Cinnamon Wild
Cinnamon Wild Palatupana, Kirinda A living tortology ‘a Luxury eco resort’ bordering Yala wildlife sanctuary and the Indian Ocean. Spanning 10 acres of jungle and endless miles of beach, Yala village is a nature resort of untamed beauty. Encounter the elusive leopard, majesty of the elephant, the grace of the deer on safari and experience the sound of wild boar and porcupines on your chalet doorstep by night. Luxurious beach chalets and jungle cabanas are scattered across the evergreen forest offering seclusion to guests and open zones to roaming elephants. Take a dip in the large sweeping swimming pool and dry off at the “Waterhole” pool bar. Take a bird’s eye view of your surroundings, watch inquisitive peacocks and bathing buffalo from the observation deck. Owners, Julian and Epepala combine hospitality with a passion for wildlife and nature. Families and couples alike will enjoy the natural world and numerous resort facilities. We didn’t want to leave. Enquire Now Rooms The beach bungalows are king size and enjoy the “rolling sea” sounds as well as sea spray many a day. The jungle cabanas offer larger sized bedrooms and family cabanas. In-land with a greater chance of seeing roaming elephants if you can stay awake. Suite Julian is perfect for honeymooners. This tower chalet offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding forest, sea and rocky outcrops where leopards are frequently spotted. Perfect dining on the private verandah, with chaises longues and personal chef/butler. Night binoculars and maps await the enthusiast. Safaris, a dip in the pool and a drink with the ‘locals’ are on the sole reasons for leaving this idyllic haven. Luxurious, air-conditioned chalets, raised on slits to deter nighttime visitors. The interiors have pure white walls with unique animal themes in soft furnishings – vibrant and fun designs of deer, monkey, and peacocks. Spacious double and triple adjoining family rooms have wooden wardrobes and dressing tables. Modern luxuries like TV and mini bars would spoil the natural ambience, whilst mosquito nests and fans are a welcome necessity. Each chalet has a balcony, but guests are warned not to go walking after dark. Staffed electric buggies will taxi late diners/drinkers to their chalets. The bijou washrooms have hot water showers and modern toilet/bidet facilities. However, the solar panel hot water towers may disappoint late bathers. The beach bungalows are king size and enjoy the “rolling sea” sounds as well as sea spray many a day. The jungle cabanas offer larger sized bedrooms and family cabanas. In-land with a greater chance of seeing roaming elephants if you can stay awake. Suite Julian is perfect for honeymooners. This tower chalet offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding forest, sea and rocky outcrops where leopards are frequently spotted. Perfect dining on the private verandah, with chaises longues and personal chef/butler. Night binoculars and maps await the enthusiast. Safaris, a dip in the pool and a drink with the ‘locals’ are on the sole reasons for leaving this idyllic haven. Luxurious, air-conditioned chalets, raised on slits to deter nighttime visitors. The interiors have pure white walls with unique animal themes in soft furnishings – vibrant and fun designs of deer, monkey, and peacocks. Spacious double and triple adjoining family rooms have wooden wardrobes and dressing tables. Modern luxuries like TV and mini bars would spoil the natural ambience, whilst mosquito nests and fans are a welcome necessity. Each chalet has a balcony, but guests are warned not to go walking after dark. Staffed electric buggies will taxi late diners/drinkers to their chalets. The bijou washrooms have hot water showers and modern toilet/bidet facilities. However, the solar panel hot water towers may disappoint late bathers. Dining The menu is exciting, combining East and West delicacies. BBQ’s by the pool are popular. The 3-tier restaurant is disappointingly commercial. Ideal for families but reminiscent of an upmarket eco ‘food court’. Wooden open plan pavilions offer buffet -style or a’ la carte menus. Sri Lankan rice and curries and BBQ’s are the standard half board. Upgrade to the a la carte for delicious seafood platters and fusion recipes. An all-day snack menu is available offering chicken satay sandwiches, coconut fried prawns in mango sauce, burgers and BLT’s. Breakfast is buffet style with a wide selection of Continental, English and Sri Lankan dishes. Breakfast is served early in preparation for safari excursions. Local and imported wines are available, but the specialty is the “Watering Holes” Arrack cocktail. Things to do & local tips Binoculars can be rented for R600 for half a day Swimming pool inflatables, board games, TV rooms and a billiard table will keep children and restless husbands entertained. Unravel the mysteries of Yala wildlife with a jeep safari. 3-31/2 hours in Block1 Yala with experienced guides and naturalists trained to locate camouflaged wildlife and identify every bird that passes by. 2hr night safaris through the buffer zone of the park will provide an insight to nocturnal wildlife. Heritage tours will explore two historic Buddhist monasteries Customised tours can be arranged for seasoned travellers in search of leopard trails, birdwatching and bear trails. These are dependent upon cubbing season and monsoon patterns. Safari season: Yala National Park closes in September to offer peaceful surroundings to mating wildlife. November is an excellent time to see the cubs after October rainfall. Katuragama is a 20 minute drive away and spiritual home to many pilgrims visiting the religious Boa tree and Gods of Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim beliefs Bundala Bird Sanctuary in Hambantota is a great half-day excursion. Trek or boat through the swamps to see the many crocodiles, kingfishers, flamingos etc and admire the bopping turtles on the seas edge. The South Coast villas or East Coast Plantation bungalows provide an excellent follow-on destination.








