Having two feathers already in its cap, Cinnamon Resorts welcomes its newest member Cinnamon Citadel to the family. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality brand of John Keells Holdings represents a chain of modern hotels vibrant in colour, indulgent in hospitality and committed to going the extra mile to satisfy customer needs.

The very first resort of the 'Cinnamon Resorts' chain was Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Cinnamon Beywas added recently. Apart from the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the flagship hotel of Cinnamon Hotels, and Cinnamon Lakeside, Citadel stands new to the family.

Cinnamon Citadel sits at the edge of the beautiful Mahaweli River on the north-west outskirts of the hill-country capital of Kandy. Cinnamon Citadel is an extension or representation of its surroundings, remaining attuned to its Kandyan heritage.

With most of the rooms facing the river, it is a place for romance to thrive, but so does culture, tradition and history. Citadel is constructed in the place of the former Dunuvila, the ancestral home of the Dunuvila family. Popularly known as Citadel and later Chaaya Citadel, now it has transformed into a modern four star plus resort under the new vision of Architect Channa Daswatta.

With refurbishment, the Resorts' already luxurious interior has been made even better, and the change is sure to be well received.

‘This Resort is truly showcased in the facilities designed for leisure travellers. Its new look lobby and other areas has given a true Kandyan touch apart from its modern outlook.

This is what Daswatta wants it to be at old Citadel.

Our main motto is guest satisfaction and we are committed to that' explained Arosha Pananwala, the General Manager of the Resort. Cinnamon Citadel has 26 deluxe rooms and 96 Superior Rooms with thematic interiors as well as TV, telephone, Mini- bar and other facilities.

Mixed with a modern touch, traditions continue whether in its gastronomic discoveries, well- appointed rooms or grand lobby area' said Fowme Ibrahim, the Front Office Manager.

‘Panorama', the extended main restaurant now serves international cuisine in buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner for nearly 250 pax. Guests can expand their culinary horizons by tasting traditional Kandyan flavours and international cuisine served to perfection at the ‘Café C' amongst many other a la carte preparations. ‘We serve any kind of cuisine from international to traditional Kandyan, Sri Lankan, Oriental and Continental too.

Theme nights will also be there according to the guests at the house' said Executive Chef Raminda Premaratne.

With a well- equipped Wi- Fi enabled conference hall, the resort is an ideal location for business conferences and workshops for a maximum of 80 people or for destination weddings in true Kandyan style, where guests can be housed in rooms that have warmth and comfort. ‘The Dalada Maligawa, the beautiful

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Hantana Mountains, Udawatte Kele forest reserve are some of the popular excursions available at the hotel. The Resort also offers the ` Cultural Trail' a study of Kandy's arts and crafts including drum making, Dumbara mat waving, and jewellery crafting

PIX NEIL SIRIWEERA