As I step off my restful SriLankan Airlines flight from Delhi to Colombo, Sri Lanka, I eagerly look forward to my tropical adventure with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts. With an array of attractive properties nestled in prime locales across Sri Lanka, the promise of a memorable journey calls out, which I simply cannot wait to experience.
– Prativa Vaidya Bhalla
Sri Lanka feels like a home away from home, offering a comforting embrace that resonates deeply with Indian travellers. My stay, curated by SriLankan Airlines at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. SriLankan Airlines embodies the island nation’s signature hospitality, ensuring every visitor feels genuinely welcomed right from the start of the journey. From MICE events and business stopovers to opulent weddings, luxury holidays, and multigenerational travels, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts ensures that every need is not just met but exceeded.
My Island adventure begins in Colombo, where the majestic Cinnamon Grand Colombo awaits, promising a ‘grand’ introduction to the capital city.
Cinnamon in the City
Upon arriving at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, I am immediately struck by the harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. Greeted with a gracious ‘Ayubowan’ (‘hello’ in Sinhala), I am introduced to the legendary Sri Lankan hospitality that will accompany me throughout my visit. The seamless check-in process, coupled with a well-appointed and spacious room with a magnificent view, set the tone for a brilliant trip ahead.
A rejuvenating wellness session at the highly acclaimed Nija Spa further enhanced my sense of tranquillity. During my stay, I had the privilege of witnessing a grand Sri Lankan wedding ceremony held at the hotel’s Atrium Lobby. Surrounded by towering walls and rooms overlooking the raised central area, it exudes an impressive sense of grandeur, perfect for hosting memorable events.
With 246 well-equipped rooms spanning diverse categories, thoughtfully designed conference and banquet halls featuring cutting-edge amenities, and impeccable service at every turn, the hotel exudes the assurance of a seasoned establishment. The tasteful in-house restaurants offer a delightful array of local and global cuisines, while the hotel’s excellent location near business districts and shopping areas provides a comprehensive city experience.
The local excursion to Beddagana Wetland Park was unforgettable. It is a beautifully restored green oasis in the heart of Colombo, known for small wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Witnessing the park in its rain-soaked, early-morning splendour was truly remarkable, emphasising its essential role as the city’s ‘green lungs’.
Lodging in the Wild
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a majestic, timeless five-star property spanning 27 acres of lush, forested land in Habarana, featuring 138 cottage rooms. The grand, tall, and white-columned colonial entrance greets me, promising a sublime experience of understated luxury and inviting me to bask in the freshness of nature. My cottage is equipped with all the modern amenities, yet earthy. I fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to birdsong.
It is the perfect resting point for a wide array of local nearby excursions and curated guided tours available to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the Dambulla Cave Temple. The elephant safari at Eco Park, situated near the resort, provides a surreal glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures, enhanced by insights shared by the knowledgeable in-house naturalists of Cinnamon Nature Trails. Completely spoiled with gracious service, enthralling cultural shows of traditional Sri Lankan fire dances, and delicious local cuisines, I look forward to the next leg of my exploration.
Luxury at its Finest
My final pit stop is a Geoffrey Bawa masterpiece – Cinnamon Bentota Beach, a breathtaking beachfront resort with 155 rooms that perfectly blends romance, relaxation, and adventure. This property is not only a hotel; it is an extraordinary experience that I hope to return to soon.
This is where the river meets the sea, and it has been the venue for various gala events, destination weddings, and celebrity guest spotting. I am simply amazed by the minimalist yet luxurious spaces and impeccable service. As I am traditionally welcomed through an old stone gateway, I walk up the polished wooden staircase to be greeted by sheer spatial elegance adorned with stunning installations and colourful Sri Lankan batik art. The minimalist interiors offer cosy seating areas, while expansive glass walls provide breathtaking views of the sea, instantly creating a calming and visually striking environment. The sheer size of my appointed room, with palm trees swaying just outside the large balcony, is yet another pleasant surprise.
The outstanding cuisine featuring the best of Sri Lankan flavours and meticulously curated global dishes stuns with its level of attention to detail. The curated excursions to Galle Fort, the boat ride through the serene mangroves of Bentota, and the exhilarating water activities are delightful experiences. The highly trained and gracious Cinnamon team leaves no stone unturned in ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.
Bidding a fond goodbye with a gracious ‘Stuthi’ (Thank you in Sinhala), I know I have not had enough, and I shall be back. Sri Lanka has left an indelible place in my heart, and the memories will last a long time.
SriLankan Airlines offers seamless short-haul flights from India to Colombo, linking 115 destinations across 59 countries. With a modern Airbus fleet featuring A330-300 and A320/321 neo aircraft, the airline is celebrated for its exceptional service, safety, and reliability, earning numerous awards in global aviation.
Srilankan Holidays (SL Holidays), the leisure arm of SriLankan Airlines, promotes inbound and outbound tourism, leveraging its airline network and partnerships with leading hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related players to curate customised itineraries.
