Cinnamon Wild

A 335 km drive from Bandaranaike International Airport brings you to Sri Lanka’s leopard central, where Cinnamon Wild is tucked away in a hamlet famous for its biodiversity.

With a pictorial location on the border of Yala National Park, the luxurious jungle beach resort presents a thrilling opportunity to immerse in the island’s famed wildlife. Secluded chalets with dark wood furniture, canopied beds and contemporary amenities enclose you in the magical woods, where you’ll wake up to the deep rumbling of a tusker or a residential grey langur (native monkey) cavorting on the roof. For sea views, choose an elevated Beach Villa with a cavernous balcony and rain shower. The resort’s tranquil spa and massive swimming pool are great spaces for socialising, with both humans as well animals at a mutually respectful distance. In-room and restaurant dining facilities offer Sri Lankan and international cuisines. You may spot a wild boar ambling by while sipping a coconut daiquiri at Pugmarks, the poolside bar, or get really lucky with a sighting of the regional mascot – a spotted big cat – from the stylish observation deck of the lodge. Yala National Park, home to among Asia’s largest leopard populations besides elephants, wild water buffaloes and other protected species, is a mere five minutes from the lodge, so you have plenty of opportunities to spot its residents on jeep safaris. During the rest of your stay, go on guided nature walks within the property, bird watching trips to Bundala and a visit to the Buddhist ruins at Magul Maha Viharaya.