Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo in Sri Lanka extends its unique lakeside experience to a new degree with its latest venture – 8° (degrees) on the lake, a floating hotel venue for private events. The 70’ by 30’ vessel is the first of its kind to grace the waters of Colombo. It consists of an air-conditioned lower deck and an open upper deck with a clear ceiling for protection, and accommodates 100 passengers.

Living every word of the John Keells Leisure sector vision to “always be the hospitality trendsetter,” Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s latest venture sets a new benchmark for the industry. 8° on the lake is Colombo’s first mobile floating venue launched by a five-star hotel. The vessel offers a unique setting for exclusive, high-profile events with its minimalistic chic interiors designed by Nayantara Fonseka of Taru fame. The layout and choice of décor is intended to capture the essence of its natural surroundings.

“The Beira Lake creates a beautiful setting to our hotel, but it is time that it became more than just a view,” explains Mr. Denis Gruhier, General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, “8° on the lake was conceptualized as a means of extending the guest experience beyond the expected. Although Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is situated in the heart of Colombo with every convenience a business traveler would enjoy, when a guest steps into the hotel they could easily forget they are in the city. Aboard 8° on the lake, the bustling city of Colombo will be a distant memory.”

The venue adapts itself to suit a variety of occasions. For an intimate gathering, the host may wish to invite guests to cocktails at the upper deck followed by dinner at the air-conditioned lower deck, as the party travels across the Beira Lake. The twin-level arrangement allows for an event to be segmented to offer varying culinary and entertainment experiences at each level, ensuring that a guest is never bored. If a large party is on the cards, 8° on the lake maybe used as an extension to the Waterside, the hotel’s garden venue, which now hosts a pier where the vessel will dock.

The hotel has already received several requests for bookings. Malcolm Thomas, Banquet Sales Manager at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, foresees the venue lending itself to cocktail parties, gourmet meals, candlelit dinners, Champagne brunches, high teas, weddings, engagements parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, and anniversary parties.

Colombo has a clear need for exciting event venues, and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo rises to the occasion with 8° on the lake. This innovation is set to spark a revolution in banquet offerings in the industry.