Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector is on a steady growth trajectory. It is projected to hit $13.28 billion this year and reach a market volume of $16.41 billion by 2029. 

One of the main tourist hotspots in South Asia is Sri Lanka, a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean with beautiful beaches, and a rich culture and history. 

No wonder Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues to gain momentum, with a significant year-on-year increase in visitor numbers during 2025, according to the latest official data.

With the tourism sector booming, hotels in the country focus on sustainability and cultural authenticity to build a loyal community of guests. 

Representing a shift in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is the country’s largest and most ambitious private investment. The John Keells Group developed it at a cost exceeding $1.2 billion. 

“In a post-crisis landscape where global travelers seek new, culturally rich, and experience-led destinations, Cinnamon Life offers the scale, vision, and credibility to help reclaim Sri Lanka’s status as a premier player in international tourism,” says Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

The resort, which opened in October last year in Colombo, is over 4.5 million square feet and features 687 luxury rooms and a variety of entertainment venues. 

Hulugalle explains that Cinnamon Life was conceived to be a seamless, unified experience. 

“More than a physical space, it’s an invitation for visitors to stop, stay, and truly experience Colombo.”

By integrating lifestyle, entertainment, hospitality, and business under one roof, Cinnamon Life, he says, positions the city as a world-stage destination—shifting perceptions from transit point to cultural epicenter.

IMPACT ON THE REGION

According to Hulugalle, the property is positioned to set a new benchmark for integrated luxury destinations in South Asia. 

“In today’s context, luxury transcends aesthetics; it’s about curated experiences, accessibility, and emotional resonance. Cinnamon Life embodies this by offering a comprehensive lifestyle experience,” he says.

The development features 15 dining outlets and South Asia’s first international gaming facility by Melco Resorts. 

“This entertainment-centric model caters to travelers seeking immersive experiences beyond traditional accommodations. With a substantial investment backing,” Hulugalle says.

As the largest private tourism investment in the country’s history, he says, it marks a pivotal shift in Colombo’s evolution from a commercial hub to a fully-fledged destination city. “It is an economic catalyst that redefines Sri Lanka’s global offering.”

Designed to meet the growing demand for urban experiences that combine business functionality with lifestyle appeal while supporting Sri Lanka’s broader tourism agenda, the project integrates entertainment, hospitality, and business facilities to attract high-value tourism, corporate travel, and investment.

CULTURAL INTEGRATION

The development design draws inspiration from the traditional moonstone, a symbol deeply rooted in local culture. Hulugalle says the aim from the outset was to create a destination that reflects the spirit of the island—its creativity, warmth, and heritage.  

To realize this vision, it enlisted British-Sri Lankan architect Cecil Balmond, whose initial sketch—famously drawn on a tissue—imagined the structure as a modern-day guard stone, symbolizing the gateway to a reimagined Colombo.

“One of our proudest expressions of this is the living gallery within the resort, which features over 1,000 pieces of commissioned art by Sri Lankan artists. These works—spanning textiles, sculpture, and mixed media—don’t just adorn the space; they tell the story of who we are,” he adds.

From heirloom ingredients in the kitchens to handcrafted design elements throughout the property, Hulugalle emphasizes that the property delivers a luxury experience that is “unmistakably and proudly Sri Lankan.”

SUSTAINABILITY IS INTEGRAL

Sustainability plays a central role in its vision. The development has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and features rainwater harvesting systems, solar energy integration, and advanced waste management solutions.

“Operationally, there’s a strong emphasis on local employment, with over 97% of our employees being Sri Lankan, and partnerships with local suppliers, fostering long-term community value,” Hulugalle says.