Gedara means home. Not as a place, but as a feeling.
On the 9th January 2025 at 6:23am, at an auspicious time chosen according to Buddhist tradition, Gedara opened its doors.
Gedara was never conceived as a conventional hotel. It began as a shared vision: a wish to create a place that feels grounded, soulful, and deeply connected to Sri Lanka. Not something loud or overly polished, but a space with warmth, intention, and character. A place where guests can slow down, feel at ease, and experience the island beyond the surface.
Our connection to Sri Lanka is both lived and chosen. Heshan grew up on the island, shaped by its rhythms, rituals, and sense of community. Sabrina arrived later, through work, and gradually fell in love with the island’s depth: the warmth of its people, the closeness to nature, the way everyday life feels anchored and human. Gedara grew from this shared relationship with the island and from the desire to create something together that reflects that feeling.
The land was acquired during Covid, a time of uncertainty that made the decision to build feel especially intentional. From the beginning, how Gedara was built mattered deeply to us. Local rituals guided the process: blessings before construction, tools blessed by the masons, and affirmations written into the columns and sealed within the structure itself. We believe a place carries the energy with which it is made, and that intention lives on quietly in the walls.
Design was approached with the same care. We worked closely with Nomadics, whose thoughtful, sustainable approach aligned naturally with our values. Together, we created a space that is contemporary yet rooted: clean lines softened by warmth, modern forms grounded in tradition. Sustainability was never an afterthought, but a foundation.
Everything at Gedara is made in Sri Lanka, by Sri Lankan hands, using local materials. The craftsmanship of the masons is visible throughout the space, shaping not just the structure but its atmosphere. One of the elements closest to our hearts is the bamboo shala: fully sourced and built locally. It stands as a reflection of what Sri Lanka already offers when given the space to lead.
The project came to life in just over one year, made possible by an extraordinary local team. In particular, we are deeply grateful to Apex Built and the team led by Mr. Nilantha, whose dedication, precision, and commitment were fundamental in turning this vision into reality.
Gedara is not just a concept. It is shaped by people, care, and intention. It holds stories, energy, and quiet meaning.
“It was never about opening a hotel just to open a hotel. From the very beginning, it was about creating a space that feels meaningful and emotional. A place shaped by intention and deeply connected to a country we both love in a very personal way. Gedara grew from that relationship, from time spent here.”
— Sabrina & Heshan