The hospitality sector in South Asia is evolving rapidly, and one brand leading the charge is Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. With a growing portfolio across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the company is reshaping luxury travel by fusing high-end experiences with meaningful sustainability initiatives. For travellers seeking more than just a hotel stay, Cinnamon offers immersive destinations, eco-responsible operations, and culturally rich guest experiences.
Expanding Footprint & Destination Offerings
Cinnamon’s presence spans key locations in Sri Lanka – from the beach haven of Bentota to the rugged wildlife terrain of Yala – and in the Maldives, where island resorts cater to luxury seekers and honeymooners alike. A major landmark in the group’s expansion is the integrated resort in Colombo, which is set to become one of the largest hospitality investments in South Asia when completed.
In Sri Lanka, properties such as Bentota Beach, Citadel Kandy, Wild Yala and others combine resort relaxation, wildlife adventure, and cultural immersion. Meanwhile, in the Maldives, locations like Dhonveli and Velifushi appeal to travellers who prioritise over-water suites, coral reefs and secluded indulgence. As air connectivity between India and these destinations improves, Indian travellers are increasingly a key demographic for Cinnamon’s growth strategy.
Sustainability as Core Pillar
What sets Cinnamon apart is the depth of its sustainability commitment. The group has woven Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations and brand identity. In Sri Lanka, a rainforest restoration project spanning 59 acres around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve has planted more than 23,000 native saplings and continues to protect critical habitat in collaboration with state authorities and the John Keells Foundation.
In the Maldives, the brand has implemented innovations such as ocean-data loggers to monitor temperature, salinity and marine health, deployed reef-restoration cubes and established tree-planting and beach-cleanup programmes. Across its properties, Cinnamon has adopted aggressive targets to eliminate guest-facing single-use plastics, divert waste from landfills, recycle treated wastewater and harvest rainwater.
Energy-use benchmarking confirms that many Cinnamon sites outperform regional leaders in efficiency, water conservation and waste management. Such performance not only demonstrates operational discipline but also signals to global travellers that luxury need not compromise environmental responsibility.
Crafting Unique Guest Experience
Beyond sustainability credentials, Cinnamon builds guest experiences that reflect place, heritage and purpose. In Sri Lanka, visitors can go from recovery and rejuvenation at a beach resort to a leopard safari in Yala National Park or an elephant-gathering project in the jungle. In the Maldives, the over-water villas and beachfront suites are complemented by marine-education sessions, coral-planting activities and access to pristine seascapes.
A new loyalty programme, guest-experience platforms and digital enhancements enable Cinnamon to personalise stays and recognise frequent travellers. The brand also emphasises local culture – from cuisine crafted with regional produce to community-engagement initiatives that link guests with local artisans, farmers and conservationists.
Targeting Growth Markets – India & Beyond
India remains a strategic focus for Cinnamon’s expansion. Direct flights from major Indian cities to Sri Lanka and the Maldives make travel convenient, while demand from emerging Indian markets is rising. The travel preference for luxury, domestic-adjacent resorts and experiential holidays aligns well with Cinnamon’s value proposition.
As younger, affluent Indian travellers seek destinations that offer both indulgence and meaning, Cinnamon’s combination of premium hospitality and sustainability gives it a competitive edge. The brand is also tapping into segments such as wellness tourism, destination weddings and curated cultural escapes that appeal to international and regional travellers alike.
Impacts on Local Economies & Travel Ecosystems
The ripple effects of Cinnamon’s expansion and responsible-luxury model extend beyond hotel walls. By prioritising local sourcing, partner engagement, community agriculture and conservation employment, the brand supports regional economies and creates livelihood opportunities. Wildlife-protection projects and reef-restoration initiatives further position host destinations as globally competitive while staying true to their natural heritage.
For the Maldives, where tourism and environment are deeply intertwined, Cinnamon’s focus on reducing desalination-footprint, promoting water recycling and halting single-use plastics helps safeguard fragile ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, the push into less-visited locales diversifies tourism away from just major beach zones and encourages visitors to explore the country’s cultural and wildlife hinterlands.
What This Means for Travellers
For the discerning traveller, Cinnamon means more than luxury—it means travel with purpose. Guests can expect refined accommodations, top-tier service and luxury aesthetics, but also opportunities to participate in conservation, learn about local culture and engage meaningfully with destination environments. Whether choosing a beach resort in Bentota, a jungle lodge in Yala or an island hideaway in the Maldives, the brand offers freedom to curate multi-destination itineraries that combine rest, adventure and reflection.
Those planning stays should consider becoming part of the loyalty programme, exploring off-peak periods to unlock value, and opting for properties with active sustainability initiatives. Travellers who value eco-responsible hospitality will find in Cinnamon a compelling choice.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Cinnamon’s strategy appears both ambitious and thoughtful. With more investments in flagship integrated resorts, deeper digital guest-engagement, expansion into emerging markets and continued leadership in sustainability, the group is setting new benchmarks in the region’s hospitality sector. As global tourism evolves—with greater emphasis on authenticity, responsibility and experience—Cinnamon is well-positioned to benefit.
By reinforcing Sri Lanka and the Maldives as top luxury-travel destinations aligned with environmental and community values, Cinnamon helps reshape how travellers define “luxury”. Instead of just opulence and comfort, luxury now also means connection, consciousness and contribution.
In summary, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts presents a model of hospitality that honours place, protects planet, and delights guests. For anyone seeking a luxury escape that leaves a positive footprint—on themselves and the destinations they visit—this is travel reimagined at its finest.
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