Cinnamon Life is not the Bawa-esque Colombo you know

Colombo isn’t just a pit stop—it’s in its main character era. It’s got the old-world charm, the new-age indulgences, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you're here for the food, the shopping, the views, the cocktails, or the vibes—this city delivers. It is big city energy but with bluer skies and sunnier beaches straight out of a White Lotus episode.

The perfect pit-stop for a long weekend, I boarded a two-hour flight from Mumbai to experience a whole new side of Colombo, balancing the ultimate staycation with a city crawl.

DAY 01: Saturday

8:00 am: Cinnamon Life: where Vegas meets Colombo

Forget the barefoot beachside resorts—Cinnamon Life is Colombo’s answer to a Vegas-style mega-hotel. Designed by Cecil Balmond (the mind behind London’s ArcelorMittal Orbit), it’s massive. Think airport-terminal-meets-luxury-resort, complete with a 687-room setup, making it the largest event space in South Asia (aka the next big-fat-Indian-wedding/pre-wedding hotspot), and enough wine to make Dionysus jealous. My room? Ocean views, complementary aforementioned wine, and a towel folded into an Egret wearing tiny glasses. Attention to detail = chef’s kiss.

10:00 am: The breakfast buffet of champions

If breakfast buffets were an Olympic sport, Quizine would take record-breaking gold. The spread features global staples, fresh seafood, and a lineup of Sri Lankan curries that could power you through a Mission: Impossible-level sightseeing day. Try the Hath Maluwa, a vegan curry, beautifully paired with puttu, or steamed sticky rice, it’s the kind of meal that can fuel you for a day of exploring.

1:00 pm: Colombo’s coolest lunch spot

For lunch I head over to The Gallery Cafe, a 15-minute drive away—formerly Geoffrey Bawa’s office and now Colombo’s version of that effortlessly cool, must-be-spotted-at lunch spot. The setting is Instagram gold, the food is a mix of classic Sri Lankan flavours with unexpected twists (start with their baked crab, follow that with their signature prawn curry, and for the grand finale some passion fruit ice cream and their not-to-miss crème brûlée). I take my time here, taking in my share of Bawa’s Colombo.

5:00 pm: Wine, cheese, views

Back at Cinnamon Life, it is time for a little pre-dinner indulgence. Their wine cellar, Cloud Wine, is a hidden gem with an extensive collection—80 per cent of the wines here are exclusive to the property. A glass of the Kanonkope’s 2021 Kadette Cape Blend, some fine cheese, and a golden-hour view that looked straight out of my Instagram explore feed? Absolute perfection.

10:00 pm: Colombo after hours

The night is still young, and Colombo knows how to party. I head over to Park Street, a quick 15-minute jaunt away. The place is buzzing with life—graffiti, live music, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. If you're in the mood for a cozy spot to sip cocktails, check out Uncle’s. It’s low-key, has killer drinks, and you can indulge in some great “chakna” while you soak in the scene.

DAY 02: Sunday

10:00 am: The hidden gallery

I started my Sunday slowly soaking in the art at Cinnamon Life which almost doubles as a walking gallery, featuring massive paintings, quirky installations, and even pieces straight from the Venice Biennale circuit. Anoma Wijewardene, Gayan Prageeth and Chathurika Jayani are just some of the artists who bring the walls to life with their works. And the best part? These aren’t just for staring at—almost everything is up for grabs if you’re in the mood to splurge on some vacation art. While you’re here, take a detour to the 22nd floor to check out the Cantilever, a stunning architectural feature that juts out from the main building and houses two grand ballrooms. If the art doesn’t impress you, the view definitely will.

1:00 pm: Seafood, but make it French

Having worked up an appetite and craving something fancy, I make my way to the resort’s in-house offering, Bistro des Marées, for a feast. The seafood bar is a standout, offering fresh oysters, lobster, crabs, clams, and mussels, all prepared to perfection. Seafood overload? No worries—their beetroot-orange salad is a refreshing must-try.

5:00 pm: Sunset hour with a rooftop view

After a massive feast, it’s time to do what every respectable adult does: take a nap and then head to a rooftop bar. Enter Gatz, the two-level bar on the 23rd and 24th floors of Cinnamon Life. The view of the city is enough to make you feel like you’re in a James Bond movie—minus the bad guys chasing you. If you're more of the "poolside cocktail, please" type, then head over to Dreams & Beats. This pool bar serves up some of the best Sri Lankan-inspired cocktails, including “Live Long The King” (coconut and vodka heaven). Plus, the pool is basically an Instagrammer’s dream, so dive in, and pretend you're living your best life (because you are).

DAY 03: Monday

2:00 pm: Time to zen

Alright, it is time to get spiritual on my final day. No trip to Colombo is complete without a little soul-searching, right? I make my way to Gangaramaya Temple. It’s a Buddhist sanctuary where you can meditate, admire intricate carvings, and maybe even feel a little bit enlightened. There’s also a museum with some seriously old-school relics that’ll make you think, “Wow, humans have been hoarding stuff for centuries.” It’s the perfect pit stop to cleanse your chakras before diving back into the city’s chaos.

4:00 pm: One stop souvenir shop

After finding my zen, I head down to Paradise Road—and I’m not talking about a beach; it’s a design-lover’s paradise. This store is basically a bungalow full of everything you never knew you needed for your home. I walked out with some iconic Sri Lankan masks, a doll (because why not?), and, of course, some Ceylon coffee that smells like the very essence of Sri Lanka.

8:00 pm: End your trip with a sizzle

For my last supper in Colombo (before you inevitably plan your next trip), I find myself at the Staten Bar and Grill, an American steakhouse at Cinnamon Life, that’s anything but basic. The moment I walk in, I am greeted by the irresistible smell of perfectly grilled meat and the juiciest of steaks, which—let’s be honest—is the most intoxicating scent after a day of wandering the city. The service? Impeccable. The food? Divine. You might end up eating way more than you planned before your midnight flight, but hey, it’s your last meal in Sri Lanka. Might as well go out with a bang, right?