The John Keells Group opened doors to Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka on October 15th, 2024. Developed at an investment of over USD 1.2 billion by the John Keells Group, this is the largest and most ambitious private investment in the country. It will redefine Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, catering to a diverse clientele and creating South Asia’s most dynamic destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.
With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Life encompasses 687 luxurious rooms. Designed by world-renowned architect Cecil Balmond, the resort’s architecture seamlessly blends modernity with cultural elements, creating a visually stunning experience. The multiple entertainment venues, ballrooms, and high-tech event spaces, which can host over 5,000 guests across its unique locations, make it Colombo’s largest event venue. Positioned as a hub for international conferences and large-scale events, Cinnamon Life sets a new standard for luxury and establishes Colombo as a premier global MICE destination.
With a dedicated team of over 1,500 professionals, including 250 chefs, Cinnamon Life promises an extraordinary culinary journey with twelve vibrant restaurants and bars, including five speciality restaurants. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options, from a chic French bistro to an American grill, and the most extensive selection of wines at the exclusive wine bar, complemented by a sophisticated two-tier Champagne and cocktail bar. Over the coming months, Cinnamon Life will continue to elevate its culinary landscape by opening more dining experiences.
While Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka opened on October 15, 2024, the shopping mall and entertainment areas, including the gaming facility, and the 113-key ultra-luxury ‘Nuwa’ hotel are scheduled to open in mid-2025, marking the final phase of this landmark project.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, described the project as transformational for the group and the country: “City of Dreams Sri Lanka is an iconic project that was conceived over a decade ago; a one-of-a-kind venture that will undoubtedly convert Colombo into a preferred destination for leisure and entertainment in the region, offering best-in-class lifestyle, shopping, and entertainment spaces. The group is confident that the convergence of all elements in the launch of ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ will unlock its full potential as a transformative development in South Asia and be a catalyst in creating tourism demand, foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka, and generating employment. The City of Dreams Sri Lanka project, once all components are fully operational, is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment and community engagement opportunities.” This landmark development is part of the group’s broader strategy to position Sri Lanka as a leader in the regional and global marketplace. By pioneering large-scale projects such as Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, John Keells reinforces its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.
Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s evolving urban core, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka houses a living gallery of over 1,000 commissioned, museum-grade artworks crafted by renowned Sri Lankan artists.
As an integral part of its vision, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort is dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment. The resort aims to continue the success of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts portfolio, which has achieved an 86% reduction in single-use plastic consumption and prestigious sustainability certifications such as LEED and Travelife Gold by engaging with local artisans and supporting regional businesses. Its commitment to responsible tourism ensures the island’s natural beauty is preserved while guests enjoy a luxury experience that honours the environment.
More than just a place to stay, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka aspires to become Colombo’s pulse, offering a dynamic space for entertainment, art, music, fashion, and culinary exploration.
