Integrated resort with 800 luxury rooms:

Cinnamon Life, an architectural icon

Cinnamon Life has taken development to the next level making it hard for others to follow. Comprising all essential spaces it will set the trend in future property development for Sri Lanka to become an icon of modern South Asia.

Cinnamon Life was launched by Waterfront Properties (Pvt) Limited, a member of the John Keells Group, last week.

This architectural icon has been envisioned as a 4.5 million square foot integrated resort consisting of an 800-room luxury Cinnamon hotel, avant garde experiential and entertainment haven, residential apartments, state-of-the-art office spaces, a wide variety of food and beverages and ballroom, conferencing, theatre and banqueting spaces.

This mixed development project is Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment. Cinnamon Life, with its vibrant and inspired concept, is of significant national importance and will become the epicentre of modern South Asia.

This integrated resort development will be executed as a ‘life capital’, an architectural heart beat, where different aspects of life, living, working and playing, blend seamlessly, interact, empowering one another in new ways.

Internationally-renowned architect, artist and engineer, Cecil Balmond, the design visionary behind some of the most popular buildings in the world, including the Arcelor Mittal Orbit in London and the CCTV in Beijing will bring this inspired concept to life, while a consortium of contractors headed by Hyundai Engineering and Construction are the contractors for the project.

“Looking at it from an architectural and design point of view, it will be a composition of several forms. The integrated nature, design and the lifestyle it offers will make this the flagship development project of Sri Lanka. The shape and form of the project is such that it will stand as a guard stone for the city,” Balmond said.

The structure of the project provides a backdrop to the city and the sea. Its massive projections are powerful dynamic statements in architecture. The scalloped form gives it a romantic shape and mirrors the Beira Lake.

Deputy Chairman, John Keells Holdings, Ajit Gunewardene said, “Cinnamon Life was conceptualized as a flagship project for Sri Lanka as it stakes its claim in the international arena after decades of remaining on the sidelines.

The first of its kind in the region, Cinnamon Life will shine bright like a beacon of prosperity and help support the country’s development.”

“Locals and tourists need a destination to gather and enjoy themselves when they work, live or play and Cinnamon Life will be their playground! The integrated resort concept will attract investors, high-end brands, leisure and business travellers and the local populace who will be compelled to be part of its contemporary ethos,” he said.

“This project will generate numerous benefits for the economy and the community. More importantly, Cinnamon Life will engender a sense of pride to be Sri Lankan as it will signal the march of the country towards a vibrant future,” Gunewardene said.

John Keells Property Group, President, Suresh Rajendra said, “The legendary reputation of the company precedes us in the marketplace and we are overwhelmed by the expressions of interest for bookings for ‘The Residence’. About 40 percent of the first tower is already booked. John Keells will be replicating its successful guaranteed rental scheme which was operational at its Emperor and Monarch projects.”

Based on its sheer scale and powerful ambition, Cinnamon Life will showcase Sri Lanka’s aspirations and reliability to the region and define Sri Lanka as the place where possibilities are endless.

- SJ