Cinnamon Bentota Beach is an established coastal resort located along Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline, within the Bentota Divisional Secretariat area of Galle District. It lies at an approximate distance of sixty kilometres south of Colombo and about ten kilometres to the north of Ambalangoda. The resort occupies a prominent stretch of Bentota Beach, covering roughly five hundred metres of shoreline characterised by fine golden to pale cream coloured sand. This section of the coast faces the Indian Ocean but benefits from relatively calm conditions, largely due to the influence of the Bentota River estuary and nearby offshore reef formations which reduce strong wave action.
The property is operated by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality brand under the John Keells Group, and is designed to combine direct beach frontage with landscaped garden spaces and built facilities. The resort includes large swimming pools, several dining areas, and a range of leisure and recreational amenities intended for extended stays. It is generally positioned as an upper-range resort, suitable for families as well as couples, and attracts both local visitors from the Colombo region and overseas travellers looking for a comfortable beach-based holiday rather than a highly active coastal setting.
Unique Feature of Cinnamon Bentota Beach
One of the resort’s key characteristics is the presence of a broad, carefully maintained stretch of private beachfront, together with a long, lagoon-shaped swimming pool positioned parallel to the shoreline. The alignment of the pool with the sea gives a visual effect in which the water appears to extend toward the ocean, rather than forming a clearly separated boundary. This layout, supported by established tropical gardens and an on-site turtle conservation and awareness programme, sets the property apart from nearby establishments, many of which provide only limited or less managed access to the beach.
History of Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Historical importance: Bentota has been an important coastal settlement for a long time, used as a fishing and trading point along the southern maritime route. The name “Bentota” comes from the Sinhala words “Ben-thota,” meaning “river mouth,” referring to the Bentota Ganga that enters the sea just south of the resort.
Beginnings of the resort: The modern resort started in the 1970s when the Ceylon Tourist Board built the Bentota Beach Hotel, one of the first beach resorts in Sri Lanka, designed by Geoffrey Bawa.
Change of ownership and renovation: In early 2000s, the John Keells Group took over and renovated it as part of the Cinnamon brand.
Tsunami effects: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami damaged the coastline and resort buildings seriously.
Later development: The resort reopened in 2007 and had further upgrades later, including a second wing and some sustainability features.
Current status: Today, Cinnamon Bentota Beach is one of the longest-operating international-standard resorts in Sri Lanka, showing the development of tourism along the southern coast.
Activities Available at Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Use of the resort’s private beachfront and the large lagoon-style swimming pool for swimming or quiet leisure, both arranged to face the ocean.
Seasonal access to non-motorised water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and windsurfing, subject to sea conditions.
Snorkelling and basic introductory scuba diving in near-shore reef zones, organised through the in-house dive centre with equipment and supervision provided.
Involvement in the resort-supported turtle conservation and awareness programme, which may include guided night visits to nearby nesting beaches during the November to April period.
Dining at several on-site restaurants serving a mix of Sri Lankan dishes, seafood preparations, and selected international cuisine.
Spa and wellness services at the Cinnamon Spa, including Ayurvedic-based treatments, massage therapies, and occasional yoga sessions conducted near the beach area.
Organised day visits to surrounding points of interest, arranged through the resort, including Lunuganga Estate, Brief Garden, Galle Fort, and the Kosgoda turtle hatchery.
Access to Cinnamon Bentota Beach
From Colombo: It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by private car or van, using the Southern Expressway (E01) up to the Matara exit, then driving along the A2 coastal road for roughly 60 km.
By public bus: One can go from Colombo Fort to Bentota or Aluthgama, which takes around 2–3 hours, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the resort.
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): Private transfer typically takes 3–4 hours (LKR 10,000–15,000).
Resort services: Airport transfers and local shuttle services are available on request.
Best Time to Visit
December to April: This period is mostly dry, with temperature around 28–32 °C, rain is low and the sea calm. Good time for swimming, beach activities, and short trips. Most visitors come between December and March.
May to November: Southwest monsoon brings more rainfall and sometimes rough sea, but mornings can still be okay for going out. Hotels and stays are usually cheaper at this time.
Practical Recommendations
Booking in advance: It is better to book early in high season (December–March) because rooms fill up fast.
Payments: Cash in Sri Lankan rupees is accepted; most credit cards work too. There are ATMs in Bentota town nearby.
Sun care: Strong sunlight on sand and water makes SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat and sunglasses very important.
For families: The resort has a children’s pool and activity programs, especially during busy season.
Management of the resort follows the guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and there is ongoing involvement in coastal and environmental initiatives. These include participation in turtle conservation efforts along nearby nesting areas, alongside routine measures related to beach maintenance and responsible coastal use.
