations to remember with ‘Mövenpick Getaways’
By Marianne David
Making memories right here in the city has never been more appealing and effortless, with Mövenpick Colombo offering a host of experiences and spaces for guests to indulge and unwind.
A 24-storey luxury hotel providing expansive views of the Indian Ocean and the city, the property has steadily made its way into the hearts of guests since its opening in 2017 and it’s no surprise really, given its offerings and experiences.
A luxury city hotel owned by the Accor Hotels international chain, Mövenpick Colombo effortlessly combines business and leisure, offering the perfect mix of convenience and indulgence.
Nestled in one of its luxurious rooms or suites and gazing out over the city or the sea, shielded from the sounds yet enjoying the stunning sights, it’s easy to forget work and worries here, while indulging in total relaxation.
A treatment at the excellent Tonic Spa, followed by drinks at the eclectic Mansion bar or spectacular Vistas bar, a satisfying meal at one of its restaurants, and finally sinking into a supremely comfortable bed… what more could guests ask for?
Well, one could always include a workout at the Sky Fitness Gym, but not everyone has fitness in mind when indulgence invites!
Food and drink
Mövenpick Colombo’s dining options cater to a wide variety of palates, serving up unique culinary experiences.
The Ayu all-day-dining restaurant offers an extensive buffet, with many meats and several action stations. The dessert counter needs special mention – it is not just vast, the items are delicious, with the crème brûlée being the star. The weekday Power Lunch buffet is impressive and reasonably priced too.
The Vistas rooftop bar with its infinity pool is the perfect place to catch the sunset while sipping on a drink or taking a dip, but if you want something different, head down to the Mansion bar. We tried four cocktails at Mansion and can highly recommend the Whisky Sour and Sex on the Beach. The serving staff are unobtrusive and the spaces enable guests to enjoy a drink in relative peace and privacy.
When dining at Mövenpick, don’t miss out on Robata, which offers a variety of Asian fusion cuisine. The Japanese buffet is a special draw, while many of the Robata dishes feature decent prices.
If you’re a salmon lover, don’t hesitate to try the Teriyaki Salmon. What stands out is not just the impressive portion size – every bite sings. The Teriyaki Prawns is just as succulent.
The Vistas bar also has its own menu, while an Indian restaurant will be opening up by December, extending the culinary offering. There’s also the Lobby Lounge café, which serves up yummy sandwiches and desserts.
Mövenpick Colombo upholds global brand promise: GM
The Mövenpick Colombo offering is in line with its brand promise as a leading business hotel backed by Accor Hotels, asserts Mövenpick General Manager Roshan Perera, pointing out that the property’s prime location gave guests easy access to the business city and greater Colombo.
An additional plus factor is the size of the rooms: “Although it’s positioned as a business hotel, Mövenpick rooms are luxurious, leisure-type rooms and the mix of luxury is intelligently placed, giving an additional advantage and relaxed mood.”
Perera noted that from day one, Mövenpick had been connecting closely with Sri Lankans, who had embraced its culinary experiences. “We encourage them with regular stay offers as well as F&B offers,” he added.
For the season, Perera pledges a different experience not only in terms of food, but also entertainment and staycations. “Especially since travel is still somewhat curtailed, we want to create a resort atmosphere within the hotel for the festive season and encourage staycations.”
Renowned culinary artiste on board
Mövenpick Colombo’s food offerings and experiences are created by its Director Culinary Services, celebrated Chef Priyantha Weerasinghe. With extensive local and international exposure, Chef Priyantha is one of the brightest culinary stars in Sri Lanka and at Mövenpick, he has revitalised the F&B offerings, serving up unique and refreshing experiences.
Tonic Spa, tonic for the body and soul
An undisputed highlight in the Mövenpick repertoire of experiences is the Tonic Spa.
Welcomed by Spa Manager Ruby Sanches, who has decades of international experience, I was recommended the Deep Tissue massage, where pressure is applied to ease knots and relax deep muscle tension. An hour later, I felt rejuvenated, with my body aches – a result of a sedentary life, with too many hours in front of a computer – eliminated by the expert therapist.
Staycations and celebrations
Staycations and private celebrations are widely popular at Mövenpick, with the hotel placing heavy emphasis on making memories.
With many spaces for private functions and celebrations, including romantic dining set ups, Mövenpick has perfected the art of making special moments all the more memorable.
Powered by the Softlogic Group in Sri Lanka, Mövenpick globally comprises over 80 hotels in 24 countries.