AT CITY OF DREAMS SRI LANKA

 Q: How did the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore experience shape your approach to hospitality and entertainment management? And how do you see those lessons being applied at Cinnamon Life?

Alessandro Aldo Cabella (AAC): Working and being a part of the launch of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was a transformative experience that has undeniably shaped how I approach hospitality and entertainment. At Marina Bay Sands, I learned the importance of scale, precision and innovation.

It wasn’t simply about building a hotel – it was about creating a destination. Every detail had to offer something unique, from the design of the spaces to the guest experience. That mindset is something I carry with me at Cinnamon Life where the goal is not only to set new benchmarks for Sri Lanka but also for the entire region.

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is a billion dollar development that will redefine Colombo’s status as an entertainment destination. We are not merely offering a place to stay – we’re creating a world-class entertainment hub, the largest in South Asia. The ethos I bring from Marina Bay Sands is simple: focus on creating an unforgettable experience and the rest will follow.

Q: What drew you to Cinnamon Life – and how do you envision it becoming South Asia’s largest entertainment hub?

AAC: Cinnamon Life was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. Having previously been involved in a similar launch, I understand what it takes to create not just a hotel but a landmark that reshapes an entire city.

What drew me to Cinnamon Life was its potential to transform Colombo from a stopover into South Asia’s largest entertainment hub. The scale and ambition of this project are unmatched in the region.

Cinnamon Life is more than just a place to stay – it’s a complete experience. With over 1,800 team members, we’re building a destination that will cater not only to tourists but also be the premier venue for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events and destination weddings.

Our cantilevered ballrooms are the first of their kind in South Asia and with more than 160,000 square feet of event space, we’re ready to host world-class conventions, exhibitions and celebrations.

What truly excites me is the experiential side of this project. Cinnamon Life will be home to a range of world-class restaurants and bars, bringing together culinary excellence from around the globe. We’re creating an environment where guests don’t simply visit but immerse themselves in Colombo’s culture, entertainment and vibrancy.

Cinnamon Life is set to redefine hospitality in Sri Lanka and will undoubtedly establish itself as South Asia’s leading entertainment hub. This is not just a hotel; it’s a game changer.

Q: Can you share how your global expertise, particularly from projects such as Marina Bay Sands, is contributing to the training and development of hospitality professionals here in Sri Lanka?

AAC: Having worked in some of the world’s most dynamic cities, I’ve learned that the key to success is always the people. The heart of any great hospitality experience lies in the team behind it. With Cinnamon Life, one of my top priorities has been to bring this understanding to Sri Lanka by fostering a culture of excellence that supports and nurtures local talent.

We’ve created 1,800 jobs thus far at Cinnamon Life, which is not simply about numbers but building a community of hospitality professionals who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.

Training has been a major focus, ensuring that our colleagues receive world-class exposure and education. Whether it is service excellence, cutting-edge event management or culinary innovation, we’re providing opportunities that empower our team to grow and thrive.

The lessons I learned at Marina Bay Sands in managing scale, delivering seamless guest experiences and fostering innovations are being adapted and applied here in Colombo. Our approach isn’t merely about serving the immediate needs of our guests; it’s about creating leaders within our team and ensuring that they’re prepared to drive the sector forward.

Ultimately, our goal is to elevate the hospitality landscape in Sri Lanka by developing local talent and giving them the tools to shape the future of the sector, both at home and internationally.

Q: What unique challenges have you encountered in managing and launching Cinnamon Life compared to your experiences in other parts of the world?

AAC: Every project brings its own set of challenges and Cinnamon Life is no exception. What’s unique about this project is the scale and ambition – particularly in a market such as Colombo, which is still relatively untapped compared to global hubs including Singapore or Dubai.

One of the main challenges has been navigating the evolving infrastructure and systems here while simultaneously setting up South Asia’s largest entertainment hub. The project requires meticulous coordination, from working with local authorities to integrating global standards of hospitality.

Another challenge has been building a team capable of executing a vision of this magnitude. While Sri Lanka boasts incredible talent, we’ve needed to upskill and train many of our team members to meet the demands of an integrated resort of this size.

Creating 1,800 jobs at Cinnamon Life has been rewarding but ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the same level of expertise found in more developed hospitality markets required substantial investment in training and development.

There’s also the cultural factor. Every region has its own unique approach to hospitality, and we’ve worked hard to marry Sri Lanka’s natural warmth and hospitality with the precision and innovation required for a project of this scale.

Adapting international best practices to fit the local context has been a challenge but it’s also what makes this project exciting. We’re not just launching a hotel – we’re setting new benchmarks for the entire region and that means navigating uncharted territory with each step.

Q: As a leader in hospitality, how do you see Cinnamon Life setting new benchmarks for the sector both regionally and globally?

Mikael Svensson (MS): As Cinnamon Life evolves, we’re setting new benchmarks for hospitality both regionally and globally by reimagining Colombo as a vibrant, world-class destination.

Traditionally, Colombo has been viewed as a gateway to the rest of Sri Lanka. But Cinnamon Life aims to shift that narrative by positioning Colombo as a standalone destination for entertainment, business and leisure. We’re creating an experiential hub that offers more than luxury stays; it’s about delivering unforgettable moments for our guests.

A key differentiator is our partnership with the world renowned Melco Resorts & Entertainment through which we are introducing the first ever City of Dreams casino in the region. This collaboration not only brings a new level of luxury and excitement to Colombo but also positions Cinnamon Life as the new flagship property for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

On a regional level, Cinnamon Life is pioneering a unique blend of hospitality, entertainment and business, emphasising our commitment to excellence and innovation, and positioning Sri Lanka as a key player on the global stage.

It’s about creating a holistic experience that appeals to diverse travellers. By demonstrating the potential of integrated resorts, we are paving the way for future investments that will contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth.

Ultimately, Cinnamon Life cements Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ leadership in the sector by setting a new benchmark and City of Dreams Sri Lanka as the premier integrated resort in the region, enhancing our brand’s influence and expanding our presence beyond borders.

Q: In what ways is Cinnamon Life positioning itself as an entertainment hub – and what kind of experiences can guests expect to distinguish it from other properties in the region?

MS: Cinnamon Life is emerging as the largest entertainment hub in South Asia with a comprehensive approach that extends far beyond traditional hospitality. The expansive 4.5 million square feet of the City of Dreams integrated resort is designed to deliver a diverse range of experiences that bring together culture, art, music and world-class performances.

Within the vast spaces we’ve dedicated 150,000 square feet to host a variety of events from live concerts to global exhibitions, positioning us as the go-to destination for both local and international audiences.

What truly sets us apart is our extensive range of offerings, meticulously designed to provide unmatched experiences. Cinnamon Life will feature a multitude of exceptional restaurants and bars – each conceptualised to feel like stand-alone, world-class dining destinations. Operated with the same approach, these venues will bring together the best culinary talent from across Sri Lanka and the world, elevating the dining experience to another level.

With three grand ballrooms including two that dramatically protrude from the 22nd floor of the building, fully encased in glass and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Cinnamon Life is redefining event experiences, setting new standards for luxury and innovation.

Additionally, our six storey mall reimagines the retail experience with immersive elements that go beyond shopping. The ultra-luxury Nüwa Hotel managed by Melco offers an elevated level of privacy and personalised service, catering to the most discerning travellers. Combined with the prestigious City of Dreams casino, Cinnamon Life sets itself apart as a premier entertainment and lifestyle destination, unmatched in the region.

Q: Cinnamon Life is being touted as a game changer for Sri Lanka’s hospitality and entertainment sectors. What do you both see as its key differentiators?

AAC: What sets Cinnamon Life apart is the absolute scale and ambition behind it. We’re creating something that Sri Lanka has never seen before – a fully integrated entertainment and lifestyle hub. The key differentiator is that it’s not merely about offering luxury accommodation or fine dining; it’s about providing a complete experience under one roof.

We’re talking about 687 rooms, exceptional event spaces, and entertainment and dining options that cater to all tastes. We are really building a destination where guests can immerse themselves in a world of culture, entertainment and leisure, all while feeling connected to the local environment.

One of the aspects I’m particularly proud of is how we’re blending international standards with Sri Lankan culture. It’s this fusion that gives us an edge where guests can enjoy world-class facilities while still experiencing the warmth and uniqueness of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Our goal is to be more than just a place to stay – we want to be a place where people come to explore, celebrate and truly engage with Colombo in a way they have never before.

MS: Cinnamon Life is not just raising the bar – it’s redefining the hospitality and entertainment landscape in Sri Lanka and beyond. Our key differentiator is the breadth of experiences we offer, tailored to diverse audiences, from business travellers and families to tourists seeking cultural immersion.

This holistic approach sets us apart from traditional resorts, making Cinnamon Life a destination in its own right. We’re turning Colombo into a hub for major international events, concerts and exhibitions, which keeps the city relevant and vibrant for years to come.

A commitment to global standards while maintaining a distinctly local touch is what sets us apart. Every element of Cinnamon Life is designed to make guests feel the unique pulse of Colombo, enhancing their connection to the city in a way that’s both inspiring and effortlessly welcoming.

Q: What role do you think Cinnamon Life will play in transforming Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape in the next decade?

AAC: Cinnamon Life is going to be a pivotal force in shaping Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape over the next decade. What we’re doing is creating a destination that will elevate Colombo from being just a stopover point to become a must visit destination on its own.

I truly believe that Cinnamon Life will set a new standard, not only for Sri Lanka but for South Asia as a whole. We’re offering a unique blend of entertainment, hospitality and culture all in one place, and that’s something you don’t find elsewhere in the region.

In the next decade, I see Cinnamon Life becoming the epicentre of Colombo’s transformation, drawing in not only international tourists but also businesses, events and conferences on a scale that hasn’t been witnessed here before.

By integrating global standards with Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, we’re opening opportunities for a new wave of travellers – those who seek not only luxury but also experiences that are authentic, vibrant and diverse. And that’s going to put Sri Lanka firmly on the global tourism map.

MS: Cinnamon Life is set to be a transformative force in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, acting as the driving catalyst in Colombo’s evolution into a world renowned destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Our development is more than a hotel – it’s an urban lifestyle hub that combines hospitality, entertainment, retail and cultural experiences, redefining Colombo’s appeal on the global stage.

By attracting a broader range of travellers and setting new industry standards, Cinnamon Life will not only enhance Colombo’s reputation but also stimulate substantial economic growth through job creation, increased visitor numbers and heightened investment opportunities.

This project marks a bold step forward for Sri Lanka, paving the way for future investments and setting a new standard for what our tourism industry can achieve in the next decade.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira

 

COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 2220000 | Email: hello@cinnamonhotels.com | Website: www.cinnamonlife.com