With a record number of wins at the 9th South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts strengthened its reputation as a destination expert shaping hospitality experience across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The prestigious regional awards, held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo on Saturday, recognised excellence across Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, where Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts claimed eight distinguished titles, including multiple Gold and Silver awards.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ wins at SATA 2025:
- Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives – Gold, Surf Resort
- Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives – Gold, Beach Resort
- Cinnamon Lodge Habarana – Gold, Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort
- Cinnamon Wild Yala – Gold, Wildlife Tented Lodge/Resort
- Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo – Gold, Wedding Destination Hotel
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection – Silver, Designer Resort/Hotel
- Cinnamon Citadel Kandy – Silver, Riverfront Hotel/ Resort
- Kamal Munasinghe, Cinnamon Grand Colombo – General Manager of the Year
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, home to the worldrenowned Pasta Point surf break, was named Surf Resort of the Year for the seventh time and third consecutive year. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives celebrated its firstever Gold award as Beach Resort of the Year, recognised for its pristine lagoon, white sand beaches, and luxury villas.
Commenting on the Maldives’ wins, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager – Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, said:
“These awards highlight both legacy and progress. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives continues to set the benchmark for surf tourism, while Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives’ first Gold award reflects the island’s natural beauty and our team’s ability to create meaningful guest experiences”.
In Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts were celebrated for their leadership in eco tourism, wildlife, weddings, and design. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana received Gold as Eco Friendly Hotel/Resort of the Year, while Cinnamon Wild Yala earned Gold for its wildlife lodge. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo was honoured as the Wedding Destination Hotel of the Year, with Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection and Cinnamon Citadel Kandy winning Silver awards for design and riverfront hospitality respectively.
Kamal Munasinghe, who received the General Manager of the Year award during his tenure as Area Vice President – Colombo Sector and General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, has since been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, where he is set to lead operations across the chain. Reflecting on the brand’s performance, he said:
“These honours recognise the dedication and expertise of our teams across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, we curate experiences that connect Travellers with culture, nature, and community. As a destination expert, our commitment is to create journeys that are both authentic and inspiring.”
SATA 2025 presented 53 Gold and 113 Silver awards overall, with the Maldives named Adventure Destination of the Year and Bhutan named Heritage Destination of the Year. With its strong performance, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to define its role as destination experts, setting new benchmarks in sustainable and experiential hospitality.