The Cinnamon Wild Yala Hotel is located on the edge of The Wild Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. The entrance is located down a long dusty potholed road, surrounded by bush. It was so exciting going down it because we were planning to do a safari the next day!
On arrival, we all got off our bus to claim our luggage, when a fellow traveller said, “ quick! Get your camera! “ on looking ahead I really couldn’t believe my eyes! A WILD BULL ELEPHANT! It was literally wandering past the hotel entrance eating the hotels bushes. What a start to our visit! I’d read of other people saying that wild animals roamed freely, but I didn’t think I’d see wildlife so closely!
The hotel reception, and the restaurant just had simple roofing and open sides. We were led to our accommodation by a porter, and told we were to ring reception in the evenings and get an escort to accompany us to the restaurant/ reception because of the potential of wild animals wondering around the grounds! All very exciting.
Our lodge was lovely. All wooden with a veranda to sit on outside. A bed with mosquito nets, a simple shower room, tea and coffee facilities. We were very pleased with it all.
On wondering around the grounds later on, we found a gorgeous swimming pool, with an area to sit which over looked a watering hole where wild animals came to drink. There were always animals there. Water buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles! It was all so wonderful!
The hotel grounds bordered a beautiful beach. REALLY WILD. Huge waves, blue blue sea, soft sand, enormous boulders. Stunning. We could walk for miles there.
The food in the restaurant was very varied, lots of curry dishes to try, and a few bits of European food too.
This hotel was probably my favourite of all time, just the location alone. I think it would be very hard to beat, we LOVED it!
