Spending only 36 hours in Colombo, we’re looking for a hotel that can offer us a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast and easy access to the city. With the additional bonuses of ocean views and a clean contemporary setting, OZO Colombo more than fulfils those needs.
Located in Marine Drive, OZO Colombo towers above its surrounds acting almost as a lighthouse on the shore. Splendid views across the Indian Ocean and all the way up and down the coast give the hotel a sense of openness and freedom. We could pass quite some time taking in the greatness of nature here, and the train tracks that run along the waterside provide further entertainment with the to and fro of multi-coloured engines.
Given more time we’d explore the immediate area and its nearby coffee shops and restaurants. The Vocal Local, the cleverly named concierge service, is full of tips. We’re on a mission however and have no less than five restaurants to visit on this whirlwind tour, so instead appreciate the short 10 minute ride to the city centre and the heart of Colombo’s colonial heritage, fine dining and shopping district.
We arrive later evening so the first things on our minds are a hot shower and a comfortable mattress. Turns out OZO Colombo’s Snooze Zones are custom designed for quality sleep. A pillow top mattress, crisp sheets and blackout curtains ensure an undisturbed night of slumber. A multimedia connectivity panel also means our devices are plugged in and charged, ready to capture the following day’s activities. The standard amenities such as hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and electronic safe give us what we need without a fuss.
Opening the curtains early morning, we’re met with a revitalizing view of the grand Indian Ocean from our Ocean Dream room. There’s nothing quite like an expansive panorama to wake us up. This scene is mirrored downstairs in EAT, the all-day-dining restaurant, where the OZO Breakfast, Boost, is served.
Taking full advantage of the bountiful local produce, the counters of EAT are lined with hot and cold items mostly hailing from the grounds of this tropical island. The fresh fruit display is an eye-catching array of colour, and pineapple, guava, papaya and passionfruit all make it to my plate. Baked goods hot out of the oven such as Danishes and croissants grab hubby’s attention, and there’s a good selection of local delights too. We’re conscious of the restaurants we’re to visit later in the day, so keep our morning meal simple. Multiple cups of coffee however are taken as we linger at our table amusing in the sights of the beachside street scene below.
We’re grateful for the fitness room, Tone, upstairs, as you know eating plays an important role in our travels and we must find a balance to this. A compact workout room holds a few pieces of cardio equipment supported by a multi-function strength machine and free weights. It has all we need to keep fit while on the road.
Splash, the rooftop swimming pool would certainly see more of our time on a longer stay, and ON14, the bar and lounge on the same level appears a flawless spot for sundowner or two.
We breeze in and out of OZO Colombo during our brief jaunt in the city. It proves a cheery and fuss-free stay and given the chance, we’d book a room with an OZO property again in a heartbeat.
Reasons to visit: good sleep, good brekkie, ocean views, easy access to Colombo and a great gateway to the rest of Sri Lanka.
OZO Colombo Sri Lanka
36-38 Clifford Place
Colombo
Sri Lanka
+94 11 255 5570
www.ozohotels.com/colombo-srilanka/
Breathtaking ocean view of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Yes, it’s a great spot from which to appreciate the city’s seaside location.
You really have a hard life … it’s really hard to wake up in similar places. Where one has a panoramic ocean view, a stylish bedroom and exotic fruits for breakfast. Well, I know jealousy is an ugly défaut.. but in Switzerland it is grey and cold. We had 4 degrees today…;-)
Well I certainly don’t envy 4 degrees! 😉 View, comfy bed and nutritious breakfast – they’ve got all the bases covered here.
Wow!!! Love all that blue! Beautiful!
It’s certainly a nice outlook.
What a magnificent last shot….the blue in the pool just blends into the beautiful blue ocean and sky! 🙂
This would make a great spot for sunset cocktails.
Beautiful beach… the infinity pool is surely an ideal place for an early dip
When I visited the gym on the top floor in the morning, there were quite a few people who had the same idea. 🙂
Beautiful view of the Indian Ocean…room looks comfortable too.
love the gorgeous blues of the sea and sky … i’ve not been to colombo, and it’s fascinating to see this perspective of the place 🙂
Lots of great food to discover in Colombo Sean. I’m sure you’d find lots to love.
Shame that the glass panels were installed beside the pool, making it kinda less infinity? ;p
A little safer I guess. 🙂
Love the views, Monica! I’ve only been to Colombo once ages ago, but don’t remember it’s that stunning. Hahaha! xoxo
Great views from your room and the rooftop! The trains are a curious detail but would be nice to have access to the beach? Although apparently swimming is not really recommended in Colombo? Sri Lanka is on our plans for next year so your posts from there are very timely, thanks!