Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
By Priya Anand
Long-Haul & Value Writer · June 2026 · How we review
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala is the most dining-rich, amenity-packed resort in this guide — a big, grand, Turkish-themed property from Sri Lanka's leading hotel group, with six restaurants, multiple pools and a strong spa. The all-inclusive plan is optional rather than default, and the beach is functional rather than gorgeous, but for variety and value it's a strong family pick.
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Cinnamon Bey Beruwala Review — Quick Verdict
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala is the big, do-everything resort of this guide. Run by Cinnamon Hotels — Sri Lanka’s leading domestic hotel group — it is one of the largest properties on the southwest coast, with around 200 rooms, a grand Turkish-inspired design theme, six dining venues, three outdoor pools, a water slide, and a proper spa. If you want maximum variety and amenities for your money, and the reassurance of a reliable national brand, this is the resort that delivers the most stuff.
The honest framing for all-inclusive seekers: like most Sri Lankan resorts, all-inclusive here is an optional rate rather than the default, and it is less comprehensive than the genuine 24-hour concept at a RIU. The beach at Beruwala is functional rather than postcard-perfect, and at full occupancy the size means service can occasionally lag. But for families who value choice — six places to eat, multiple pools, a water slide, a spa — Cinnamon Bey is a strong, well-priced pick.
Score: 7.9 / 10 — The most dining-rich and amenity-packed resort here. Held back by an optional (not default) AI plan and a merely functional beach.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the largest, most amenity-rich SW coast resorts | All-inclusive is optional, not the default |
| Six dining venues — widest variety in this guide | Service can lag at peak occupancy |
| Striking grand Turkish-themed design | Some rooms show minor maintenance issues |
| Three pools, kids’ pool and a water slide | Beruwala beach is functional, not gorgeous |
| Azmaara Spa with Ayurveda and Thai treatments | Open-ocean beach, monsoon swimming bans |
| Reliable Cinnamon brand | Local-brand spirits only |
The Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | ~200 rooms |
| Restaurants | 6 dining venues including an international buffet with live cooking |
| Pools | 3 outdoor pools + a children’s pool, with a water slide |
| Beach | Beruwala beach (open ocean, west-facing) |
| Spa | Azmaara Spa — Thai, Ayurvedic, and beauty treatments |
| Theme | Grand Turkish/Ottoman-inspired design |
| Distance | ~55 km from Colombo |
| Airport | ~75-90 min from Colombo (CMB) |
| Brand | Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts (Sri Lankan) |
Rooms and Suites
Cinnamon Bey’s roughly 200 rooms carry the resort’s distinctive design language — elegant and simple, with striking wood lattice work, contemporary furniture, and ocean-facing terraces in the better categories. They are praised for spaciousness and ocean views, though a few guests note minor maintenance issues here and there, which is the reality of a large, busy resort.
Standard Rooms (from ~$120/night)
The entry-level rooms are comfortable and well-sized, with the signature lattice detailing and a terrace or balcony. They cover the essentials well. The ocean-facing rooms are worth seeking out for the sunset, since this is a west-facing coast.
Deluxe Rooms (from ~$170/night)
Couples looking for a more romantic, generous room should upgrade to the Deluxe category, which adds extra seating, more space, and — a genuine perk — access to an exclusive pool. If you want a quieter, more grown-up experience within this large family-leaning resort, the Deluxe rooms and their private pool are the way to get it.
Our Pick
For couples, the Deluxe room at around $170/night is the smart upgrade — the exclusive pool access alone lifts the experience above the family bustle. For families, an ocean-facing standard room delivers the views and the space at the best price.
Food and Dining at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
Dining is Cinnamon Bey’s strongest card. With six dining venues, it offers the widest food variety of any resort in this guide.
The Main Buffet
The centerpiece is an airy international buffet with live-cooking stations, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner across Sri Lankan and global cuisines. The live stations and the breadth of the spread are highlights, and the Sri Lankan dishes are, as always, the ones to prioritize.
Specialty Restaurants
Beyond the buffet, the resort spreads its dining across multiple themed venues, giving you genuine variety over a week’s stay — different cuisines, different settings, and a la carte alternatives to the buffet. This range is the resort’s biggest practical advantage: you are far less likely to tire of the food here than at a three-restaurant property. Which venues are included versus a la carte depends on your meal plan, so confirm at booking.
Bars and Drinks — The All-Inclusive Question
There are multiple bars across the property. All-inclusive is offered as a rate option, covering meals and a defined range of drinks — and, as everywhere in Sri Lanka, any included spirits are local brands rather than imports. Crucially, all-inclusive is not the default here; many guests book on bed-and-breakfast or half-board. If you intend to eat and drink mostly on-site, the all-inclusive plan can be worthwhile given the dining variety — just confirm exactly what it covers before booking.
Food Quality Verdict
The widest dining variety in this guide, anchored by a strong live-cooking buffet. It is reliable, plentiful resort food rather than fine dining, but the sheer choice — six venues — is a real and meaningful advantage for longer stays and for families with fussy eaters.
Beach and Pools
The Beach
Beruwala sits on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, and the beach here is functional rather than spectacular — a working stretch of coast that is pleasant enough for a stroll and a sundowner but is not among the island’s prettiest. Beruwala is one of the older established beach-tourism areas in Sri Lanka, and the beach reflects that. As with the whole coast, the southwest monsoon (May to October) brings rough seas and red-flag swimming bans, so the beach is at its best in the dry season. For most guests, the pools are the main attraction anyway.
Pools
This is where the resort earns its keep for families. There are three outdoor pools plus a children’s pool, complete with a water slide, sun loungers, and umbrellas. The variety of pools means you can find a livelier one or a quieter one depending on your mood, and Deluxe-room guests get access to an exclusive pool. The pools are well-kept and a consistent highlight of guest reviews.
Activities and Entertainment
Daytime
The resort runs a full daytime program — pool activities, animation, a fitness center, and the water slide keeping kids busy. Its size means there is generally something happening, and the central Beruwala/Bentota location makes it a convenient base for excursions: Bentota River safaris, turtle hatcheries, Galle Fort, and Colombo are all within reach.
Evening Entertainment
Evenings bring live music, cultural shows, and themed dinners across the dining venues. The grand Turkish-themed public spaces give the resort a sense of occasion in the evening, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly rather than party-focused.
Kids’ Club
There is a children’s pool, a water slide, and family-oriented programming, making this a comfortable family base. The dining variety also helps with kids — six venues means more chance of finding something every child will eat. For the most intensive dedicated kids-club operation, Club Hotel Dolphin still edges ahead, but Cinnamon Bey is solidly family-friendly.
Spa and Wellness
The Azmaara Spa offers a full treatment menu spanning Thai massage, Ayurvedic therapies, body wraps, and beauty treatments like manicures and pedicures. It is a proper spa rather than a token facility, and a good place to sample Sri Lankan Ayurveda. Treatments are extra cost on top of any room or meal plan.
What Is Included vs. What Costs Extra
| Typically Included (varies by plan) | Costs Extra |
|---|---|
| All meals (on AI or full-board plan) | Spa and Ayurveda treatments |
| Defined drinks range (on AI plan) | Premium and imported spirits |
| All three pools and water slide | Some a la carte venues (plan-dependent) |
| Daytime activities and gym | Excursions (Bentota, Galle, Colombo) |
| Children’s pool and family programming | Airport transfers (unless arranged) |
| Nightly entertainment and shows | Motorized water sports |
| WiFi | Babysitting |
Note: all-inclusive is one of several rate options here. Confirm what your rate covers before booking.
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Months | Standard | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Dec-Jan, Easter | $170-240 | $230-320 |
| High/Dry | Nov-Apr | $120-190 | $180-260 |
| Low/Monsoon | May-Oct | $90-140 | $140-200 |
Approximate USD per night for two adults; the figure depends on whether you book room-only, bed-and-breakfast, half-board, or all-inclusive.
Best Time to Book
Book two to three months ahead for the dry season, more for the December-January peak. The central southwest-coast location makes this a good touring base, so it is popular with travelers combining beach time with island sightseeing.
Where to Book
- Direct via cinnamonhotels.com — Best for choosing meal plans and Cinnamon loyalty benefits
- Booking.com — Easy comparison and flexible cancellation
- European tour operators — Frequently bundled with flights and transfers
Compared to Nearby Resorts
NH Bentota Ceysands, a short way down the coast, counters Cinnamon Bey’s scale and dining variety with a far more distinctive peninsula setting and much better water sports — but Cinnamon Bey wins on sheer choice of restaurants and pools. Hotel Riu Sri Lanka at Ahungalla offers the most genuinely complete 24-hour all-inclusive, where Cinnamon Bey’s AI is optional and more limited. Heritance Ahungalla is the design-and-food leader for those who prioritize quality over quantity.
Cinnamon Bey’s niche is variety and value at scale, backed by a trusted national brand — ideal for families and groups who want the most amenities and dining options for their money.
For the full picture, see our Sri Lanka destination guide and our best all-inclusive resorts in Sri Lanka roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cinnamon Bey Beruwala all-inclusive?
All-inclusive is an optional rate, not the default. You can book room-only, bed-and-breakfast, half-board, or all-inclusive. The all-inclusive package covers meals and a defined range of drinks (local-brand spirits, as everywhere in Sri Lanka). Given the resort’s dining variety, the all-inclusive plan can be good value if you plan to eat and drink mostly on-site — but always confirm exactly what your rate includes.
How many restaurants does it have?
Six dining venues, the widest variety of any resort in this guide. The centerpiece is a large international buffet with live-cooking stations, supplemented by themed restaurants and a la carte options. This range is the resort’s biggest practical advantage for longer stays.
What is the Turkish theme about?
Cinnamon Bey is designed with a grand Turkish/Ottoman-inspired aesthetic — striking architecture, ornate public spaces, and distinctive wood lattice detailing in the rooms. It gives the resort a sense of occasion that sets it apart from the typical beach-box design.
Is the beach good?
It is functional rather than spectacular. Beruwala is an older established beach-tourism area, and the beach is pleasant for walks and sundowners but not among Sri Lanka’s prettiest. The southwest monsoon (May to October) brings rough seas and swimming bans. The three pools are the main draw for most guests.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Three pools, a children’s pool, a water slide, family programming, and — importantly — six dining venues that increase the odds of pleasing every eater make it a comfortable family base. For the most intensive dedicated kids club, Club Hotel Dolphin edges ahead.
How far is it from the airport?
About 75-90 minutes from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), roughly 55 km from Colombo city. Arrange a transfer in advance unless it is part of a package.
Final Verdict
7.9 / 10 — Cinnamon Bey Beruwala is the most dining-rich, amenity-packed resort in this guide.
If your idea of a good all-inclusive is maximum choice — six places to eat, three pools plus a kids’ pool and a water slide, a proper spa, and the reassurance of Sri Lanka’s leading hotel group — Cinnamon Bey delivers more variety per dollar than anything else here. The grand Turkish-themed design gives it a sense of occasion, and the central southwest-coast location makes it a convenient touring base.
The honest trade-offs are the optional (not default) all-inclusive plan, a beach that is functional rather than gorgeous, and occasional service lag at peak occupancy given the resort’s size. None of these are dealbreakers for the traveler who values choice and value above all.
Who should book: Families and groups who want the most dining options, multiple pools, and a water slide for their money, with a trusted national brand behind it. Couples willing to upgrade to a Deluxe room for the exclusive pool.
Who should skip: Travelers wanting a genuine 24-hour unlimited all-inclusive (book Hotel Riu Sri Lanka). Design-and-food purists (book Heritance Ahungalla). Anyone whose holiday hinges on a beautiful swimming beach.
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