Marking a historic milestone in regional hospitality, this partnership unveils South Asia’s first fully-integrated luxury resort- a visionary project and Sri Lanka’s largest-ever private sector investment in lifestyle tourism. With a total development outlay surpassing USD 1.2 billion, it sets a new benchmark for luxury, scale, and innovation in the region.
On August 2, 2025, a new landmark in South Asian tourism and luxury will officially open its doors with the grand launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka. This ambitious collaboration between John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) marks the completion of the final components of the project: a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel, and a premium shopping mall.
This partnership is a historic milestone, introducing South Asia’s first fully-integrated resort. It represents Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury lifestyle to date, with a total development cost exceeding USD 1.2 billion. Strategically located in the heart of Colombo, the resort is set to redefine the city’s position on the global tourism map by bringing together world-class hospitality, upscale retail, immersive entertainment, and cutting-edge MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in one dynamic destination.
The expansive complex offers a total of 800 rooms and suites, which includes the 687-room “Cinnamon Life” hotel that launched in October 2024, and the ultra-luxury, 113-room “Nüwa” hotel, a flagship brand from Melco. It also features a state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone operated by Melco, designed to international luxury gaming standards, along with a premium shopping and lifestyle promenade. Guests can also enjoy a curated collection of signature dining experiences from internationally acclaimed chefs and immersive entertainment spaces for international performances and cultural showcases. The MICE facilities are expansive and modern, designed to host global business events and conventions.
As the iconic City of Dreams brand expands into this vibrant new market, it aims to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the region’s growing tourism demand. By introducing global expertise in luxury hospitality and gaming, the resort is poised to significantly enhance the standard and appeal of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
City of Dreams Sri Lanka is designed to be more than just a resort; it is positioned as the epicenter of a new lifestyle movement where modernity, elegance, and local culture converge. The project sets new benchmarks for luxury, sustainability, and community engagement. It is expected to drive a surge in international arrivals, establishing Colombo as a premier MICE destination, particularly for visitors from South Asia. The development was designed with environmentally friendly technologies and a strong commitment to supporting local art, culture, and community initiatives, reflecting a focus on responsible tourism. Once fully operational, the development is projected to boost national economic growth, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, serving as a catalyst for economic growth.
Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, shared his perspective on the milestone. “The opening of the casino and the Nüwa hotel, operated by Melco, brings to fruition the integrated development we envisioned over a decade ago. This milestone sets a new benchmark in South Asia for world-class lifestyle, entertainment, and retail. We believe that with Melco’s globally recognized expertise, this unique addition will significantly enhance Colombo’s tourism appeal and drive foreign exchange earnings. City of Dreams Sri Lanka stands as a bold testament to our confidence in Sri Lanka’s future.”
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential, and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth, drawing inspiration from the successful examples of similar integrated resorts in other regions.”
