Cinnamon Wild Yala

Great setting close to Yala national park. Well spaced luxurious bungalows , where you feel you are at home with nature. We did an early morning safari and as we were about to go out from our bungalow at 5am there was an elephant walking by our terrace, it was a surreal experience. In the lake at the resort there are lots of crocodiles and it was amazing to see them so close by.

The location of the hotel was stunning and very peaceful. Breakfast and dinner in the restaurant upstairs were delicious. A breakfast package was prepared for us which was great for the day we had safari starting at 5am although tea/coffee and snacks were also available from 5am in the bar for early risers.

We had a large comfortably furnished room. There is a nice pool in a scenic setting. We had an early start for a safari and they provided an excellent boxed breakfast to take with us. The staff were friendly and helpful. They identified the gluten free options on the buffet which is always a source of anxiety for those needing a gluten free diet.

Our stay at Cinnamon Wild Yala was truly unforgettable — a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and exceptional hospitality in the heart of nature. The resort itself is beautifully set among the trees and by the water, where wildlife is never far away. The atmosphere is peaceful yet exciting — you really feel like you're in the wild, but without sacrificing comfort. We were blown away by the wild dining experience, which was one of the absolute highlights of our stay. Dining under the stars in such a unique setting was magical. A massive thank you to Ananda, whose warm, thoughtful service made us feel like the most important guests, every single time. He made the whole experience even more special. Huge thanks to Head Chef Manjula, who created incredible menus using fresh, local produce — every meal was a treat. And to Chef Oshan, who prepared a stunning feast for the wild dining — the flavours, presentation, and setting all came together perfectly. Our room attendant Dilhara, also deserves a special shout-out for going above and beyond to make our room feel so special and welcoming every day. It’s those personal touches that really made a difference. We also went on two safaris with Rohan, our guide, and Supun, our driver — and they were both absolutely amazing. Rohan is clearly an expert in his field — full of knowledge, passion, and an incredible eye for spotting wildlife. We were lucky enough to see two leopards, elephants, a wide range of birds and reptiles, and so much more. Supun was an expert behind the wheel — navigating the tricky terrain with ease and always managing to get us into the best position when wildlife was spotted. His driving made all the difference in getting the most out of the experience. Cinnamon Wild offers something truly special — the chance to connect with nature without giving up comfort, and to be looked after by a team that genuinely loves what they do.

Loved the location within the national park, lodges are great. Staff were amazing. It was a really cool experience to stay here