Nayantara Fonseka began her journey in hospitality 22 years ago, carving her own brand, Taru, which became synonymous with creativity, innovation, and passion. Now, she is embarking on a new path, launching Nyne Hotels, an exclusive collection of boutique hotels across Sri Lanka.
Launching the brand, Fonseka hosted media personnel at Lake Lodge, Colombo 3 on 26 March, where she gave those in attendance a look at how Nyne Hotels will transform Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry through a sensory and artistic experience.
Why Nyne?
Fonseka began by saying: “While Taru Villas may now belong to someone else, I am excited and ready to embark on a new chapter with Nyne Hotels.” She explained that a desire to retire led to selling the brand Taru Villas, saying: “I know how hard it was to build this brand. It is valuable. And I pray that they do continue to take it the same way and stick to our operational manuals and standards.”
She added that she felt it was time to move on, but also knew she had more to give. And so, instead of retirement, Nyne Hotels was born. The question on everyone’s mind was: Why Nyne? “There were many names that my brand advisors came up with – beautiful, meaningful names – but they really didn’t touch my soul. What I heard in my heart was Nyne, the name my late daddy Lester Fonseka fondly called me. And so here it is: Nyne Hotels.”
According to Fonseka, Nyne will be the new Taru, representing a fresh start and a new beginning, as well as a commitment to redefining the guest experience in ways that are both impressive and unforgettable. “Nyne Hotels will be a brand that focuses on providing a holistic sensory experience for its guests.”
Nyne Hotels will engage the nine senses in creating unique and unforgettable guest experiences. The concept of nine senses expands from the traditional five senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. “At Nyne Hotels, we will aim to incorporate the sense of balance, intuition, time, and presence into guest experiences. Via thoughtful design, innovative technology, and personalised service, Nyne Hotels will strive to simulate and engage each of the nine senses in a unique and meaningful way,” Fonseka explained.
Art hotels
While engaging the nine senses, Nyne Hotels will also embrace the concept of being art hotels. Fonseka explained that, as art hotels, art and creativity will be central to the Nyne guest experience, with a focus on showcasing and supporting local artists and artisans throughout the properties. “Nyne Hotels shall often feature thought-provoking art installations, providing our guests with an opportunity to engage with and appreciate a variety of artistic expression from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media pieces,” Fonseka said.
She explained that art wasn’t limited to paintings and sculpture, but extended to food, music, dance, and literature. Guests will thus have the opportunity to participate in art related activities such as artist workshops, gallery tours, and live performances, which would be a key selling point.
Fonseka went on to say that she would be bringing her unique vision and personal touch to this new venture and that she looked forward to creating an art and sensory driven hospitality experience that she hoped would leave a lasting impression on all guests.
The properties
Properties of Nyne Hotels currently include Lake Lodge in Colombo, The Muse and Rock Villa in Bentota, Leela Walauwwa in Induruwa, Landesi at the Galle Fort, and Mayur Lodge in Yala. “Lake Lodge is where it all started for me,” Fonseka said, taking those gathered back in time.
“This property was four apartments or flats that my grandfather built for my mother when she got married. In 1969, my mother made these four apartments into a 16-room tourist guest house. She was 27 years old. I was nine,” Fonseka said. She explained that her mother ran the property meticulously, which Fonseka witnessed as she spent time after school at Lake Lodge. “Hospitality has been in my blood,” Fonseka said.
When her mother decided that she had had enough, Fonseka’s father took over the property. In 2009, she told her father that she wanted the property. She got it and transformed it.
Lake Lodge is Sri Lanka’s first registered and officially recognised guest house, and under Nyne Hotels, it will promise a unique culinary journey through Table by Nyne and a feast for the eyes through over 50 works of art by renowned artists.
According to Nyne Hotels, Rock Villa in Bentota is a tropical bungalow by the sea, encompassing a 180-year-old ‘walauwwa’ surrounded by three acres of frangipani and meticulous rows of coconut trees. Meanwhile, The Muse, also in Bentota, offers tranquil seclusion with artistic flair, and Leela Walauwwa in Induruwa is a heritage haven of serenity, with peace and seclusion setting the mood.
Mayur Lodge in Yala is a hidden gem within nature, located off the beaten track and hidden away in the rural hinterlands on the outskirts of Yala National Park. According to Nyne Hotels, Landesi in Galle is a stately retreat steeped in history, with a house designed and built by renowned architect Ashley de Vos, a conservationist of the Galle Fort who expertly retained the classic features of the period.
Fonseka shared that Nyne Hotels was planning on opening three additional properties in Bentota by October and was also looking at locations like Jaffna, Pamunugama, and Kandy.