With numerous fashion stores, accessories, household appliance shops, and a vast food court with a sea view, Marino Mall is much more than meets the eye. Complete with a gaming and a VR arena and a spa, it is a destination rather than a shopping mall in the city of Colombo.
Words Roomini Wijayarathne
Photographs Menaka Aravinda
The glass façade of Marino Mall glints in the sun and the LED wall displays the multitude of experiences in store, as the visitor approaches the towering structure. Accessible from both the Galle Road and the Marine Drive, it is a place to explore in the heart of Colombo.
The vast hallway beyond the entrance to the mall is lined with numerous showrooms and retail stores on its either side. Pleasant music accompanies the visitor as he leisurely strolls along the hallway, admiring the displays of the high-end fashion stores, furniture and electronic showrooms, jewellery and accessory stores, footwear outlets and toy shops. Each distinctively unique. The many clothing stores offer a wide variety of fashion options, with choices to suit everyone’s style. The jewellery and accessory shops are clustered together, offering a range of products from exquisite branded items to everyday wear.
The long hallway extends to the seaside entrance at the far back, glinting in the bright sunlight. As inviting as the sight of the splashing sea is, there are novel experiences to be discovered within the mall. The 9D Cinema theatre, is a first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Visitors, and definitely not the faint-hearted, can enjoy a thrilling clip of a rollercoaster ride, the experience enhanced with superior state-of-the-art technology. Accompanying the theatre are two karaoke juke boxes; anyone can step inside and sing to one’s heart’s content.
Opposite to the cinema and juke boxes is the biggest VR centre of any mall in the country. With novel experiences in store for everyone of any age, the VR centre is one of the main attractions in Marino Mall. Virtual reality bike races, roller coaster rides, gaming hubs and mini-car rides for small children are readily available: a wonderful experience.
Beyond the entertainment zone is the Food Emporium, offering a variety of cuisine. From Western to Far Eastern, a visitor can indulge in a plethora of enticing choices per his wishes. A coffee shop and a tea lounge are available with snack bars and a juice stall. The Food Emporium also offers space to host birthday parties, where guests can select from multitudes of food choices to celebrate the special occasion. The highlight of the Food Emporium is the outer lounge area that opens to the pleasant breeze and enchanting views of the sea beyond. It is delightful to enjoy dinner as the sun sets; the sight is simply magical.
The Diliganz Department Store occupies the first floor. From clothing, accessories and cosmetics to gift items, stationery and furniture, Diliganz is a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. The store is arranged in such a way that it provides ease of access while not missing out on any product that is on display.
On the seventh floor of the Marino Mall tower is the Angsana Spa, where visitors can relax and unwind after exploring the many delights that the Mall offers. The eighth floor holds yet another wonderful experience of dining and relaxing, with the Ocean Bar and Grill and the Shiwu Chinese Restaurant. The Ocean Bar and Grill is a semi open dining space, with a glorious view of the Indian Ocean. On every Friday and Saturday, the ambience of the restaurant is enhanced with live music making it the prime spot to enjoy a wonderful evening. Shiwu Chinese Restaurant offers delicious Chinese cuisine with private dining options available. The view from Shiwu of the Colombo’s dynamic skyline is a sight to behold, specially at night when the buildings glitter with electric lights.
With diverse dining choices, multitudes of shopping and entertainment options, and spaces to simply relax, Marino Mall is a lifestyle destination. With a plethora of experiences to indulge in, a day spent at Marino Mall is a mini-vacation well spent.
Marino Mall, Galle Road, Colombo 3
(+94 11) 259 5595
Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 10 pm
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