Minor launches new hotel brand in Sri Lanka

Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group has launched Avani Hotels & Resorts, a new upscale hotel brand. The new concept will be rolled-out in city and resort locations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa, with the first property due to open in Sri Lanka by the end of this year. According to Minor, the name Avani stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’, which it says is intended to reflect the brand’s “grounded personality and simple sense of style”.
The first property, Avani Bentota Resort & Spa will be located along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, and will open its doors in late 2011. This will be followed by a second Avani resort in Sri Lanka in 2012. The 105-room Avani Kalutara Resort is situated at the tip of the Kalu Ganga river mouth in Kalutara, on the country’s southwest coast.
Following these two openings, Avani expects to expand its portfolio into Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented; “The launch of Avani serves as a two-edged sword in Minor’s expansion roll out. The refreshing new brand carves a dynamically different pathway for our group by offering a unique hotel concept, as well as adding to our successful global growth.”
Minor Hotel Group currently operates the Anantara brand in Asia and the Middle East, and owns several hotels under the Marriott, Four Seasons, St Regis, Elewana, Oaks and Minor International brands.