Surf and Sand: Four stops on an East Coast Sri Lanka Roadtrip
- Author
- Zinara Rathnayake
Comprising a total of 40 spacious and elegantly designed apartments and suites, this gorgeous resort provides spectacular coastal views alongside a whole host of impressive facilities to keep guests happy. Designed by the critically-acclaimed Thai architect Lek Bunnag, Cape Weligama Resort is nestled into the rolling hills on the very southern tip of Sri Lanka, and the views from each room over the jagged cliffs across the vast Indian Ocean are simply breathtaking. The residences are tastefully designed with traditional patterns, artwork and the surrounding tropical gardens are in keeping with the home-grown feel to the resort. Entry level residences here particular generous in size, and total floor space is doubled across the lavish duplexes. Away from the rooms, the resort presents a fine array of wining and dining options, including the highly-recommended ‘De Mauny’ restaurant. Alongside an on-site spa for pampering next to the sea, the resort has a crescent-shaped infinity swimming pool with 270-degree views across the dramatic shoreline of this stunning region of Sri Lanka.
Location: Perched on the very southern tip of Sri Lanka, the views here are nothing short of superb, stretching across the dramatic coastline and into the vast Indian Ocean.
History: Having recently opened in 2014, this much-talked-about resort overlooks the same waters that carried explorers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta around the southern edge of the island.
Service: Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality and things are no different at this highly recommended hotel, with a helpful 24-hour reception desk to satisfy even the most challenging of requests.
Entry level rooms here are enormous, and guest opting for the two-floor duplex op tions will get double the space. This resort has a particularly flexible and undeniably lav ish range of rooms perfect for all kinds of guests.
This entry-level suite covers a spacious 1,400 square feet, accommodating up to four adults, or two adults and two children. Beds can be configured as super king or two doubles, with rollaways or cribs available upon request. Interiors feature dark woods, neutral tones and pops of blue in furnishings.
Covering an expansive 1,600 square feet, the Pool View Master Suite can accommodate up to three guests (rollaway beds or cribs available upon request). These suites include a lavish bathroom with a stone bathtub and a steam room, and overlook the Cove swimming pool and property's tropical gardens. The Junior and Master Pool View Suites can interconnect via the verandah.
The entry-level villa covers 1,400 square feet of space, is configured with one king bed and can accommodate up to three guests. There is a large walk-in wardrobe and the bathroom features a separate area for a stone bathtub, which opens out to the garden. A semi-private 15-meter infinity pool is shared with the neighboring two or three villas.
Covering 1,950 square feet, the larger Premier Ocean Villa is configured with a king bed and can accommodate up to three guests. A semi-private 15-meter infinity pool is shared with the neighboring two or three villas. The large bathroom features a steam room and a stone bathtub.
Similar to the Premier Ocean Villa, the Prestige Ocean Villa has a size of 1,950 square feet and includes a semi-private pool in the garden area, shared with neighboring villas. Inside, the separate living room area features its own bar.
With 2,150 square feet, the Grand Ocean Villa can accommodate up to four guests and includes a semi-private pool in the garden area. The large verandah showcases views out to the Indian Ocean and the property's tropical gardens. Inside, the living room features its own bar.
Also covering 2,150 square feet, the Ocean Pool Villa offers seclusion and luxury for up to two adults with the addition of a private infinity-edge pool, elevated to show off the sea view. The large bathroom features a stone bathtub and a steam room, as well as an outdoor deck.
The property's superlative accommodation, the Duplex Two-Bedroom Cape Pool Villa stretches out to 3,400 square feet of space, accommodating up to six guests. There is a private pool, a large verandah and panoramic oceans views.
Cape Weligama’s signature spa is the standout place here for ultimate pampering, although this five-star resort presents a range of other facilities to keep guests entertained when they’re not off exploring the superb surrounding countryside and coastal region.
Unlike most hotel spas where you to go to them, at Cape Weligama the service comes to you. Book ahead and you’ll soon have a knock at your own private residence, with trained therapists and masseuses bringing traditional Ceylonese treatments to the comfort of your own bed.
Although each residence here comes with its own private pool, the resort's main pool is just that little bit more spectacular, crescent in shape and offering 270-degree views across the Indian Ocean from the stunning infinity edge.
Located so close to the southern Sri Lankan coast, it’s no surprise that this resort takes full advantage of its close proximity to the water. At reception you can hire a range of water sport equipment such as goggles or snorkels, and there’s even an on-site Dive Center offering guests the chance to take a PADI course.
The seafood here is so fresh, they even have their own market where you can handpick your desired meal and have it cooked for you at their signature restaurant. There are a total of four drinking and dining options, many of which take advantage of the stunning ocean views and place a firm emphasis on traditional Sri Lankan flavors.
Head on over to Polar (the Sinhalese work for ‘market’) and pick out what takes your fancy from the day’s fresh catch. Next stop is the ocean-facing De Mauny restaurant, where the talented in-house chefs will cook your food to order.
Taylor Pavilion is a quaint waterfront spot to enjoy the resort’s extensive range of local and imported wines. For early risers, try one of the local teas here instead, or sip a cocktail in the evening as the red sun sinks below the ocean horizon.
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