Cinnamon Wild Yala is a luxury safari lodge located in the boundaries of Yala National Park in Sri Lanka – surrounded by nature. And you feel it at every turn. Decor and furnishings are in keeping with the surroundings and complement the landscape perfectly.
The lobby area includes a series of wildlife photography which gives you a glimpse of some of the sights you may see when you venture out into the park. There is also an education area which tells the story of Yala’s population of leopards and the most notable inhabitants of the area. The TV screen plays a video on loop showing the time an elephant wandered into the hotel grounds and walked through lobby – we humans are in their habitat after all!
The accommodation offers two options. Jungle Chalets exude rustic chic with high thatched ceilings and wooden decks to enjoy a drink while the sun sets. While Beach Chalets are positioned high on stilts overlooking the beach and shores of the Indian Ocean. Both promising a comfortable stay with all the amenities you could need.
A highlight of my time here is surely enjoying lunch in the main buffet restaurant, Tuskers (delicious array of food by the way), who all of a sudden in the trees outside appeared a troop of monkeys, swinging through the branches and even hopping down to the group to take a look around the swimming pool. As if anymore evidence was needed of the unique and truly special location of the property.