Sri Lanka’s Growing Appeal as a Premium Travel Destination

 And Why Blue Orbit by Citrus Is Quickly Becoming a Must-Visit Icon

Once considered a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is now stepping confidently into the spotlight as a premium travel destination. With its unique blend of heritage, biodiversity, and warm hospitality, the island nation is attracting discerning travellers from around the globe, not only for its natural wonders but also for its increasingly sophisticated offerings in hospitality, dining, and entertainment.

From the misty hills of Ella to the turquoise waters of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s landscape is diverse and spectacular. But today’s traveller is seeking more than just scenery. The new generation of tourists wants immersive experiences, culinary adventures, and spaces that blend comfort with creativity. And in Colombo, one destination is capturing all of this, and more.

Enter Blue Orbit by Citrus, Sri Lanka’s first and only revolving restaurant, situated atop the iconic Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure. A marvel of engineering and hospitality, Blue Orbit is quickly becoming a bucket-list dining experience for both international visitors and domestic travellers alike.

The Rise of Experience-Led Travel in Sri Lanka

In recent years, Sri Lanka has embraced a shift toward experience-led travel. Travellers are no longer content with passive sightseeing. They want to be involved — to taste, feel, create, and remember.

This evolution is reflected in everything from wildlife safaris and curated heritage walks to cooking classes and boutique accommodations. Tour operators are offering private tea plucking experiences in the hill country, cultural immersions in ancient cities, and even helicopter tours over the southern coastline. Luxury isn’t defined by gold-plated interiors — it’s defined by exclusivity, personalization, and authenticity.

Colombo, the nation’s commercial capital, is keeping pace with this shift. With a new wave of high-end dining venues, designer retail spaces, and modern entertainment hubs, the city is becoming more than just a stopover — it’s a destination in its own right. And right at the heart of this transformation is Blue Orbit by Citrus.

Blue Orbit by Citrus – A Destination in the Sky

Located on the 27th floor of the Colombo Lotus Tower, Blue Orbit is a game-changer for Sri Lanka’s culinary scene. It offers something few places in the world can match. A rotating restaurant experience with a 360-degree panoramic view of Colombo’s cityscape, harbour, and coastline, and beyond.

Every 90 minutes, the entire dining floor completes a full rotation, giving guests a constantly changing view as they dine. But the scenery is only part of the attraction.

What truly sets Blue Orbit apart is its interactive and immersive approach to dining. In a world where personalization is key, the restaurant gives diners the chance to be more than spectators, they become participants.

Culinary Theatre in Motion

Blue Orbit’s concept is simple but powerful, bringing people closer to the food they eat. The restaurant features a wide range of live cooking stations, where guests can engage with chefs, customize their meals, and even get hands-on with the preparation.

• At the fresh pasta station, guests can select from a range of sauces and toppings, and watch as chefs transform it into an authentic Italian dish.
  
  

• The Beijing Peking Duck counter invites diners to customize their own duck pancakes, with the perfect balance of crispy duck, hoisin sauce, and fresh cucumber.
  
  

• For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Kottu station is a playful Sri Lankan twist — chopped roti combined with melted chocolate, nuts, and a mix of toppings for a dessert experience like no other.
  
  

• The shawarma counter offers fresh pita wraps filled with slow-roasted chicken and a wide choice of sauces.
  
  

• The sushi counter provides a front-row seat to Japanese culinary precision, with freshly sliced sashimi and hand-rolled maki prepared to order.

• The bar features a diverse selection of spirits and expertly crafted signature cocktails, perfectly complementing your meal.

This interactive culinary format turns every visit into a performance, one where the guests are just as involved as the chefs. It’s dining reimagined, making Blue Orbit a perfect fit for families, foodies, and experience-seekers.

Global Buffet with Local Soul

Blue Orbit’s extensive buffet selection includes over 300 dishes representing seven global cuisines - Western, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Sri Lankan. With both revolving and static seating options, guests can choose between the full panoramic experience or a more intimate dining setup that is ideal for romantic dinners, business lunches, and private family gatherings.

Events and Private Celebrations Above the City

Blue Orbit is also one of Colombo’s most in-demand venues for private events, corporate functions, and celebrations. With a seating capacity of 225 guests, it offers full buyout options, and a dedicated events team to make each occasion seamless.

As Supun Goonawardene – Manager Operations at Blue Orbit explains,

“Dining is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Through interactive elements, we aim to create a deeper connection between our guests and their food. Watching their favourite dish come to life before their eyes adds a touch of excitement and a personal touch to every bite.”

A Premium Destination Needs Premium Experiences

As Sri Lanka positions itself for a strong tourism rebound, offerings like Blue Orbit by Citrus represent the next chapter in premium travel. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and cultural fusion, it perfectly embodies what modern tourists are looking for: authenticity, immersion, and a story to tell.

Whether you’re flying in from abroad or exploring your own city, a visit to Blue Orbit by Citrus isn’t just a meal, it’s a highlight of your travel experience.