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Sentido Heritance Negombo Marks 10 Years with ‘Decade One’

Sentido Heritance Negombo is marking its 10th anniversary with Decade One, a campaign that celebrates the first chapter of a hotel shaped by the coast, the community, and the distinct character of Negombo. More than a milestone, this campaign reflects on how the property has developed over the past decade and looks ahead to what comes next.

Since opening in April 2016, the beachfront hotel has evolved into one of Negombo’s defining hospitality destinations. Set on 6.5 acres by the sea, the property has built its reputation on contemporary coastal stays, strong culinary identity, and a guest experience rooted in the local spirit of Negombo. It earned LEED certification in March 2016, achieved five-star classification later that year, and has continued to build on its early momentum with further accolades for design, culinary offerings, and sustainable practices.

At the heart of this journey has been a close relationship with the people and culture of Negombo. From fishermen and catamaran sailors to toddy tappers, artisans, producers, and local suppliers, the hotel has long drawn from the surrounding community to shape the experiences of its guests. Over time, this has positioned Sentido Heritance Negombo as more than simply a place to stay. It has become a strong ambassador for Negombo, bringing the town’s coastal identity, traditions, and warmth to an international audience.

That role is especially visible through gastronomy. Over the past decade, the hotel has helped spotlight Negombo’s seafood heritage through vibrant menus and dining experiences that translate local ingredients and coastal flavours for global travellers. Its culinary direction has also continued to evolve, most recently with the opening of Iguana Cantina in December 2025, introducing what has been positioned as the first Mexican restaurant in Negombo and adding a new dimension to the town’s dining scene.

The hotel’s focus also extends beyond hospitality with a continued emphasis on responsible tourism, community wellbeing, and engaged local impact. In 2025 alone, the property conducted a tourism talent awareness session for 100 students, carried out public beach clean-up initiatives in Negombo, supported the National Blood Bank through a blood donation campaign with over 60 donors, ran community almsgiving programmes, and implemented a skills-based initiative that directly supported a local king coconut vendor. Additionally, the hotel achieved its 2025 target of reducing CO2 emissions per room night by 5 percent, while continuing to hold both Travelife Gold and LEED Gold credentials.

Ranjan Stanislaus, Executive Director – General Manager, Sentido Heritance Negombo commented “What makes these ten years truly special is seeing so many guests return time and again. It is a quiet testament to the consistency, authentic hospitality and sense of belonging offered by our hotel. Over the past decade, we have witnessed how Sentido Heritance Negombo has grown by staying connected to its surroundings; to the coast, to the community, and to the values that define responsible hospitality.”.

Susith Jayawickrema, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Hotels said, “As we mark this milestone, we do so with profound gratitude to our teams, our guests, and our partners, confident in what the next chapter will bring. We look ahead with the same bold spirit that has shaped this first decade, grounded in place, driven by people, and committed to carrying the story of Negombo forward”.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence Hotels said “The story of Sentido Heritance Negombo has always been about more than a hotel. It is about a sense of place, rooted in heritage and community, elevated by the passionate and dedicated people who have helped shape this property over the last ten years. ‘Decade One’ is a celebration of that journey and of the role the hotel continues to play in presenting Negombo to the world with authenticity, warmth, and pride”.

About Aitken Spence Hotels

Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman and India through its diverse collection of brands Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Hotels & Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings.