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Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol leave an indelible mark in hospitality industry

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2 years ago

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Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol

By Zanita careem

International Design Practice, Studio Sixty 7, founded by designers Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol are making their mark as the new up and coming design practice of the future within the private and hospitality sector. Their design philosophy is focussed on attention to detail catering to the needs of their clients.

With a combined experience of over 20 years in the industry and having established themselves in world renowned design practices they are gearing up to be a force within the design industry.

Having recently completed the successful rejuvenation and design identity for Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka, which has gained much international recognition they have left an indelible mark in the hospitality industry. At present they are working on numerous luxury resorts in the Maldives, as well as private residencies in Mauritius, London and South America. With their sights set high, they not only provide a design but a way of new living with future collaborations coming soon as they branch out into the world of interiors.

A strong advocate of sustainability, Lee and Jose are an authority on everything from design of hotel and cultural masterplans and hospitality developments.

Your designs combines western concepts with an appreciation for Asian culture. How do you believe this fusion has influenced your architectural style and approach?

Here at StudioSixty7, design is all about balance and taking inspiration from the many different cultures around the world and fusing them together within our designs. Our approach is all about refined luxury, from t textures, shapes and forms to help create a harmonious and zen design.

Your work requires a high level of intellectual thought and creativity?
Yes, it is especially at the beginning when you are looking and working on a layouts of a space to create something unique. Our focus will be how to manage our client’s rough thoughts into something tangible and creative to them , We use our creativity to make sure everything works within the given space. Creativity for us is more a free way of thinking to create that magical outcome.

Are there any guiding principles or “lines to live by” that have shaped your personal and professional journey?

For us as at StudioSixty7, we like to make sure that we are creating a setting that is harmonious, making sure that each space blends with each other and works with one another We don’t like spaces that fight against each other and distract our vision.

So what do you see as the future of hotel design?

It’s maybe not so much in the design itself, but more so in the experiences that are on offer. There are so many great innovative new ideas out there but the fact remains it should be practical but stylish. In Maldives, we are now engaged on a fantastic resort project and our aim is to give the

. best guest experiences from handling the food,the ingredients we use, the usage of drinks that are served at the bar, They are the key ingredients which define the outcome and all of them play a pivotal role in influencing the project. We also plan the best innovative spas and treatment methods to allow the weary traveller to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What was the greatest challenge you had to face and how did you ovecome?

Timing, this is always the greatest challenge on any job. We should enjoy the things we do! Luckily, the hotel Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka , we were fortunate to have an incredible team. Every single person put their heart and soul into this project to get the final product. Special mention should be made about the GM Arshed, the carpenters, landscapers, painters all of them worked hard to strive for the best. Also that feeling when the entire team has worked hard and made a submission and you know looks great. This what we loved most in Sri Lanka

Is the environmental a challenge facing the luxury hotel industry?

For us, it is one of the main challenges Collectively, we are mindful of the damage that can cause to the environment. As we can see, the environment is changing, and we must try to protect this as best as we can. Sustainability designs continues to excite us as it pushes us to use new innovative techniques and infuse contemporarory ideas to give the project the best.

How do you balance traditional and modern elements in your design?

Modern design for us is often more minimalistic in its approach. We love the fusion of old and new as it gives the space more character, charm and identity. We believe in adapting and upgrading to fulfill the rapidly changing needs of the community and the environment is the sole purpose of any design

From where do you draw inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere! We’re constantly inspired by what we see For instance from a fashion show in Paris or just by walking around the streets of London, New York, Tokyo, we are inspired by those amazing details on billboards, buildings, pavements All these are amalgamatedinto our design philosphy. Our design philosphy is a fusion of creativity and functionality, where designs becomes a means to intergrate artistry and practicality

Pasikudah project – what appealed to you most?

We were taken up by the client, the people and the team spirit, It was love at first sight. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful places, the people, their energy, exotic nature all contributed to put our heart and soul to this project. We met many inspiring people from the local area and our aim is to give the best to the the community at large and the country .

What trends for 2024 are you focussing most?

Dark wood and bold colours! This are the colours we used in Pasikudah! We made sure this is balanced by natural tones. However when we think of the future it is potential that excites us us the most. The potential to create that special team for a unique project where every comes together and something magical is created.

How have guest’s preferences changed the hotel design in recent years?

We live in a world full of social media, bloggers, now we get to see what is happening in the world better. The guests are conscious of thier needs and our design philosphy should be to give the guests the best of hospitality. We need to combine so many functional factors while caring about every single design detail.Everything has to be a reflection of our client’ssoul. Each project of ours is customised and tailored to our client’s needs

Could you describe a bit about your design philosophy?

StudioSixty7’s design philosophy is all about creating zen and harmonious spaces to live and stay within the subtle fusion of natural tones and organic forms. We want to create a calm environment, while giving each design its own personality and identity, all balanced with an opulent warmth and serenity. We based everything on client’s request while giving answers and a solution to all thier needs,from an aesthetic and functional point of view,by incoporating cutting edge technologies and material from an environmentally friendly perspective

How would you define you style, your philosophy and how did you evolve your style to keep up with the time and thus last?

Today, the rapidly developing world our style is ever evolving and developing but our core values and philosophy remains the same, that is to grow and move with the times.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah


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Life style

Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

1 day ago

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2025/12/7

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Ambassador Damiano, Jagatheeswaran, Barbara Troila and Ambassador of Vietnam, Trinh Thi Tam

Italian Cuisine Week

This year’s edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Sri Lanka unfolded with unmistakable charm, elegance and flavour as the Italian Embassy introduced a theme that captured the very soul of Italian social life ‘Apertivo and’ Stuzzichini’ This year’s celebration brought together diplomats, food lovers, chefs and Colombo’s society crowd for an evening filled with authenticity, refinement and the unmistakable charm of Italian hospitality.

Hosted at the Italian ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, the evening brought Italy’s golden hour ritual to life, embracing the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and sophistication of Colombo social scene.

The ambience at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, effortlessly refined, evoked the timeless elegance of Milanese evening culture where ‘Apertivo’ is not just a drink , but a moment of pause, connection and pleasure. Guests were greeted with the aromas of apertivo classics and artisanal stuzzichini,curated specially for this edition. From rustic regional flavours to contemporary interpretations the embassy ‘s tables paid homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

, Italy’s small bites meant to tempt the palate before meal. Visiting Italian chefs worked alongside Colombo’s leading culinary teams to curate a menu that showcased regional authenticity though elegant bite sized creations. The Italian Ambassador of Italy in Sri Damiano Francovigh welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks on the significant of the theme, highlighting how “Apertivo”embodies the essence of Italy’s culinary identity, simple, social and rooted in tradition.

Sri Lanka’s participation in Italian Cuisine Week for ten consecutive years stands as a testament to the friendship between the two countries. This year focus on ‘Apertivo’ and ‘Stuzzichini’ added a fresh, dimension to that relationship, one that emphasised not only flavours, but shaped cultural values of hospitality, family and warmth. This year’s ‘Apertivo’ and “Stuzzichini’ theme brought a refreshing twist to Italian Cuisine Week. It reminded Sri Lankan guests t hat sometimes the most memorable culinary experiences come not from elaborate feasts but from the simplicity of serving small plates with good company.

Italian Cuisine Week 2025 in Sri Lanka may have showcased flavours, but more importantly it showcased connection and in the warm glow of Colombo’s evening Apertivo came alive not just as an Italian tradition.

(Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya)

By Zanita Careem

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is one of the longest-running thematic reviews promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Founded in 2016 to carry forward the themes of Expo Milano 2015—quality, sustainability, food

safety, territory, biodiversity, identity, and education—the event annually showcases the excellence and global reach of Italy’s food and wine sector.

Since its inauguration, the Week has been celebrated with over 10,000 events in more than 100 countries, ranging from tastings, show cooking and masterclasses to seminars, conferences, exhibitions and business events, with a major inaugural event hosted annually in Rome at the Farnesina, the HQ of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The 10th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World.

In 2025, the Italian Cuisine Week in the World reaches its tenth edition.

The theme chosen for this anniversary is “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation.”

This edition highlights Italian cuisine as a mosaic of knowledge and values, where each tile reflects a story about the relationship with food.

The initiatives of the 10th Edition aim to:

promote understanding of Italian cuisine, also in the context of its candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage;

demonstrate how Italian cuisine represents a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model, supporting the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes;

emphasize the innovation and research that characterize every stage of the Italian food chain, from production to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, reuse, and recycling

The following leading hotels in Colombo Amari Colombo, Cinnamon Life, ITC Ratnadipa and The Kingsbury join in the celebration by hosting Italian chefs throughout the Week.

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Life style

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

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1 day ago

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2025/12/7

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Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

 

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Life style

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

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1 day ago

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2025/12/7

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Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!

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