Kandy Myst by Cinnamon: A new jewel in hill capital’s crown

The Team 

Chef Ranjith - Executive Chef

Chef Nadeeshan - Sous Chef

Chef Priyantha - Executive Pastry Chef

Chef Thusitha - Sous Chef

BY Nishel Fernando

Nestled amidst the verdant, mist-clad hills of Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland, Kandy stands as a timeless jewel, captivating travellers with its rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and natural splendor. 

Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, the city is a vibrant hub of tradition, a place where ancient customs and the rhythms of modern life coalesce. It is within this enchanting landscape that a new icon of hospitality has emerged: Kandy Myst by Cinnamon. 

Since its grand opening on February 12th of this year, the hotel has not only added a contemporary flair to the city’s skyline but has also swiftly established itself as a formidable player in the region’s competitive tourism market. 

At the helm of this ambitious project is a seasoned hotelier, General Manager Dhinal Perera, whose extensive experience and visionary leadership have been instrumental in steering Kandy Myst towards a future brimming with promise.

The Visionary at the Helm: Dhinal Perera

With a distinguished career spanning 15 years within the esteemed Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts group, Dhinal Perera is the quintessential embodiment of dedication and expertise. His journey with the brand has been one of continuous growth and achievement, culminating in his appointment to spearhead the pre-opening and launch of Kandy Myst. This pivotal role saw him meticulously guide the project from its nascent stages to its successful inauguration, a testament to his profound understanding of the intricacies of hotel management. Prior to his current appointment, Perera honed his skills managing Cinnamon Red in Colombo, another successful joint venture under the Cinnamon umbrella. 

This experience has endowed him with a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of collaborative ownership structures, a skill that is particularly pertinent to his role at Kandy Myst. His passion for the industry and his unwavering commitment to excellence are palpable, and it is this very spirit that infuses the ethos of Kandy Myst, driving its quest to redefine luxury hospitality in the hill capital.

The Foundation of Kandy Myst

Kandy Myst by Cinnamon is the product of a powerful strategic alliance, a joint venture that brings together the financial acumen of Indra Traders, who hold a 60 percent stake, and the extensive industry expertise of John Keells Holdings, with a 40 percent share. 

The hotel operates under the distinguished management of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality arm of the John Keells Group and the largest hotel chain in Sri Lanka. This synergistic partnership provides a robust foundation for the hotel, combining local business prowess with a globally recognized brand renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation.

The Cinnamon brand, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, lends its formidable marketing and operational expertise to the venture, ensuring that Kandy Myst adheres to the highest international standards of service and sustainability. This collaborative framework has been a key driver of the hotel’s early success, enabling it to leverage the collective strengths of its partners to navigate the competitive landscape of Kandy’s hospitality sector.

Auspicious Beginning Charting a Course for Success

For any new hotel, the initial months of operation are a critical period that sets the tone for its future trajectory. In this regard, Kandy Myst’s performance since its February launch has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Defying the typical slow start that often characterizes pre-opening hotels, Kandy Myst has witnessed a steady and impressive growth in occupancy rates from day one. “Normally, occupancy doesn’t climb this fast, but we have seen a steady growth from start,” notes Perera, reflecting on the hotel’s encouraging performance. From an initial occupancy rate hovering around 30 percent to 40 percent, the hotel has swiftly climbed to a consistent 50 percent, a clear indication of its growing appeal to both local and international travelers. This early success is a testament to the hotel’s strategic positioning, its compelling offerings, and the effective marketing campaigns orchestrated by the central Cinnamon team.

The recent Esala Perahera, Kandy’s grandest cultural show, provided the first major test for the fledgling hotel, and it rose to the occasion with aplomb. While the overall tourist traffic for this year’s Perahera was not as robust as in previous years, with most hotels in the city averaging around 60 percent occupancy, Kandy Myst managed to match this figure, a significant achievement for a newcomer. “It was the first time we have faced the Perahera,” Perera explains. “We had local promotions and marketing campaigns to attract a lot of business...overall the 10-day Perahera period we did 60 percent.” This performance was bolstered by a diverse influx of guests, primarily from Asian countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, drawn by the allure of this magnificent Buddhist festival. The average stay during this period was a healthy three to four nights, with guests keen to immerse themselves fully in the Perahera experience. The hotel’s food and beverage outlets also recorded impressive revenues, further cementing its successful debut during this peak season.

Navigating the Kandy Market

The tourism landscape in Kandy is a dynamic and multifaceted one, characterized by a diverse range of accommodation options, from quaint homestays and boutique bed and breakfasts to established star-class hotels. While some might view this as a challenge, Perera sees it as a matter of catering to different market segments. 

“There is a different type of guest who likes to stay with these home stays and B&Bs,” he observes, “and there are guests who like to get pampered and who would like to stay at star-class hotels like Kandy Myst.” The hotel has strategically positioned itself to attract the latter, particularly large groups of 30, 40, or 50, which smaller establishments simply cannot accommodate. A significant portion of Kandy Myst’s business comes from local travel agents who cater to these larger tour groups, highlighting the hotel’s importance in the region’s tourism infrastructure.

However, Perera is also cognizant of a broader challenge facing the city: the need to enhance its appeal as a multi-night destination. “I feel the things to do in Kandy has to increase,” he asserts, a sentiment echoed by many in the local tourism industry. To address this, the Kandy Hotels Association has taken a proactive stance, spearheading initiatives to create a more vibrant and engaging experience for visitors. A prime example of this is the newly launched “Kandy Breeze Night Fest,” a street food festival held every Saturday. This initiative, which debuted on the 16th and continues on the 23rd and 30th of the month, is designed to infuse the city with a lively nocturnal energy, encouraging guests to extend their stay beyond the typical one and a half to two nights. “This is what we are all...the hotels are trying to get together to see how guests can be retained in Kandy and make the length of stay longer,” Perera emphasizes.

In addition to these collaborative efforts, Kandy Myst also benefits from Cinnamon’s in-house excursion arm, Cinnamon Nature Trails. This specialized team curates and arranges unique travel experiences for individual travelers and groups, offering guests an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region. This value-added service distinguishes Kandy Myst from its competitors, providing a seamless and enriching travel experience for its patrons.

Unveiling the Offerings of Kandy Myst

Kandy Myst has been meticulously designed to cater to a diverse clientele, from the discerning corporate traveler to the adventurous solo explorer and the leisure-seeking family. Its strategic location, right by the road, offers easy access in and out of the city, a boon for business travelers who value convenience and efficiency. The hotel is well-equipped to host corporate events, with modern meeting spaces and conference facilities that meet the demands of the contemporary business world.

For the solo traveler, the hotel’s accessibility and its array of amenities provide a safe and comfortable base from which to explore the city. However, it is perhaps in catering to the leisure traveler that Kandy Myst truly excels. Boasting the largest room inventory in Kandy, with 215 well-appointed rooms, the hotel can comfortably accommodate large tour groups. 

The rooms themselves are a sanctuary of comfort and style, with modern amenities such as king-size or twin beds, a futon couch, cable TV, and in-room safes. The standard rooms, at a spacious 28 square meters, offer a serene retreat after a day of sightseeing.

The hotel’s culinary offerings are equally impressive. Grains, the main restaurant, is the largest in Kandy, with a seating capacity of up to 414 guests. It serves a delectable international and Sri Lankan buffet for breakfast, lunch (which can also be à la carte), and dinner. For a more casual experience, the Terra Lounge offers a selection of teas, coffees, and café-style snacks, while the Kosmos Skybar provides a chic setting for evening cocktails with panoramic views of the city.

A key attraction for local guests is the hotel’s international buffet, which has become a popular choice for weekend dining. To enhance the experience, the hotel features entertainment in the main restaurant on Fridays, and a DJ at the bar on Fridays and Saturdays. But perhaps the most unique feature is the hotel’s heated swimming pool, the only one of its kind in Kandy. This allows guests to enjoy a refreshing swim at any time of the day, regardless of the weather, a luxury that is particularly appealing to local patrons.

The Heart of the Operation: People, Planet, and Community

Behind the gleaming façade of Kandy Myst lies a dedicated team of 165 staff members who are the driving force behind its success. The hotel takes pride in being a significant local employer, with approximately 80 percent of its workforce hailing from Kandy and the surrounding areas. The remaining 20 percent comprises experienced professionals from other regions, including several who have been absorbed from within the Cinnamon group. 

The kitchen department is a bustling hub of creativity with around 30 members, while the food and beverage team comprises 40 dedicated individuals. Housekeeping, another crucial department, has a team of 35, and the front office is staffed by 20 welcoming professionals. While Perera remains discreet about exact salary figures, he affirms that Kandy Myst is a “good paymaster,” offering remuneration that is above the industry average. The hotel is also committed to nurturing new talent, with several trainees having been absorbed into the permanent cadre after completing their training.

Sustainability is a core tenet of the Cinnamon brand, and Kandy Myst is a shining example of this commitment. The hotel has implemented a range of eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental footprint. In the rooms, plastic water bottles have been replaced with glass ones, and all straws are made of paper. Energy conservation is a priority, with sensor lights installed in various areas to reduce electricity consumption. The hotel has also invested in a sewerage treatment plant that recycles water for flushing and for the automated irrigation system that nourishes the lush greenery surrounding the property.

Kandy Myst is also deeply committed to supporting the local community. The hotel has registered several local vendors as suppliers, ensuring that they meet the stringent health, safety, and hygiene standards of the Cinnamon brand. 

This includes sourcing fresh produce from local farmers and even enlisting the services of a “hopper lady” from the nearby village to provide guests with an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. This focus on local sourcing not only ensures the freshness and quality of the ingredients but also contributes to the economic well-being of the community.

Culinary Delights with a Local Touch

The culinary philosophy at Kandy Myst is to offer a global gastronomic experience while celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka. The international food fare at the Grains restaurant caters to the diverse palates of its international clientele, but the chefs also take care to infuse the menu with a distinct local touch. This includes featuring traditional sweetmeats and other delicacies that are unique to Kandy and Sri Lanka, providing guests with an authentic and memorable dining experience. This fusion of global and local flavors is a reflection of the hotel’s broader philosophy of embracing the culture and traditions of its location while offering a world-class hospitality experience.

A Future Bright with Potential

With a successful launch and a strong performance in its initial months of operation, Kandy Myst is well-positioned for a bright future. The forecasts are promising, with a significant number of group series already booked at the hotel. “There’s a lot of attraction coming from all markets,” Perera notes with optimism. The hotel has set an ambitious goal of achieving an 80 percent occupancy rate, with an ultimate target of 90 percent. This, coupled with a healthy average rate, will be key to achieving the yearly budget. The management has a five-year plan in place to achieve a return on investment, a timeline that they hope to shorten if the tourism sector continues its upward trajectory.

As Kandy Myst continues to establish itself as a landmark destination in the hill capital, it is also poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism in the region. Through its participation in the Kandy Hotels Association and its own innovative initiatives, the hotel is actively contributing to the collective effort to enhance Kandy’s appeal as a vibrant and engaging destination. 

With the visionary leadership of Dhinal Perera and the unwavering support of the Cinnamon brand, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon is not just a new hotel; it is a new chapter in the story of Kandy’s hospitality, a story of excellence, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to celebrating the mystical charm of the hill capital.