Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka Opens, Ushering in a New Era for Colombo's Tourism and Entertainment Scene

The John Keells Group recently opened the doors of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the largest and most ambitious private investment in the country, valued at over USD 1.2 billion. This landmark project is set to redefine Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, providing a dynamic destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.

Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cinnamon Life, commented on the project saying “The highly anticipated launch of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka marks a pivotal step in enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism and elevating the country’s global profile. As South Asia’s largest entertainment hub, it positions Colombo to attract international travelers, high-profile events, and world-class exhibitions. This project enables Sri Lanka to participate in prestigious trade shows like ITB Berlin, IMEX Frankfurt, and the Arabian Travel Market and many others, opening new avenues for business and tourism. Cinnamon Life isn’t just reshaping Colombo’s skyline, it’s transforming how the world views Sri Lanka, creating fresh opportunities and placing the country on the map as a must-visit destination for entertainment and business events.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka offers 687 luxurious rooms, and an array of world-class facilities, including expansive ballrooms and state-of-the-art event and conference spaces with a capacity to host over 5,000 guests across various locations. As the largest event venue in Colombo, it is poised to set a new standard for international conferences and large-scale events, positioning Colombo as a premier global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

With a workforce of over 1,500 professionals, including 250 highly skilled chefs, Cinnamon Life promises a culinary experience like no other. The venue offers a wide range of dining options, from a chic French bistro to an American grill, complemented by an exclusive wine bar with the most extensive wine selection in the city and a sophisticated two-tier Champagne and cocktail bar. More exciting dining experiences are set to open in the coming months.

Additionally, Cinnamon Life is set to become a premier location for destination weddings and special events. Its picturesque surroundings and modern elegance blend seamlessly with Sri Lankan charm, offering a unique venue for unforgettable celebrations in the heart of the city.

While the hotel opens its doors in October 2024, the project will continue to evolve, with the shopping mall, entertainment areas, and the 113-key ultra-luxury ‘Nuwa’ hotel scheduled to open in mid-2025. This marks the final phase of this game-changing development.

Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, remarked on the long-term vision of the project: “‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ is an iconic project that was conceived over a decade ago. It will undoubtedly convert Colombo into a preferred destination for leisure and entertainment in the region, offering best-in-class lifestyle, shopping, and entertainment spaces. We are confident that the convergence of all elements in this project will unlock its full potential as a transformative development for South Asia. It will create tourism demand, boost foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka, and generate employment, with over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs and community engagement opportunities expected once all components are operational.”

Situated at the heart of Colombo’s rapidly evolving urban landscape, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka will also feature over 1,000 museum-grade artworks by celebrated Sri Lankan artists. This collection showcases the depth of Sri Lankan artistic heritage, offering a contemporary twist while celebrating the country’s cultural richness.

More than just a hotel, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka aspires to be the cultural heartbeat of Colombo, providing a vibrant space for art, music, fashion, culinary exploration, and entertainment. From October 15th onwards, both locals and visitors can experience world-class service, as this landmark destination becomes a key player in Sri Lanka’s hospitality and entertainment industries.