Named Asia’s Leading New Resort and Sri Lanka’s Leading Luxury Resort
City of Dreams Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone in its first year of operation, earning two prestigious titles at the World Travel Awards 2026: Asia’s Leading New Resort 2026 and Sri Lanka’s Leading Luxury Resort 2026.
The recognition places City of Dreams Sri Lanka firmly on both the regional and national hospitality map, reinforcing its emergence as a new destination within Asia’s luxury tourism landscape and its contribution to the evolution of Sri Lanka’s premium hospitality offering. The Asia’s Leading New Resort title is particularly significant as the property establishes its identity within a competitive regional market, while the Sri Lanka’s Leading Luxury Resort accolade reflects the growing depth and sophistication of the country’s luxury tourism proposition.
As South Asia’s first fully integrated resort, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness, retail, business and events within a single destination in the heart of Colombo. Anchored by Nüwa, its ultra-luxury hotel, and Cinnamon Life, the destination has been developed to offer guests a seamless spectrum of experiences, combining international standards of hospitality with the distinctive character and warmth of Sri Lanka.
For City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the awards arrive as the destination completes its first year, a period marked by the introduction of new hospitality, dining and entertainment experiences and an expanding calendar of international events. The recognition also underscores the resort’s ambition to contribute to Colombo’s emergence as a destination for premium leisure, business and international travellers, while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position within the wider South Asian tourism landscape.
Michael Habashi, Vice President and Property General Manager, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive these two World Travel Awards in our first year. They represent an important milestone for City of Dreams Sri Lanka, but more importantly, they are a reflection of the passion, commitment and attention to detail demonstrated by our colleagues every day. We set out to create a destination that would bring a new dimension to luxury hospitality and integrated resort experiences in Sri Lanka, and this recognition gives us confidence as we continue that journey. Our ambition is not simply to build on what we have achieved, but to keep raising the bar, creating experiences that resonate with our guests and contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s position as a leading destination in the region.”
The recognition also forms part of a strong showing for Melco Resorts & Entertainment at the World Travel Awards 2026. City of Dreams Macau was recognised as Macau’s Leading Casino Resort 2026 and Macau’s Leading Resort 2026, while City of Dreams Manila was named Asia’s Leading Casino Resort 2026 and Philippines’ Leading Resort 2026. Together with City of Dreams Sri Lanka’s Asia’s Leading New Resort title, the awards reflect the continued recognition of Melco’s integrated resort portfolio across Asia and its commitment to delivering distinctive hospitality and entertainment experiences.