The Iconic Sri Lankan Architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s Legacy Lives on Through Sri Lanka’s 1st Planned Resort Destination – Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Set amidst the serene Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Bentota Beach –Signature Selection is more than a luxury beachfront resort. Post independence, Sri Lanka identified tourism as pivotal for economic growth, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. As part of a national tourism development programme, Bentota was selected as the country’s first planned resort destination. The establishment of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board in 1966 and the Tourist Development Act of 1968 formally designated Bentota as Sri Lanka’s first National Holiday Resort.
The resort stands as one of the most significant works of the country’s legendary architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The opening of the Bentota Beach Hotel in 1967, now Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection, marked the birth of organised resort tourism in Sri Lanka. Another notable feat is Sriyangani Dhanapala’s appointment as the first female manager of the Cinnamon Bentota Beach Resort, the flagship property of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, part of John Keells Holdings, and it continues to occupy a unique place in Sri Lanka’s tourism history.
GEOFFREY BAWA
The story of Cinnamon Bentota Beach is synonymous with the legacy of iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003), widely regarded as the father of Tropical Modernism. Built on the former Bentota Rest House site, the hotel became the jewel of the emerging resort town. Bawa was commissioned to design the property from 1967–1969. Rather than adopting a Western resort model, Bawa drew inspiration from traditional Sri Lankan architecture. Public spaces were centred around a large open courtyard, reflecting historic manor houses. He integrated local materials, verandahs, shaded walkways, gardens, and water features, creating a seamless connection between guests and the surrounding landscape.It marked a new era of progress in the tourism sector.
Today, Bentota remains one of Sri Lanka’s most popular coastal destinations, celebrated for its beautiful beaches, watersports, river safaris, mangroves, and turtle conservation sites. At a time when many hotels dominated their surroundings, Geoffrey Bawa envisioned a resort that blended seamlessly with nature. Using local materials, open courtyards, shaded pathways, and natural ventilation, he created a harmonious connection between architecture and the natural landscape.
The Bentota Beach Hotel became one of the earliest and most complete expressions of Tropical Modernism. Its influence extended far beyond Sri Lanka, inspiring architects and hotel developers across South and Southeast Asia and helping define tropical resort architecture throughout the region. Recognising the property’s architectural significance, Cinnamon undertook a two-year restoration between 2017 and 2019 under the direction of architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Bawa.
The restoration project carefully preserved many of the hotel’s most treasured artistic features. Among them are Ena de Silva’s celebrated batik ceiling at the reception area, Barbara Sansoni’s distinctive handloom fabric installation in the Peacock Salon & Bar, painted wall panels by Ismeth Raheem, and the striking brass-and-copper peacock sculpture created by artist Laki Senanayake in 1967, which remains one of the hotel’s defining visual elements.
Today, Cinnamon Bentota Beach continues to celebrate Sri Lankan creativity through its design and guest experience. Offering a choice of delectable local and international cuisine at its restaurants, including Zest and Ottimo, and Sea Meets Spice, guests are spoilt for choice. Sixteen of the original rooms in the main building were transformed into individually themed suites, each inspired by aspects of Sri Lankan culture and nature, including cinnamon, pearls, sea turtles, coconut palms, and the sun. Many feature commissioned works by local artists, further reinforcing the connection between hospitality and the island’s artistic heritage.
The Geoffrey Bawa Suite is a tribute to Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, shaped by his philosophy of space, light, and landscape. With captivating views of the Indian Ocean and the Bentota River, the suite flows seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, offering generous living spaces, and a private terrace. Bawa’s iconic Lunuganga property is also located 15 minutes away.
GEOFFREY BAWA SUITE
Another spot of interest within the resort’s gardens is ‘Addarahena’, Cinnamon Bentota Beach’s farm-to-fork initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture, local sourcing, and community engagement. Fresh produce from the organic farm supplies the resort’s kitchens, while guests can enjoy harvesting experiences and traditional Sri Lankan dining at Ambula.
Addarahena (Pictured Below)
Nearly six decades after welcoming its first guests, Cinnamon Bentota Beach remains more than a hotel. It is the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s resort tourism industry, and a masterpiece of Geoffrey Bawa’s Tropical Modernism concept.As visitors walk through its courtyards, admire its restored artworks, or gaze across the meeting point of river and ocean, they encounter not only a luxury resort but also a living piece of Sri Lankan history—one that continues to inspire generations of travellers, architects, and storytellers alike.
By NELUM BUDDHADASA
