Cinnamon Wild Yala

Tucked between the ocean and Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild Yala makes a great base for nature lovers. The upscale lodge has been designed to merge into its surroundings, which include a dry-zone scrub jungle, beach, and lake, which often attract elephants, wild boar, monkeys, and even leopards. Blending rustic elements and modern comforts, the hotel features tons of gray concrete and wood, plus charming accents such as flower-motif ceilings in the lobby, hanging straw baskets in the restaurant, and black-and-white photos of animals. Small pathways lead from the lobby to individual chalets, as well as a two-story pavilion that houses a restaurant, bar, and 360-degree-view observation deck. Due to the frequent presence of wild animals, at night, guests must call staff to escort them around the premises. The hotel also discourages evening arrivals for the same reason. The lodge’s tranquil atmosphere is popular with couples, families, and groups who plan on spending time at the nearby park.

The hotel's crowning feature is its location a quick five-minute drive from the entrance to Yala National Park. Many wild animals also frequently pass through the hotel. Cinnamon Wild Yala also sits along Sri Lanka's southern coast, though the ocean is too rough for swimming. As this is a pretty isolated location, there are no restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance of the lodge, so guests should expect to have all their meals on-site. The capital of Colombo and main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, are five- to six-hour drives away. The lodge provides free parking.

The lodge offers 60 Jungle Chalets and eight Beach Chalets, peppered throughout the expansive grounds, surrounded by wilderness and jungle life. The rustic-meets-upscale chalets are largely contemporary, featuring wooden floors, furniture, and ceilings, canopied beds, and gray concrete bathrooms. Local art, canopied beds with mosquito nets, and woven baskets add charming touches. Modern amenities consist of air-conditioning, desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, flat-screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Private porches have tables and chairs. Bathrooms come with walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. The Beach Chalets are a tad smaller than their Jungle counterparts and sit on 10-foot stilts to make the most of the surrounding views. Accessible rooms are available.

Note that the Wi-Fi and TV signal can be spotty due to the remote location.

While the nearby beach is attractive, the ocean is too rough for swimming. Making up for this to some extent, the freeform swimming pool offers a tranquil spot to unwind, right alongside the resident gray langurs. Surrounded by verdant greenery and a stone deck dotted with loungers, the pool overlooks a nearby lake, which is a favorite of crocodiles.

Set in a two-story pavilion, the all-day second-floor restaurant, Tuskers, serves buffets with Sri Lankan and Western fare. A flight of wooden stairs leads to an observation deck, with cushioned sofas and chairs, and 360-degree views of the ocean and the jungle. Meanwhile, the ground-floor bar, Pugmarks, offers comfy seating and an a la carte menu. The lodge also offers destination dining, including PalatuPana, or bush dinners, Picnic a la Grande, or picnics in any location deemed safe by one of the resort’s guides, and Dining by the Lake, where guests can either dine on a platform above water or opt for a lakeside barbecue. 

The lodge offers numerous half- and full-day safaris, including an infrared night safari where each guest dons night-vision goggles, as well as a number of activities including exploring the nearby ancient Situlpawwa rock temple, and visiting various lakes in the area. A number of expert naturalists are on-hand to answer any questions and accompany guests on expeditions. 

For pampering, the resort’s spa offers a range of treatments. There is no gym, however. A small meeting room holds up to 25 people.