Those who haven’t explored Sri Lanka are missing out on a world of cultural richness, culinary delights and natural wonders.
On TTN’s first trip to the luscious Indian Ocean Island nation, we discovered a thriving national park within the country’s bustling capital, a stunning oceanside hideout in a sleepy resort town and a complete jungle safari experience reminiscent of Africa.
For our journey across Sri Lanka’s treasures, we chose Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Owned by Sri Lanka’s top conglomerate, John Keells Group, Cinnamon successfully connects all the dots on Sri Lanka’s map, with a mix of business and leisure properties ideally located across the breath of the country.
Days 1 and 2 were slotted for jungle adventure in Yala National Park – the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka.
Upon landing in rainy Colombo, we were ushered into a large and comfortable van to take us around. An early start from the capital helped us cover the 4.5-hour journey south and still have most of the day ahead of us. Arranged by Walkers Tours, Sri Lanka’s leading DMC, which also belongs to John Keells, all the transfers were seamless, but there’s also Cinnamon Air for those short on time.
A serene destination overlooking the dashing Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Wild Yala is located at the very edge of Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park. The property represents rustic luxury, resembling a game lodge.
We are extended a ceremonial welcome with garlands and a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. At Cinnamon Yala, we explore the very best of Cinnamon Nature Trails, a curated walk around the campus, a drive into the national park, alongside a presentation of some of the most delicious meals in the treehouse themed dining hall.
Over a chat with the resort manager two factors that make Yala Wild truly special stood out. Firstly, all ingredients are locally sourced, their taste on the palate is therefore a magical burst of fresh flavours. We were thrilled that local village women were part of the breakfast presentation – proudly preparing hoppers to delight guests.
Secondly, nature comes first at Yala Wild. A noise-free campus means animals are free to roam without distractions. Merrily, wild squirrels can be found scurrying down the pathways that connect the cottages. A giant tortoise and a harmless Bengal lizard were also sighted exploring the property at their own varied pace during our stay.
This is unscripted and unfiltered nature at its best, and guests embrace this experience whole-heartedly.
A relaxed seating next to the pool area, and a chalkboard with a daily list of animals sighted by guests on their safari drive, was reminiscent of Kenyan safari culture – where guests would gather over a refreshing beverage and excitedly discuss their adventures and sightings form the safari – Yala matched that vibe every bit.
Insider tip, travellers from Middle East will find the guest laundry rates very friendly, perhaps it’s the resort’s way of reminding guests to enjoy the inviting outdoors.
While Yala was based on nature’s wonders, our next stop is a cultural and historic curation of Sri Lankan design and finesse. Within an hour’s drive going northwards along the coast, we arrive at the resort town of Bentota and check into one of the longest standing historic structures in the area - Cinnamon Bentota Beach, a signature selection property envisioned by renowned architect and national cultural icon Geoffery Bawa.
Cinnamon Bentota Beach Signature Collection is the very essence of tropical modernism. A stunning property every way you look at it – it is flanked by the Indian Ocean on one side, and the Bentota River on the other. In between, you have the opulent touch of architect Bawa blending modernism and nature into a heady concoction.
Cinnamon Bentota Beach Signature Collection leaves an array of unexpected, stunning memories in its wake. The first impression is astonishing: a dark, cave-like entrance leads guests into a kaleidoscope of colours, shapes and textures. The art and handloom designs of the reception and guest welcome areas feature stunning, hand-painted batik ceiling installations that are a sight to behold.
The facilities are top notch - the rooms looking on to the Indian Ocean, the serenity of the swimming pools where migratory birds stop by for a drink, the superb spa treatments, the kids club – featuring arcades of games, bouncy castle and video games, the vast dining area with floor to ceiling views of the Bentota River.
Within a short drive, are the historic cities of Beruwala and Galle. Middle Eastern guests will find quaint connections here. For example, first Arab visitors to this region built the Al Abrar Mosque going back a thousand years in Beruwala. Guests have a selection of bespoke and boutique shopping experiences in these two cities. The Bentota river is also the site for adventure watersports, while a visit to the nearby Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center makes for a memorable family outing.
A mangrove boat ride on the obliging Bentota River adds a few moments of otherworldly calm.
With two 10 on 10 experiences behind us, we start on our last leg of the journey to the capital. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo didn’t disappoint, boasting arguably one of the most popular buffets in the country, where A-listed sports stars in town for the Sri Lankan Premier League were seen elbow to elbow with other guests, not letting an inch of ground in their quest for portions of the finger-licking spread.
Being perched on the lakeside, (ask for corner suites to have the most soothing views), our suite overlooking the waterbody was the ideal spot for bird-spotting. In-room dining once again proved Cinnamon to be a fortress of premium hospitality. We were thrilled to have side dishes, pickles and additional portions of items that the chef recommended – this shows how Cinnamon wins head and heart in style.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo wins location-wise as well, being within a ten-minute radius of twin attractions, One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre malls, hotspot for shopping premium local brands.
An evening at Nuga Gama, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo (sister property) is a must on any itinerary to Colombo to enjoy the atmospheric setting of a traditional village and varieties of traditional Sri Lankan food. A central tree top seating, live music and buffet spread out in thatched huts – combined with friendly table service, and you have yet another indelible memory from the trip.
Once at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, a treatment at NIJA spa is highly recommended, their therapists enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as a wellness destination with excellent message offerings.
Cinnamon’s Nature Trails division, which advises the likes of BBC and National Geographic to uncover nature’s marvels, arranged an exciting national park excursion for us in Colombo.
We hiked through thick foliage and marshy bridges as our guide gave us a detailed tutorial of things zoological and botanical in the teeming-with-life sanctuary that is Beddagana Wetland Park, right in the middle of a buzzing city.
* Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts can be found on stands N12-210 and N11-415