Welcome back to #CheckedIn, where we take you inside unforgettable stays around the world. This time we are on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka but don’t be fooled by this tropical paradise it has much more to offer than beaches and palm trees. We left the busy commercial capital Colombo and escaped to the historical hillside city of Kandy for a serene retreat at Kandy Myst. This boutique hideaway by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts blends modern design with sweeping mountain views.
The Vibe
Photo provided by Praveeni
Nestled in the hills Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon is a peaceful pause with a view. The emerald hills of Kandy offer a welcome respite from the tropical temperatures and transient bustle of Colombo. Here the air is cooler, the pace is slower, and the energy is unmistakably tranquil.
Kandy Myst is the perfect blend of modern luxury meets old world elegance. Clean architectural lines are seamlessly integrated with lush greenery creating a hotel that is contemporary while maintaining ties with Sri Lanka’s roots and natural beauty, much like the city itself. Kandy holds a special place in Sri Lanaka’s history being the last ancient kingdom to fall to the British in 1815, marking the end of Sri Lanka’s royal era and independent kingdoms. The city is steeped in history and also the birthplace of one of Sri Lanka’s most notable dance styles, known as Kandyan dance.
Golden hour in Kandy is something special with the hills softening into layers of green as the sky turns a beautiful amber.
The Rooms
Photo provided by Praveeni
Kandy Myst offers a number of different room types and suites which feature modern finishes and sleek lines. The red accents in the décor and pillows offer a contrast against the greenery outside. The hotel also features sweeping views of the hills through expansive windows.
Mornings begin with a soft sunrise over the mist covered hills while evenings are cool and calm. The rooms at Kandy Myst offer a cozy space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. The beds extremely comfortable and housekeeping staff are readily available to attend to any requests.
The Food
Photo provided by Praveeni
Kandy Myst offers a number of dining options from a lobby lounge and coffee shop to the main dining buffet restaurant and a rooftop bar.
Located on the lobby level Terra Lounge is the perfect spot to grab a croissant and coffee while you work or people watch. They also offer a daily afternoon tea service.
Grains Dining is the hotel’s main dining restaurant which features buffets for breakfast and dinner along with an a la carte lunch service. Grains offers a wide range of local and international cuisines and features live music during dinner.
Kosmos Skybar is located on the rooftop of the hotel and features scenic views of the hills and city. Here you will find the hotel’s crown jewel, a heated rooftop infinity pool. Whether you’re cooling off with a mid-afternoon dip or savouring the sunset with a cocktail in hand, this pool is not just an amenity, it’s an experience.
The Sights
Photo provided by Praveeni
With its central location Kandy Myst serves as the perfect base for exploring the city and surrounding historical sights.
Sri Lanka’s iconic Temple of the Tooth, known as Sri Dalada Maligawa is located just a short drive away from the hotel. It’s best to visit during golden hour for beautiful photos of the white temple against the sunset. As this is a religious site a dress code is strictly enforced and all visitors are required to cover their arms and legs as well as remove their shoes out of respect. Wearing white to a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka is always a great way to demonstrate cultural awareness and respect.
On the way back to the hotel you can also stop at the Kandy lookout for breathtaking views of the hills and Kandy lake.
If you’re craving cooler air and a cup of Ceylon tea, a day trip to Nuwara Eliya is well worth your time. This scenic drive takes about 3 hours and features rolling tea fields and ample tea factories you can visit along the way. Nuwara Eliya fondly known as Little England, features mist-covered plantations, colonial charm and architecture, and the coldest climate in Sri Lanka with temperatures dipping as low as 3°C. During the day Nuawara Eliya is generally a pleasant 16-24°C.
The Verdict
Kandy Myst by Cinnamon offers a unique blend of modern comfort amongst hillside serenity. It’s a pause between adventures, a breath of cool mountain air, and a reminder that luxury can be refined and deeply connected to nature at the same time. Add this hotel to your Sri Lanka itinerary for a change from the stereotypical tropical scenery and beautiful retreat into the mountains.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Praveeni is a Sri Lankan-Canadian travel and lifestyle creator based in Ottawa. She is the creator behind The Weekend Fashionista, where style meets destination. She shares luxury getaways, chic stays, and travel-style inspiration for those who love beautiful places and timeless fashion. Join her as she explores the world, one stylish weekend at a time.
