Colombo’s urban lifestyle concept Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort is set to become an important landmark boosting the tourism landscape of Sri Lanka when it opens next year.
Developed by John Keells Holdings PLC, one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka, the 4.5 million sq ft mixed-use development is designed by architect Cecil Belmond OBE.
The ‘city within a city’, boasts a strategic location, soon to be connected directly via an airport highway bringing it closer to central business hubs. Offering proximity to places of interest, modern infrastructure, retail opportunities and leisure facilities, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will emerge as a one-of-a-kind hub for ‘bleisure’ travel when it opens in 2024.
We spoke with Alessandro Cabella, Senior Vice President & General Manager, who is overseeing the project as well as the opening of the resort.
The lifestyle destination features two hotels with 687 rooms in the five-star category and 113 in the luxury hotel, six speciality restaurants and upward of 12 unique food & beverage concepts as well as a dedicated wellness centre with its own vitality pool, themed kids’ club and 4 swimming pools. The resort will also comprise 427 luxury apartments, a 30-floor office tower, and a mall.
The five pillar-less ballrooms, 800 guestrooms and suites, will seamlessly lend themselves to large-scale and complex MICE and wedding events. Our ambition is to secure an average of three weddings per day within the first six months of opening
– Alessandro Cabella
Despite the daunting size of the integrated project, Cabella is passionate about the finer details that matter when creating an inspiring and transformative destination experience.
“Retaining authentic flavours, which reflect the destination, is central to our new offering. It’s the perfect opportunity to reinterpret traditional recipes, using the country’s wealth of homegrown spices, teas and spirits to create a unique and truly Sri Lankan showcase, that reimagines and enhances the sense of place and culture.
“Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will represent the best of the best: our bars and restaurants will be managed as standalone restaurants extending their full concept. They will be sought-after by epicureans and will transform into nightlife hotspots in their own right, with authentic fare and live entertainment in the evenings.”
The hotel complex will have a fine array of water-themed outlets. “The resort’s four swimming pools offer unique appeal: an exclusive access-only pool, situated on the 25th floor of the luxury hotel offers privacy and relaxation, the pool on the 10th floor overlooking the ocean – will up the stakes in terms of entertainment and poolside dining, and we think this will be an excellent venue for our MICE and leisure guests. We also have a dedicated pool on the 9th floor, enriching the rejuvenation and privacy available at our spa pavilion. We’re creating a unique spa concept which also pays homage to Sri Lanka’s rich history of well-being.”
Another exciting plan in progress is a casino within the integrated complex.
Setting the tone for the MICE sector, Cabella says, “Cinnamon Life will offer the most extensive meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions venues within the island country, seating upwards of 5,000 guests at any given time. Two mega cantilevers, part of the integrated resorts’ architecture, will offer a spectacular setting for weddings – particularly international destination weddings from the Indian market and sizeable Sri Lankan weddings.
“The five pillar-less ballrooms, 800 guestrooms and suites, will seamlessly lend themselves to large-scale and complex MICE and wedding events. Our ambition is to secure an average of three weddings per day within the first six months of opening.”
Sister brand Cinnamon Air is on hand to fly visitors to nearby Sri Lankan destinations to complement well-rounded itineraries.
The interest in the resort’s branded residence portfolio of 427 keys has been positive and is close to a complete sell-out with only 25 per cent of the inventory remaining, Cabella tells us.
Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort’s sister brand Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to debut at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. The group owns 15 properties in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts are located in some of the most picturesque locations in the region, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and historical sites.
* Find Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts on stand HC0120