Cinnamon Life: A Luxurious Transformation at City of Dreams Sri Lanka
On October 15, 2023, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in Colombo’s evolving tourism landscape. This lavish hotel is the first component of a $1.2 billion integrated resort (IR) project, a collaborative venture between Melco Resorts and John Keells Holdings (JKH). This ambitious development is designed not merely to provide luxury accommodations but to reshape the region’s tourism narrative and stimulate economic growth.
The Vision Behind City of Dreams
The City of Dreams project envisions a transformative approach to entertainment and hospitality in Sri Lanka. With the opening of Cinnamon Life, it aims to attract international tourists and elevate local travel experiences. This first phase includes not only the hotel but also world-class amenities that cater to upscale travelers, which promises to place Sri Lanka firmly on the map as a premier tourist destination.
What’s Next? The Upcoming Attractions
While the opening of Cinnamon Life is a momentous achievement, it is just the beginning. The project’s Phase 2 will introduce several new features, including a state-of-the-art Melco casino, an expansive shopping district, and the ultra-luxurious Nuwa hotel. Anticipated to be completed by mid-2025, this next phase of development is expected to further enhance the tourist experience and reinforce Sri Lanka as an international leisure destination.
The full integrated resort is projected to generate substantial annual gross gaming revenue (GGR)—between $200 million and $250 million—indicating robust economic potential for both investors and local economies. Lawrence Ho, Melco’s Chairman and CEO, expressed his confidence in the project’s profitability, describing it as "a small wager with the promise of strong returns."
A Commitment to Local Tourism
One of the prominent aspects of the City of Dreams Sri Lanka initiative is its commitment to local tourism. Ho has stated that he sees immense potential in Sri Lanka, emphasizing that this venture complements their existing portfolio of properties. The project is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly benefiting the local workforce and contributing positively to the community.
JKH Chairman and CEO Krishan Balendra hailed the project as “an iconic development” and drawn direct comparisons to Singapore’s integrated resorts, which have historically spurred tourism growth. “The opening of those IRs in 2010 resulted in an immediate surge in tourist arrivals to Singapore,” Balendra noted, hinting at a similar trajectory for Sri Lanka.
Setting a New Standard in Luxury
Cinnamon Life is not just another hotel; it aims to set a new standard for luxury and entertainment in South Asia. The modern architecture combined with exceptional service promises a unique experience for guests, whether they seek relaxation or excitement. The integrated resort model of City of Dreams is anticipated to cater to diverse audiences, including business travelers, families, and luxury vacationers.
Conclusion
The official opening of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a pivotal moment for the country’s hospitality and tourism industry. By attracting investment and reinventing the tourism experience, this project not only sets the stage for economic revival but also aims to place Sri Lanka firmly on the international tourism map. With a commitment to local communities and a focus on luxury, City of Dreams is poised to transform Colombo into an exciting hub for tourism and entertainment in the coming years. As we move towards the anticipated completion of additional phases, all eyes will be on how this ambitious project unfolds, reshaping the future of travel in this beautiful island nation.
