{"id":44815,"date":"2026-08-07T10:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T08:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riu.com\/blog\/?p=44815"},"modified":"2026-08-07T10:49:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T08:49:18","slug":"riu-10-years-sri-lanka-indian-ocean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riu.com\/blog\/en\/riu-10-years-sri-lanka-indian-ocean\/","title":{"rendered":"RIU celebrates 10 years in Sri Lanka: a decade of history and expansion in the Indian Ocean"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This year, RIU is proud to celebrate its<\/strong> 10th anniversary<\/strong> in Sri Lanka. The opening of the Hotel Riu Sri Lanka in 2016<\/strong> marked the chain’s historic first arrival in the Indian Ocean and the Asian continent<\/strong>, serving as the cornerstone for its subsequent expansion into destinations such as the Maldives<\/a>, Dubai<\/a>, and Thailand<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, Sri Lanka will always hold a unique significance in the company’s archives. Embarking on this journey in this corner of the world involved the challenge of deciphering a new market and the courage to pave the way where RIU had never set foot before. That initial learning experience, built upon hard work, enthusiasm, and respect for the local culture, became the ultimate training ground and the definitive catalyst for successfully conquering the other paradises of the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why was Sri Lanka the starting point for RIU in the Indian Ocean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This tenth anniversary marks an extraordinary milestone for our chain, as it represented the first time our brand arrived in the waters of the Indian Ocean<\/strong>. When we inaugurated the Hotel Riu Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong> in the idyllic area of Ahungalla<\/strong> <\/a>in 2016, we launched a project filled with enthusiasm that ushered in a new era of international growth across Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ahungalla
Ahungalla beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the fantastic reception from our guests, we have maintained a firm commitment to growth in the region since that very first opening. This has led us to bring the RIU experience to other fascinating corners of the globe, such as the Maldives and Dubai<\/strong>, while also enthusiastically preparing for our next great challenge: the imminent debut of the chain in Phuket, Thailand, with its opening scheduled for this September.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Riu\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Riu Palace Maldivas Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Riu Palace Phuket Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Riu Dubai Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is there to discover in Ahungalla and on the majestic Emerald Isle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known as the Emerald Isle<\/strong> for the lushness of its landscapes, Sri Lanka captivated Marco Polo himself with its dense tropical forests, plains teeming with wildlife, and idyllic, Caribbean-like coastlines in the heart of the Indian Ocean. In fact, it boasts the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites per square metre<\/strong>, preserving its legacy of ancient kingdoms and mysterious, age-old traditions intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excursions and cultural landmarks you cannot miss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To enrich your stay and connect with Sinhalese history, we recommend exploring some of the island’s most fascinating cultural and natural treasures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n