In an undeniably romantic setting with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Weligama – Sri Lanka offers secluded residences with subtle interiors and sizeable beds. Resident restaurants have a tropical feel added to by their lofty, wooden structure and there’s a well equipped dive centre on site.
Where trade winds carried legendary explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien past Sri Lanka’s soaring southern cliffs on some of history’s most celebrated nautical journeys, Cape Weligama has become the most celebrated among Sri Lankan Beach Resorts, along this fabled island’s palm fringed shores.
Thirty minutes east of Galle, Cape Weligama inhabits 12 manicured acres atop a singular promontory rising 40 metres above the Indian Ocean. Stunning panoramas await you, naturally complementing the 39 private retreats designed by one of Asia’s most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag.
The hotel offers an array of international dining venues captures Weligama’s iconic sunsets, as does the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the shimmering sea, while those timeless breezes ensure elegant swells unfurl onto the sun kissed sand.
ACCOMMODATION
Nestled into the natural slopes atop Weligama’s striking headland, a collection of private Suites and Villas; offering 39 bedrooms in all, create the welcoming illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village.
Yet beneath local terracotta-tiled rooftops, stylish interiors unfold as Cape Weligama boasts the largest Luxury Villas in Sri Lanka. Accommodation options range from 130 m2 and 310 m2, surrounded by tropical gardens. Each room is named for a distinguished explorer or writer whose historic Ceylon journey captures the spirit of Cape Weligama.
The Villas are set within eight stone ringed gardens. Each garden comprises two or three free-standing Villas plus a 15 metre infinity edge swimming pool. The Duplex Two Bedroom Cape Pool Villa, our most breath-taking accommodation at 310 m2, offers stunning Indian Ocean views from both bedrooms across two levels and a private 15 metre infinity pool on the upper level; a first for a Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka.
The Suites are situated around the Cove Pool in units of four. They are especially well suited to families or friends traveling together, seeking the beach villa experience for which southern Sri Lanka has become synonymous, with the added amenities and activities of a luxury resort.
All accommodations enjoy a large terrace with dining and spa facilities, spacious walk in wardrobes, Sonos wireless audio with a large music library (or play your own music), a complimentary library of movies on demand on the large screen, custom developed Ophir toiletries, a steam room, large bathrooms with twin vanities and a stone bathtub.
DINING
Allow your taste buds to explore this exotic island on their own! The resort features multiple restaurants that set the bar for fine dining in Sri Lanka. A gourmet paradise, Cape Weligama pays homage to its location with the day’s freshest catch selected by you at Pola ( the Sinhalese word for ‘market’) and cooked to order at the Ocean Terrace restaurant.
Savour mouth-watering fare at the Ocean Grill Steakhouse & Grill, dramatically poised at the cliff edge, with nothing but azure expanse as far as the eye can fathom.
The resort’s handpicked wines complement these extensive East to West menus. Honouring the deep roots connecting Cape Weligama to this island’s rich history, the Cape Club provides a relaxed yet refined venue for traditional Ceylon high tea, as well as to linger over sunset cocktails and after-dinner nightcaps under the stars.
WELLNESS & SPA
Enjoy the scintillating experience of famed Sri Lanka spa hotels, from the sanctity of your own suite or villa. For the ultimate Ceylonese indulgence, Cape Weligama’s experienced therapists come to your Suite or Villa where dedicated spa facilities allow us to pamper you.
Or opt to have a ‘spa day’, at the resort’s dedicated Spa Villa. Organic homegrown Sri Lankan spice scrubs made from clove, nutmeg, sweet orange and sandalwood relieve stress and naturally attend to travel weary muscles while bespoke, essential oil massage blends incorporate Ceylon tea, which is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-ageing and calming properties.
Unwind with a blissful massage on your veranda, or with a fragrant scrub followed by an invigorating herbal steam treatment in your shower room and finally, a sleep inducing soak in your stone bathtub, with your bed just steps away.
ACTIVITIES
Postcard perfect beaches, gently breaking waves and a kaleidoscopic underwater landscape sprinkled with historic wrecks, Sri Lanka’s southern coastline does not lack for magnetic charms. The plethora of things to do in Weligama are carefully curated and our staff will aid you in designing the perfect outing.
Swim and snorkel in the aquamarine bay beneath Cape Weligama. Explore neighbouring coves by kayak or learn to surf on Weligama’s legendary curls. The Dive Centre, staffed by an experienced international team of professionals, offers a comprehensive range of PADI dive courses and other off shore activities including private sunset cruises, big game fishing and banana boating.
Cape Weligama’s introduction of its luxury catamaran redefines whale watching in Mirissa, taking you beyond the bay area to open waters, making it an experience that must be on your to-do list! (Mirissa and Weligama are sister towns on the opposite sides of the Weligama Bay).
Away from this idyllic coastline, explore Sri Lanka’s lush rural hinterland of sleepy villages, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and ancient temples by guided bicycle ride. Take a boat or kayak out on nearby Koggala Lake, its tranquil lagoon edged by fragrant cinnamon gardens and tropical wildlife.
For adventures further afield, must see destinations include Mirissa’s vibrant boat harbour and the historic Galle Fort where cobbled streets encased in coral and granite walls reveal ochre washed colonnaded houses, colonial churches, and renowned jewellery boutiques. Elephants, sloth bears & crocodiles may be spotted on day trips to the Uda Walawe national park.
WELIGAMA, SRI LANKA
Weligama (meaning ‘Sandy Village’) is an interesting blend of lively fishing town and beach resort. The sprawling main settlement and coastal road is somewhat scruffy and not that easy on the eye, but you’ll find the sandy beach is attractive once you’re away from the main section; there’s a couple of cove beaches west of the centre. At the east end of the beach, there’s an enormous new concrete Marriott hotel, which towers over the surrounding buildings and looks completely out of place.
Weligama’s benign beach break is ideal for novice surfers and many independent travellers learn to ride their first waves here. After fun in the ocean you can marvel at (and feast on) the denizens of the deep, who end their days being hacked up and sold from roadside fish stalls.
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