In conversation with Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Designed by renowned architect Cecil Balmond, its innovative architectural design redefines the skyline of Sri Lanka’s capital city, offering a blend of modernity and tradition.
Featuring 687 rooms and suites over 30 floors, with views of the Indian Ocean or Colombo city. The resort, a 45-minute drive from the Airport, is in the centre of the capital with easy access to cultural, entertainment, and business venues.
The resort provides a multitude of options for events with over 14,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor spaces. The largest pillarless event venue accommodates up to 2,000 attendees, easily partitioned to create a perfect space for intimate functions. Two further ballrooms are located within the cantilevers on the 22nd floor, with unique 180 degree views of the city. The resort’s 3 outdoor event spaces totalling 7,600 square metres, allow for large events with panoramic vistas of the Indian ocean or Beira Lake, a first for Colombo.
The Event Studio allows clients to meet chefs, decorators, and other partners to plan their event by sampling menus, tasting beverages, and selecting table decors all in a private setting on the 24th floor. This exclusive venue enables organisers to visualise and design their events with precision.
Attendees can also enjoy one of the 15 restaurants and bars in the Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, ranging from Indian to Japanese, French to Italian, a 24-hour restaurant to ensure no delegate goes hungry during their stay.
Other highlights of the resort include 3 outdoor pool decks, wellness centre with private outdoor relaxation areas including a vitality pool, gaming venue, 24-hour kids club, curated city experiences, ensuring a successful and rewarding stay at Cinnamon Life in Colombo which opens on 01 August 2024.
In an exclusive to Travel Span Radhe shares inputs on the property.
Gaura Grover Bahl : Could you tell us more about Cinnamon Life in Colombo, Sri Lanka?
Radhey Tawar: Certainly. Cinnamon Life is our flagship project and a game-changer for Colombo’s hospitality and entertainment scene. It’s set to be the largest integrated resort in Colombo, featuring 687 rooms across multiple hotels within the complex. Apart from luxurious accommodations, Cinnamon Life will house a state-of-the-art shopping mall, the largest convention center in Sri Lanka, and a world-class gaming facility managed by an international operator.
Gaura Grover Bahl: What inspired Cinnamon Hotels to develop such a comprehensive project?
Radhey Tawar: We saw an opportunity to elevate Colombo’s offering as a global destination. Cinnamon Life is not just about luxury; it’s about creating a dynamic hub where business, entertainment, and leisure converge. It caters to both local and international guests, providing everything from high-end shopping experiences to sophisticated conference facilities and exciting entertainment options.
Gaura Grover Bahl: How do you envision Cinnamon Life contributing to Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape?
Radhey Tawar: Cinnamon Life is a significant investment that reflects our confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism potential. By offering unparalleled amenities and experiences, we aim to attract a diverse range of visitors, from business travelers attending international conferences to leisure travelers seeking luxurious accommodations and entertainment. This project underscores our commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure.
Gaura Grover Bahl: How Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality?
Radhey Tawar: Commitment to Sustainability – Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts is setting a new standard in sustainable hospitality with a multifaceted approach that encompasses environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Their initiatives are guided by three core pillars: planet preservation, social empowerment, and governance excellence.
Reducing Plastic Waste – A primary focus of Cinnamon Hotels’ sustainability efforts is the reduction of single-use plastics. By 2025, the group aims to halve guest-facing plastic usage across its properties. Already, their resorts in the Maldives have achieved an impressive 86% reduction, showcasing their dedication to environmental conservation.
Biodiversity Conservation – The group is actively involved in biodiversity conservation, recognizing its critical role in mitigating climate change. Through initiatives like the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project, undertaken in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Forest Department, local NGOs, and the John Keells Foundation, they are rehabilitating the Raja Rainforest in Sri Lanka, covering 50 acres over three years.
Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict – Given the unique locations of their resorts, such as Cinnamon Wild near Yala National Park and Cinnamon Habarana Complex close to wild elephant habitats, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts is crucial. Collaborative efforts with governmental and scientific partners aim to achieve this balance, ensuring guests can experience wildlife responsibly.
Collaboration and Innovation – Cinnamon Hotels emphasizes collaboration across industries and with scientific experts to enhance their sustainability initiatives. Projects like the partnership with the Maldivian government on ocean temperature data and engagement with leading elephant scientists in Sri Lanka highlight their science-based approach and commitment to excellence.
Future Directions – Looking ahead, Cinnamon Hotels remains dedicated to expanding their sustainability efforts, driving positive change within the hospitality sector and beyond. Their comprehensive strategies underscore a deep-seated commitment to environmental preservation and community well-being.
Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts continues to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainable practices can coexist with luxury hospitality, setting a benchmark for the industry’s future.
Gaura Grover Bahl: What unique features or experiences can guests expect from Cinnamon Life?
Radhey Tawar: Guests can look forward to a seamless blend of luxury and convenience. The resort will feature multiple dining options showcasing global cuisines, extensive wellness facilities, and exclusive retail outlets. Additionally, the convention center will be equipped to host large-scale events, ensuring that Cinnamon Life becomes a preferred venue for international conferences and exhibitions in South Asia.
Gaura Grover Bahl: Lastly, how does Cinnamon Hotels plan to promote Cinnamon Life to international markets, particularly in India?
Radhey Tawar: India is a crucial market for us, and we have robust promotional plans in place. Our dedicated sales teams in major Indian cities are actively engaging with travel partners and participating in key industry events to showcase Cinnamon Life’s offerings. We’re leveraging digital marketing strategies, organizing roadshows, and collaborating with influential media outlets to create awareness and generate excitement among Indian travelers.
Gaura Grover Bahl: Thank you, Radhe, for sharing these insights into Cinnamon Life. It sounds like an extraordinary project that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on visitors to Colombo.
