You have Successfully logged In !
You have Successfully logged In !
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 11, 2025
Jetwing Hotels has expanded its luxury portfolio with the launch of Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, an exquisite boutique villa nestled in the heart of Rambukkana, Sri Lanka. This grand all-suite residence, originally constructed in the 1870s as an aristocratic mansion, has been beautifully restored to preserve its rich heritage while seamlessly integrating modern comforts.
The term" walauwa" historically refers to the stately homes of Sri Lanka's local elite, and Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa continues this legacy with its striking entrance, sophisticated furnishings, detailed woodwork, and artful interiors that transport guests to a bygone era. Surrounded by a lush coconut plantation, the property features four grand suites and two additional suites, each meticulously designed with a blend of traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. Every suite boasts a four-poster bed, a lavish bathtub, and personalized butler service, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience.
Dining at Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is a delightful experience, with guests having the option to enjoy gourmet meals in an elegant open-style dining area with picturesque views of the pool and gardens or indulge in private dining within the comfort of their suite.
The villa offers an idyllic setting for a serene getaway, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a large swimming pool, and an opportunity to observe endemic bird species within the estate itself. Beyond the property, Rambukkana’s stunning landscapes and cultural sites await exploration. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, visit historic landmarks like Balana Fort, and immerse themselves in traditional Sri Lankan village life. The short train journey from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa is a visual treat, offering breathtaking views of Bible Rock and the lush valley below.
Located just two and a half hours from Colombo and one and a half hours from Kandy, Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a mix of history, luxury, and tranquility.
About Jetwing Hotels: With a legacy spanning over five decades, Jetwing Hotels is renowned for curating unique travel experiences and delivering legendary Sri Lankan hospitality. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing remains committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, focusing on community engagement, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency. The brand’s diverse collection of luxury hotels and villas showcases Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural splendor, offering guests an unforgettable stay.
For more information or to book a stay, visit Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 29, 2025
DWP Privé, the highly anticipated event in the world of luxury weddings, is set to unfold at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from April 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by QnA International, this exclusive invitation-only gathering will bring together the leading names in the global destination wedding industry, setting new benchmarks for luxury celebrations worldwide.
A Premier Event for the Luxury Wedding Industry
Building upon the legacy of the DWP Congress, DWP Privé is a platform designed for elite wedding planners, luxury travel experts, and industry pioneers to network, discuss trends, and explore innovations shaping the future of destination weddings. With the global market projected to exceed $64 billion by 2030, this event presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and redefine luxury wedding experiences.
DWP Privé will host an impressive lineup of industry icons, including:
Preston Bailey – globally renowned wedding designer
Nadia Duran – luxury event specialist
Sumant Jayakrishnan – celebrated set designer
Elizabeth Solaru – international wedding cake designer
Devika Narain – leading wedding stylist
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Cyrielle Mohara, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Kathy Wang, among others
These industry leaders will bring their decades of expertise to the forefront, sharing insights into the evolving world of luxury weddings.
Cinnamon Life: The Perfect Host for an Exclusive Event
Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s first integrated lifestyle resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for an event that blends opulence, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President at Cinnamon Life, shared his excitement about hosting the event:
"We are thrilled to host DWP Privé Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life. This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as we showcase our country’s unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and world-class venues to the global luxury wedding industry. Cinnamon Life embodies elegance and grandeur, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious event."
Sri Lanka: A Rising Star in Destination Weddings
With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining recognition as a top wedding destination. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from tea plantations and ancient cities to tropical jungles and coastal retreats—offer picturesque settings for dream weddings.
According to Alessandro, the event will further solidify Sri Lanka’s status as a trending wedding destination:
"Sri Lanka’s rich culture and scenic charm make it an irresistible choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences. The DWP Privé aims to showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, ensuring its status as a trending destination for 2025."
An Unmissable Experience for Industry Leaders
With limited seats available, DWP Privé is expected to attract top professionals from the wedding, luxury travel, and hospitality sectors, offering them an exclusive opportunity to explore:
Emerging trends and challenges in the luxury wedding space
Sri Lanka’s growing outbound wedding market
Innovations in wedding planning and execution
Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, highlighted the essence of the event:
"The architectural brilliance of Cinnamon Life represents a moonstone—a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage—while embracing a future-forward vision for the region. This reflects the spirit of DWP Privé, designed to carry forward the legacy of the DWP Congress with a modern and sophisticated twist. Attendees can expect an event that combines luxury, exclusivity, and the finest elements of the destination wedding industry."
As the world of luxury destination weddings continues to evolve, DWP Privé 2025 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of opulent wedding celebrations on a global scale.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 29, 2025
A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through Bangkok’s skyline. Among the most dramatic visuals of the disaster were the city’s famous rooftop infinity pools overflowing, creating waterfall-like cascades from heights of up to 60 stories. Viral videos captured the moment water poured down high-rise buildings, leaving guests scrambling for safety.
As the earthquake shook Bangkok, the movement of seismic waves caused rooftop pools to act like massive liquid pendulums. The water, unable to remain contained, surged over the edges, transforming serene infinity pools into uncontrolled torrents.
“I was in the Sky Bar when everything started to shake. The pool water began rolling like an ocean wave before it simply… went over the edge,” said Emma Sullivan, a tourist at the Lebua State Tower. “People were screaming, trying to grab their belongings before rushing toward stairwells.”
Several of Bangkok’s premier hotels saw their rooftop pools emptied within minutes due to the tremors:
Banyan Tree Bangkok (61st floor infinity pool) – Witnessed dramatic water overflow, captured in viral footage.
Waldorf Astoria (16th-floor pool deck) – Experienced rapid water loss and structural damage.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis (9th-floor pool) – Suffered complete pool drainage within moments.
Eyewitness James Chen, who filmed the incident at Banyan Tree, described the chaos: “The water was literally shooting off the edge like a waterfall. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The unexpected flooding created several dangerous situations:
Slip hazards – Waterlogged rooftop floors increased the risk of falls.
Crowd panic – Guests rushed towards exits, leading to near-stampedes.
Electrical dangers – Water seeped into lighting and electrical systems.
Structural stress – Some buildings suffered internal water damage, with potential long-term consequences.
Preliminary engineering assessments reveal that five major hotels experienced electrical failures, and at least two properties may have sustained structural weakening.
“Water intrusion at these heights can cause progressive damage that isn’t immediately visible,” warned Dr. Suchinda Pattanapong of the Thailand Building Safety Institute. “Saltwater from pools is particularly harmful to concrete reinforcement and electrical systems.”
In the wake of this disaster, safety experts have issued urgent advice for travelers staying in high-rise hotels:
Evacuate pool areas immediately at the first sign of tremors.
Use stairs, not elevators, to exit buildings.
Stay away from windows and fragile glass structures.
Keep emergency kits with essentials like passports, medication, and water.
The earthquake struck as Bangkok was hosting its annual Motor Show, showcasing Chinese EV brands, creating an unusual contrast between disaster-stricken tourism and ongoing commercial activities. As Thailand begins recovery efforts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters—even in the most luxurious settings.
With cleanup efforts underway, the haunting imagery of Bangkok’s waterfall-like infinity pools will remain a lasting symbol of the earthquake’s force and the urgent need for improved seismic safety in high-rise hospitality.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 29, 2025
Global music icon Lady Gaga is making a highly anticipated return to Singapore after 13 years, with four exclusive concerts at the Singapore National Stadium in May 2025—her only stop in Asia. The announcement has sent waves of excitement across the Asia-Pacific region, leading to a massive spike in travel searches, with Indian fans among the top global markets driving the demand.
According to the latest data from Booking.com, searches for accommodation in Singapore from Indian travelers increased by 20% in the week following the announcement of ticket sales. This surge highlights the growing trend of concert tourism, where fans are willing to travel abroad for live performances by global superstars.
With 65% of Indian travelers likely to travel for music festivals or concerts in 2025, Lady Gaga’s tour reflects how music influences global travel trends. The phenomenon, now termed the “Lady Gaga Effect”, reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a premier entertainment and cultural destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.
Booking.com’s data reveals that Australia led the surge in travel interest, with a 72% increase in searches for Singapore hotels. Other top markets that saw a spike in searches include:
Interestingly, Singaporeans themselves are fueling demand, turning the concert into a multi-day experience, with local searches for accommodations rising by 12%.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, shared his insights on the trend:
"The power of a global icon like Lady Gaga to drive travel demand is undeniable. Our data illustrates how music transcends borders, inspiring fans from across the globe, including India, to embark on journeys to experience these special events. Booking.com is committed to connecting travelers with a full spectrum of services, from finding the perfect place to stay to discovering the best ways to immerse themselves in the destination and be part of these moments."
The data is based on Singapore travel searches made on Booking.com between March 13-20, 2025, with check-in dates from May 17-25, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Lady Gaga's ticket pre-sale went live on March 18.
For further information, contact the Booking.com India Press Office: adhiraj.sinha@allisonworldwide.com
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
