Trinco Blu by Cinnamon: Nautical Charm on the East Coast

Resting on the pristine Uppuveli Beach, Trinco Blu by Cinnamon captures the essence of “chilled-out” luxury. The resort’s aesthetic is a playful nod to its 1970s roots, featuring denim blues, bleached woods, and bright oranges that mirror the coastal sunrise. Its architecture remains iconic, designed to evoke the feeling of being aboard a vessel at sea. The atmosphere is social and breezy, where the focus is on the great outdoors—whether that means a morning coffee watching the local fishermen bring in their nets or an afternoon spent diving into the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Earth Trip Opinion

At Earth Trip, we value Trinco Blu for its characterful atmosphere and its unmatched access to Sri Lanka’s marine life. It is more than just a hotel; it is a hub for exploration. While many resorts offer beach access, Trinco Blu is integrated into the rhythm of Trincomalee’s coast. We particularly recommend the Beach Chalets for those who want to wake up with the sand literally at their doorstep. For families and wildlife enthusiasts, the professional nature of their on-site excursion centre ensures that whale watching and snorkelling trips are conducted with a high degree of expertise and respect for the environment.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon is deeply committed to the Cinnamon Nature Trails initiative, focusing on conservation and community:

  • Marine Conservation: The resort works closely with marine biologists to monitor whale and dolphin populations, ensuring that boat excursions maintain a respectful distance and follow strict ethical guidelines.

  • Eco-Certified Operations: Recognised by Travelife for its sustainability efforts, the resort implements rigorous energy-saving, water conservation, and waste-reduction protocols.

  • Supporting Local Livelihoods: The resort’s “The Crab” restaurant frequently sources its daily catch directly from the artisanal fishermen of Uppuveli, supporting the local economy and ensuring the freshest possible ingredients.

  • Environmental Awareness: Guests are encouraged to participate in reef awareness programmes before visiting Pigeon Island to help protect the delicate coral ecosystems.


Facts at a Glance

  • Location: Uppuveli, Trincomalee (Approximately 6.5 hours from Colombo or a 45-minute internal flight).

  • Setting: Direct beachfront access on a quiet stretch of the north-eastern coast.

  • Accommodation: 81 rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Beach Chalets, and luxurious Suites.

  • Dining: Two signature restaurants, a stylish bar (The Rum Hold), and a poolside snack bar.

  • Facilities: Large freshwater swimming pool, children’s pool, PADI-certified dive centre, and Azmaara Spa.

Rooms & Accommodation

The accommodation at Trinco Blu is bright and airy, reflecting a modern nautical theme with high-quality furnishings.

  • Superior Rooms: Located on the upper floors, these rooms offer private balconies with garden or sea views and a sleek, minimalist design.

  • Beach Chalets: These are the most popular choice, offering ground-floor access directly onto the beach with private verandas for ocean gazing.

  • Suites: For additional space and luxury, the suites feature separate living areas and expansive balconies, perfect for couples or families.

  • Amenities: All rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV, minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Facilities

The heart of the resort is the expansive freshwater swimming pool, which overlooks the sea and is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers. The Azmaara Spa provides a range of Balinese-inspired treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water. For those seeking adventure, the resort boasts a PADI-certified Dive Centre and a comprehensive Water Sports Centre, offering everything from kayaking to jet-skiing. Families will appreciate the children’s playground and the relaxed, welcoming service that makes guests of all ages feel at home.

Activities

Trincomalee is the adventure capital of the east coast, and the resort is perfectly placed for discovery.

  • Whale & Dolphin Watching: From March to September, take a boat from the resort’s beach to see Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, and pods of Spinner Dolphins.

  • Pigeon Island Snorkelling: A 20-minute boat ride takes you to this National Park, famous for its clear waters, black-tip reef sharks, and sea turtles.

  • Scuba Diving: Explore nearby shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs with the expert instructors from the on-site dive centre.

  • Cultural Excursions: Visit the historic Fort Frederick, the breathtaking Koneswaram Temple perched on Swami Rock, and the Trincomalee War Cemetery.

  • Beach Volleyball: Engage in a friendly match on the sand or enjoy a solitary jog along the vast Uppuveli coastline.

Dining

  • Captain’s Deck: The main buffet restaurant offering a wide range of Sri Lankan and international dishes with a relaxed garden view.

  • The Crab: An open-air speciality seafood restaurant where you can enjoy the famous Jaffna Crab Curry and fresh catches of the day.

  • The Rum Hold: A retro-themed bar serving creative cocktails, local spirits, and light snacks in a chilled-out atmosphere.


FAQ

  • When is the best time for whale watching? The peak season is typically between March and September when the seas are calm and the whales are most active in the area.

  • How far is it from Colombo? It is approximately 240km. While the drive takes about 6 hours, we recommend a domestic flight to Trincomalee for a much faster journey.

  • Is snorkelling suitable for beginners? Yes, the waters around Pigeon Island are shallow and clear, making it an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.

  • Are there vegan dining options? Absolutely; the buffet and à la carte menus feature a variety of fresh, plant-based Sri Lankan specialities.

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Aleem Raheem