Apr 09 2025.
views 116Today on Buzz with Danu, I roll out the red carpet for a man who’s swapped the glitz of global skylines for the magic of Colombo’s horizon. He’s shaken hands with luxury, dined with vision, and built dreams in 12 countries—now he’s back to build Sri Lanka’s biggest dream yet. Say hello to the maestro of five-star finesse, the CEO of Cinnamon Life, and the man bringing ‘wow’ back home—Sanjiv Hulugalle.
1. You’ve led some of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands—what drew you to Cinnamon Life and Sri Lanka at this point in your journey?
At this point in my life, it wasn’t about the next title—it was about purpose. I was semi-retired, but when Cinnamon Life called, it wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a homecoming. This project is deeply connected to my roots. It’s a way of giving back to the country that gave me so much. It’s not just another role—it’s legacy work.
2. After 12 countries and 5 continents, how has your global perspective shaped your vision for Colombo’s luxury future?
Every culture I’ve lived in has left an imprint on me. What I’ve learned is that true luxury is about authenticity, emotional connection, and storytelling. Colombo has this incredible raw charm—our vision is to elevate it without diluting it. That’s where global know-how meets local soul.
3. Cinnamon Life is called “The City of Dreams.” What does that mean to you, personally and professionally?
To me, it means possibility. It means energy, emotion, creativity, colour. Personally, it feels like walking through a vibrant memory—nostalgia mixed with ambition. Professionally, it’s a canvas where we’re crafting something the region has never seen: a city within a city, alive with dreams.
4. What’s the biggest lesson the luxury hospitality world has taught you over the years?
Luxury isn’t perfection—it’s presence. The ability to listen, adapt, anticipate, and make someone feel truly seen. Whether you’re in a five-star suite or on a beach with no shoes, it’s how you make people feel that they remember.
5. From Four Seasons to KOHLER to Auberge—what’s been your proudest transformation project so far?
At Auberge, leading the repositioning of a $210 million resort into a visionary master plan was an incredible challenge. But Cinnamon Life might be the most meaningful. It’s not just a transformation of a property—it’s a transformation of how the world sees Colombo.
6. How does Cinnamon Life compare to other mega-developments you’ve worked on across the globe?
This is in a league of its own. Most mega-developments follow a formula. Cinnamon Life breaks the mold. It’s bold, it’s eccentric, and it embraces the spirit of Colombo—its chaos, its kindness, its contradictions. That’s what makes it special.
7. What’s your leadership philosophy, especially when leading high-performing teams across cultures?
Be real. Lead with heart. Allow people to be themselves. I don’t believe in perfection—I believe in potential. High-performing teams thrive when you build trust, embrace diversity, and give them space to create magic.
8. How do you balance creativity with commercial strategy in a space that’s both a lifestyle hub and a business powerhouse?
Creativity without purpose is chaos. Commercial strategy without creativity is boring. The balance comes from knowing your “why”. At Cinnamon Life, we dream big—but we also measure, refine, and deliver results that matter.
9. What makes Sri Lanka’s luxury potential different from other destinations you’ve worked in?
Sri Lanka has soul. It’s not over-designed or over-scripted. The warmth here is real, the stories are rich, and the experiences are immersive. There’s a natural grace in our hospitality that the world is yearning for right now.
10. You’re not just building hotels—you’re building experiences. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave with Cinnamon Life?
I want to leave behind a space that inspires wonder. A place where people don’t just stay—they feel. I hope to create something that lifts Sri Lanka onto the world stage, with pride and personality. My legacy? A whimsical, world-class hub that still feels like home.
11. Technology, sustainability, wellness—what emerging trends are you most excited to integrate into Cinnamon Life?
All three, deeply. We’re looking at AI-driven service, sustainable design that respects the coastline, and wellness that goes beyond spas—into nutrition, sleep science, and mental clarity. The future of luxury is deeply personal and intentional.
12. When scouting global talent or collaborators, what do you look for?
Curiosity. Emotional intelligence. A sense of humour. I can train skill—but I can’t teach soul. I want people who bring passion to the table and who aren’t afraid to colour outside the lines.
13. What do you hope international guests will say after experiencing Cinnamon Life for the first time?
“I didn’t expect that—but I loved it.” I want guests to feel surprised, inspired, and connected. Like they stumbled into a dream they didn’t know they needed.
14. From AI to real estate—your interests are diverse. How do you stay inspired across different sectors?
Inspiration comes from staying curious. Whether it’s a tech startup or a street vendor in Pettah, I’m always looking for patterns, purpose, and passion. Life is one big intersection—and I love standing right in the middle of it.
15. Finally, if you had to write the headline for the next chapter of Cinnamon Life, what would it say?
“Colombo Reimagined: A City of Dreams is Born.”
1 Comments
Ryan PERERA says:
Apr 09, 2025 at 07:01 pmTotal bull shit.