The Birth of a New Chapter for Colombo
Live from Cinnamon Life’s Latest Hotel Opening
“Today a decade-long dream becomes a reality”
3 years in the making and Colombo’s skyline makes way for a bold new beginning with Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. Get ready to experience the island like never before with the hotel completely reimagining the world of incentives and business. Just 1 week into their hotel launch, we catch up with the team on the ground to see what’s in store for your next incentive….
The Vision behind Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams
“This has been one fantastic journey that we’ve had over about 10 years now. We set out to transform the city of Colombo, to make Colombo the epicentre of entertainment and lifestyle of South Asia, to make it a reason for people to stay longer, come more often and have things to do. We wanted to create something absolutely unique to the region. It’s very exciting that we’re now delivering on that” - Suresh Rajendra , President of the Leisure Sector of the John Keells Group
“I always wanted to come to a country that’s untouched in the development of hospitality. By bringing this 1.3-billion-dollar amazing project to Sri Lanka we’re really changing the entire destination. Not only are we transforming Sri Lanka, but we’re putting Colombo on the map. Colombo was always seen before us as the destination you landed at before going to the beauties of Sri Lanka – to Yala, the tea plantations, the beaches in Bentota but now with our project we’ve managed to really put Colombo on the map so that people have a reason to stop in Colombo. It’s going to change the entire country” - Alessandro Aldo Cabella , Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
World-class Gastronomy from all Corners of the Earth
“The outlets are conceptualised at 100% - not just in terms of food quality and the beverages but in terms of the uniform, the entire interior design, the music, the lighting, the selection of the chefs which we’re bringing in… these are what makes all our food outlets winners. The citizens of Colombo love going out and everything that we’re bringing to the city of Colombo is way above what Colombo had. The journey has been amazing.
In fact, when I go to a hotel there are 3 elements, I look for which I know will define how good the executive chef is – the club sandwich, the Caesar salad and the omelette in the morning. With those 3 simple items you’ll know if your hotel has a suburb culinary leader. For our club sandwich we use Peameal bacon specially imported from Canada which gives a sweetness and crack to the club sandwich as well as whipped hand-made garlic mayo – unbelievable!” - Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
5 Restaurants for your Next Incentive
Staten Bar & Grill
Welcome to Staten Bar & Grill, where the essence of an American steakhouse is brought to life in every aspect of the world-class dining experience. At the heart of the restaurant is the open parrilla grill, filling the air with the irresistible aromas of expertly grilled meats, inviting diners to embark on a memorable culinary journey.
Quizine
An all-day dining experience centered around dynamic live cooking stations. Quizine brings the world to your palate. From an array of worldly breakfasts, exquisite lunches and elaborate dinner selections, guests can traverse the globe through taste, making Quizine a constant journey of exploration.
Bistro des Marees
Step through the hotel’s doors and onto the cobbled paths of the French Riviera: Designed to encapsulate the essence of French luxury dining, featuring an exclusive seafood bar that boasts an impressive selection of the ocean's finest treasures: oysters, lobsters, crabs, clams, and mussels, all prepared to perfection.
Cloud Wine
Inspired by the exhilarating feeling of being 'On Cloud Nine,' Cloud Wine brings a sophisticated yet approachable wine bar experience to Sri Lanka. As the first of its kind, Cloud Wine is set to redefine the country’s wine culture.
At the heart of its concept is a meticulously curated selection of world-class wines, thoughtfully paired with gourmet canapés, transforming every visit into a celebration of taste and refinement. Whether you're a passionate connoisseur or just beginning your exploration of wine, Cloud Wine promises an unforgettable journey, where each sip leaves a lasting impression.
Gatz
The setting, a floating cantilever; the view, a 270-degrees of the Indian Ocean, and stunning cityscapes, Gatz is a dramatic space floating amid the clouds. The two-tiered Champagne and Cocktail bar, offers a thoughtfully crafted experience that will also shock (pleasantly). An exquisite selection of champagnes and experiential cocktails, appeal to both traditional tastes and modern sensibilities.
Luxury Experiences at your Doorstep
Thalangama Wetlands
Just 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Colombo lies the serene Thalangama Wetlands, a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Take your team on a guided eco-tour and enjoy the fresh air as you explore the wetlands’ diverse flora and fauna, reconnect with nature, and recharge.
Musical Minds
Immerse your group in the timeless charm of vinyl music at the residence of Sri Lanka’s only DJ “dedicated to spinning records.” Explore a personal collection of rare vinyl records and enjoy a private session with the DJ.
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Life in Clouds
Embark on an extraordinary adventure across Sri Lanka with Cinnamon Air, the resort’s exclusive air taxi service.
As Suresh goes on to explain “Cinnamon Air enables us to transport our guests across the country within minutes. You can get up in the morning, play a round of golf 100km away and come back in time for lunch! The aircraft will also land at all the resorts so that we can give a complete offering to all out guests.”
Hoping to explore Yala and Colombo all in one incentive trip? With Cinnamon Air, it’s all possible “We have our own hotel in Yala right at the doorstep of the park. So, with Cinnamon Air we can fly people there and back in no time at all. It’s now very accessible”.
Colombo Art Mule
Perfect for culturally-inclined groups, this tour takes attendees on a curated art tour, exploring Colombo’s hidden galleries, street art, and private studios of renowned Sri Lankan artists. Event planners can create bespoke tours tailored to their group’s interests, allowing them to dive deep into the island’s rich art scene while drawing inspiration from Colombo’s artistic pioneers. It’s an immersive experience that brings together creativity, culture, and connection.
Colombooze
Experience the lively spirit of Colombo’s nightlife with Colombooze, a guided tour through the city’s vibrant drinking culture. From elegant cocktail bars to hidden local gems, this experience is perfect for incentive groups looking to unwind and socialise after a day of meetings or team-building activities.
Tree Walk at the Heart of the City
Situated within the sacred grounds of one of Colombo’s prominent cathedrals, the garden is home to an array of ancient, precious trees. Take a guided tree walk and learn about the rich botanical history of the area, offering your incentive group a serene retreat in the heart of Colombo.
Bolgoda Sunset Cruise
The Bolgoda Sunset Cruise takes groups on a tranquil journey across the lake, where they can soak in the beauty of the surrounding nature and enjoy a quiet moment of reflection as the sun sets on the horizon. A reward after a day of hard work or a bonding experience for colleagues and team members, it’s the perfect, idyllic escape from the city.
Sunset Splendour Sail
If your group prefers the ocean over lakes, the Sunset Splendour Sail is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Embark on a sailing cruise just off the coast of Colombo, where attendees can enjoy the gentle ocean breeze, stunning sunset views, and a luxurious sailing experience.
Luxury Venues for Groups of All Sizes
“Whether you're floating above the clouds on our breathtaking cantilever or celebrating under the glow of custom-made lights in our ballrooms, every moment will feel truly larger than life.”
Featuring 160,000 square feet of event spaces along with meeting rooms that convert into breakout venues, you can choose from 6 indoor venues and 1 stunning outdoor venue that offer beautiful views of the ocean and city.
Lumina Ballroom
This sophisticated venue features a high-tech LED ceiling and adaptable smart lighting, setting a refined ambience. The spacious, column free ballroom can be configured into three separate areas with electronic partitions, suitable for events of varying scales. Over 5,400 square feet of pre function space and a dedicated entrance ensure seamless flow and convenience.
Cumulus Ballroom
Nestled on the 22nd floor, it provides an unparalleled panoramic view spanning 270 degrees, unobstructed by floor to ceiling glass walls. Perched 100 metres above Colombo's cityscape, this pillarless event space is situated on the hotel's cantilever, a unique architectural design that extends from the main building, seamlessly blending the serenity of the outdoors with the comforts of the indoor setting.
Celestine Ballroom
This grand ballroom offers an extensive 270-degree panorama encompassing the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, setting a spectacular scene for any occasion. Adjacent to this exquisite space is a pre function area spanning 4,986 square feet. Extending gracefully from the main structure, the Celestine Ballroom merges the tranquillity of the outdoors with the sumptuous comfort of an indoor venue, promising an unmatched experience. It accommodates up to 180 guests and offers stunning 270° views of the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake, and the Colombo skyline.
The Forum
It features a separate entrance lobby for seamless guest access and a versatile pre function area of 3,285 square feet. The space can be divided into two sections using electronic dropdown partitions, offering adaptability for different event requirements. It is equipped with two 300” screens, 18k lumens laser projectors, and four SR-5 Stagemakers with a 500kg industrial suspension hoist system, ensuring a high tech and flexible setting for any occasion.
The Studio
It is strategically located near partitionable meeting rooms with a capability of dividing into six spaces. The venue is equipped with four units of SR-5 Stagemakers, a 500kg industrial suspension hoist system, six sets of 250 screens, and 16k lumens laser projectors, ensuring top tier visual and structural capabilities for any event.
The Podium
With direct access from the entrance ramp and parking lot, it offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Set against a stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the venue provides a breathtaking setting that adds a remarkable dimension to any event. Whether for gala dinners, exhibitions, or corporate gatherings, The Podium ensures an impressive and memorable experience for all attendees.
Boardroom
A strategic location adjacent to the Conference Hall, the resort’s boardroom positions itself as an excellent companion venue for hosting breakout sessions.
Join inVOYAGE next November as we head there for ourselves with 150 of the top faces of the luxury incentive industry. See the hotel for yourself and get ready to network with the industry’s top brands and event professionals: