City of Dreams Sri Lanka: A New Era of Luxury in South Asia
Colombo has entered a new era of luxury with the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a $1.2B integrated resort by John Keells and Melco Resorts. Featuring world-class hotels, gaming, shopping, and culture, it positions Colombo among Asia’s premier travel destinations.
A New Chapter in Colombo’s Hospitality and Tourism
The opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on 2 August 2025 marks a historic moment in the country’s hospitality and tourism industry. Developed by John Keells Holdings, in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, this USD 1.2 billion project is the largest private investment in Sri Lanka’s history and introduces South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort. Strategically located in Colombo’s waterfront business district, the resort aims to position the capital city as a hub for leisure, business, and cultural experiences on par with global destinations such as Macau, Las Vegas, and Manila.
City of Dreams Sri Lanka is not only an opulent retreat but also a vibrant blend of art, entertainment, commerce, and heritage. The resort houses two distinctive hotels: Cinnamon Life, which began welcoming guests in late 2024, and Nüwa Sri Lanka, an ultra-luxury property managed by Melco. Together, they offer close to 800 rooms designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers. The property also features a world-class casino operated under Melco’s global standards, a shopping mall with international and local high-end brands, and over a dozen fine-dining restaurants and bars led by renowned chefs. With vast banquet halls and a dedicated exhibition center, the resort is also poised to become a leading venue for MICE tourism, attracting corporate events and international conferences to Colombo.
Economic Impact and Cultural Resonance
Beyond luxury, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to play a transformative role in the nation’s economy and cultural identity. Its launch comes at a time when Sri Lanka is actively seeking to revive its tourism industry, and the resort is expected to attract high-spending travelers from key regional markets, especially India, China, and the Middle East. The integrated model of hospitality, gaming, and entertainment is designed not only to increase foreign exchange earnings but also to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting local businesses and strengthening Colombo’s position as a premium travel destination.
The resort also reflects Sri Lanka’s cultural richness through curated art installations, handcrafted interiors, and architectural design that blends modern aesthetics with local identity. By showcasing over a thousand works of art and immersive cultural experiences, City of Dreams offers visitors a unique gateway into Sri Lanka’s heritage while framing it within a global luxury context. The grand inauguration, attended by international celebrities and dignitaries, symbolized not just the opening of a property but the unveiling of a new era for Sri Lanka: an era where tourism, culture, and commerce converge to place Colombo firmly on the world map of luxury destinations.
Aisha Mumtas
Aisha Mumtas is an undergraduate at the University of Kelaniya, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in French. She has also worked as a content writer, with experience in creating articles and campaigns for youth organizations. Her writing reflects an interest in culture, travel, and the ways stories can connect people across places. Beyond academics, she enjoys exploring the intersections of language and storytelling, often drawing inspiration from her studies and everyday encounters.
