Next Hotel Colombo and Kafnu Colombo will open their doors to welcome guests in third quarter 2019. This will mark the entry of Next Hotels and Kafnu into Sri Lanka, a fast-growing tourist destination. Next Hotel Colombo, which Kafnu is part of, is located in the iconic Colombo City Centre, a premier lifestyle destination in Sri Lanka. Jointly owned and developed by Next Story Group and the Abans Group, Colombo City Centre is a mixed-use development which consists of a Next Hotel, luxury apartments and the first international shopping mall in the country.

"We are very excited about introducing our Next Hotels brand and Kafnu brand simultaneously into the Sri Lankan market, as part of the country's premier lifestyle destination - Colombo City Centre," said Anand Nadathur, Group CEO, Next Story Group. "Urban spaces ought to be reimagined to match how consumers live, work, play and stay in the new digital age. Integrating these functions into a coherent & compelling series of well-designed spaces & experiences allows us to create & foster unique, thriving communities. Our offerings of Next Hotels and Kafnu do just that, which we hope will contribute to the creation of a thriving community at Colombo City Centre. It also underscores our commitment to transforming spaces to achieve a positive experience for consumers and a stronger return on investment for real estate owners."

Next Hotel Colombo will occupy the 9th to 20th floor of the 48-storey building within Colombo City Centre. It will showcase the hallmarks of the Next Hotels brand, which reinvents modern business travel with innovative luxury designed to inspire creativity and efficiency. Powered by technology, the Next Hotels brand offers modern, innovative hospitality and focuses on empathetic and efficient service to deliver a uniquely stimulating experience with every visit.

Next Hotel Colombo will receive guests on its 9th floor lobby which provides stunning views of the city skyline and the Indian Ocean. The 164 rooms and suites will also feature similar views. Guests can choose to dine at its 120-seat all-day dining restaurant or the 75-seat Grill Restaurant which is located on an outdoor terrace, overlooking the Beira Lake. The Lounge Bar will offer classic favorites and contemporary cocktails. Guests can take a dip in its swimming pool or work out at its gymnasium. It is also the ideal venue for corporate meetings and social functions. Next Hotel Colombo will join a portfolio of close to 40 hotels in Asia Pacific.

Next Hotel Colombo will feature the first Kafnu within a Next Hotel. Conceptualised as an urban village for the new generation of creators, Kafnu is a physical, intellectual and social launch pad for today's trailblazers. It is designed for members to Work, Learn, Play and Stay in an open and supportive environment that elevates their individual and collective potential. Kafnu members enjoy access to strategic partnerships, premium services and private events. Kafnu Colombo will join the Kafnu network which will include Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangalore, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai.

About Next Story Group

Next Story Group creates and transforms urban spaces into thriving communities by harnessing the power of human imagination and innovation. The group currently owns, manages and franchises close to 40 hotels and resorts in Australia and Thailand and manages two Kafnu spaces in Taipei and Hong Kong. It has a pipeline of over 10 properties across the Asia Pacific region. For more information: www.nextstory.com