ONYX Hospitality Group, the Thailand-based hotel management company, has signed management agreements with Sino Lanka Hotels for the development of two properties in the key Sri Lankan cities of Colombo and Galle.

“Sri Lanka is one of the most vibrant destinations in the Asia Pacific and one that is experiencing dynamic growth in tourism,” said Peter Henley, ONYX Hospitality Group president.

“We plan to make it a key hub for ONYX going forward.”

Pictured: Groundbreaking ceremony at Ozo Galle

Both hotels will operate under the select services OZO brand, which provides guests with practical yet stylish accommodation where simplicity combined with quality is the key.

OZO properties feature lively atmospheres in the public areas that contrast strongly with the haven of comfort and tranquillity that the guestrooms embody.

Bob Kundanmal, chairman of Sino-Lanka hotels, said: “We aim to be at the forefront of hotel development in Sri Lanka in the next decade and we see the OZO brand as an ideal platform for bringing style and innovation to the mid-market sector.

“We look forward to working with ONYX over the coming years to bring these first projects to life”.

The 160-room Colombo OZO property will be built on Marine Drive, a north-south thoroughfare stretching along the Colombo coast. 

Located approximately five kilometres south of the city centre, the property will offer stunning sea views from most rooms, along with a café and stylish rooftop swimming pool.

In Galle, the OZO resort will be located directly on the beach, just two kilometres to the north of the landmark historic Galle Fort.

Offering a unique select services facility to this popular tourist centre, the 148-room property will feature a landscaped swimming pool and beach area and lively dining offerings.

All rooms will offer spectacular views of the Galle coastline.

Both OZO properties are expected to open in late 2013 and plans are also underway for other developments including a project in Kandy.