Colombo, SRI LANKA. Feb 2019 – Sri Lanka’s top accommodation group, Resplendent Ceylon, recently upgraded its property management technology to RMS Cloud – a move company founder and Managing Director Malik Fernando says has liberated the business.
“RMS is reliable, and the technology has simplified our operations greatly; interfaces and functionality are top notch,” he says. “We can now focus on running great hotels.”
Resplendent Ceylon operates three extraordinary resorts – Cape Weligama, Ceylon Tea Trails and Wild Coast Tented Lodge – with more on the horizon.
They have been built with love and a deep understanding of place, people and culture by the Fernando family, whose patriarch Merrill J. Fernando created the iconic Dilmah tea business.
Malik is one of his two sons and says each of the Resplendent Ceylon properties is individual, created to perfectly suit its location.
“This originality and sense of place, together with warm and caring Sri Lankan service with a smile is what sets us apart,” he says.
“I deliberately set out to build unbranded, individual resorts with a strong connection to Sri Lanka's history and culture.
“They are all closely connected with Dilmah's tea heritage and the work we do in the area of social justice through the MJF Foundation, and the environment through Dilmah Conservation.
“It is not a faceless brand, the Fernando family is closely linked to all aspects of the business which guests appreciate,’ Fernando adds.
When the time came to review the business’ Property Management System (PMS), Fernando had high expectations.
Resplendent had outgrown their previous system and RMS - an Australian company with a global presence - provided an entirely cloud-based solution that meant no hardware worries, strong functionality and time-tested stability.
The enterprise technology for multi-site groups has improved day-to-day operations, says Fernando.
And through the RMS API, the existing, customised business intelligence solution could be layered on top to provide accurate insights across the three resorts.
The built-in channel manager with bi-directional interface has automated distribution, enabling Resplendent to optimise availability in real time. This has eliminated the delays and lethargy previously experienced with manual updating and has resulted in a pleasing pickup in occupancy.
Administration is now more streamlined as RMS incorporates a PMS, Distribution and Point-of-Sale (POS) in one end-to-end solution. It removes the worry about hardware and the complications of multiple vendors and interfaces.
Peter Buttigieg, Founder and Managing Director atRMSsays,“Weareso proud to be associated with such a successful, high-end brand. It’s testimony to our product and ingenuity that ResplendentCeylon have partnered with RMS.”
Paul Blahuta, President Global Sales at RMS, adds that “it’s extremely pleasing to hear about the positive difference our technology has made to their operations and we look forward to the next stage of the Resplendent journey.”
Fernando confirms there are two more Resplendent resorts in the development pipeline, while a sixth is on the cards.
Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka is scheduled to open in 2021 and will feature 35 rooms and suites elevated to the treetops, with spectacular views across lakes, rice paddies and mountains.
Set in a 14-acre ancient forest, this special resort (designed by star architect Lek Bunnag who also created Cape Weligama) will feature the longest pool in Sri Lanka, “where you can float in the sky”.
Trincomalee will follow and, while details are being kept under wraps for now, it is sure to be an exquisite addition in Sri Lankan hospitality.
About RMS: RMS is the world’s fastest growing Property Management System with more than 6000 properties in 30 countries. Based in Melbourne, RMS has offices in North America, United Kingdom, India and the Middle East. Features of its fully integrated system include property management, channel management, point of sale, dynamic pricing, housekeeping, tour desk, event management and sales.
