Cape Weligama, South Coast

rooms

Warm terracotta rooftops house architecturally-designed and sumptuous interiors. All rooms are spacious and contemporary, and found nestled into the gardens with a lovely traditional village feel. They also all offer a personal Butler service and spa treatments.

Choose from the spacious Residences which are free standing and set two to three within their own private stone ringed gardens and share a swimming pool. Or the Master Rooms are placed around the Cove swimming pool and can be joined together if travelling with friends or family. The Cape Weligama Residence has its own private infinity pool, breath-taking ocean views and spacious living quarters with three separate bedrooms.

facilities & activities

Once you’ve got over the idyllic setting, high on top of soaring cliffs, with the iridescent seas and white sands below and meandered amongst the fragrant, manicured gardens then there’s plenty to do here. The huge crescent moon shaped pool hugs the cape and enjoys extraordinary views – the perfect position to watch the humpbacked whales in the distance. Or relax in the sumptuous spa with treatments carefully made from organic home grown spices. If you’d prefer then the spa can come to you. Relax on your own private terrace and enjoy a blissful massage or facial whilst savouring a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Wander down the warm stone pathways that lead to the secluded coves below to turtle spot amongst the waves and watch the iconic stilt fishermen balancing on their slender poles out at sea. West Beach is found just below the resort and is near-private. East Beach with its crystal clear waters, is a five minute walk away. For fun on the water, then the hotel can organise snorkelling and diving lessons and the trade winds turn this part of the island into prime surfing paradise. Take one of the whale and dolphin watching tours or while away an afternoon exploring the stunning and secluded coves by kayak.

There are treats inland too. Dedicated naturalists and local cultural guides are on hand to advise and will take you on a personalised tour to see the sights such as Mirissa's colourful boat harbour, the ancient ruins of Matara or to rummage in the delightful boutiques of historic Galle. Take one of the day trips to the extraordinary Yala or Udawalawee National Parks and spot leopard, elephant, boar and a huge variety of wildlife and habitats amongst the tropical greenery. Or just explore the vibrant fishing town of Weligama with its bustling markets and craft boutiques.

dining

Start the feasting at the Taylor Living Pavilion with a mouth-watering high tea washed down with a refreshing Ceylon brew. Make a leisurely move to the signature canapés and light bites also served up here, before heading to the unique Moon Bar, tucked underneath the Crescent swimming pool, to enjoy a sunset cocktail – with ingredients concocted by the locals.

Then there's the choice of three lovely restaurants and the coastal setting means the freshest of fish every day. There's an on-site Pola (market) from which to choose your fish and have it cooked especially for you at De Mauny, while you admire the ocean vista from the large balcony. For more casual dining, al fresco Kumbuk serves up fresh, authentic curries flavoured with exotic Sri Lankan spices, to be eaten local style with your hands. Or sit right over the water, poised on the cliff side and enjoy succulent steals and grills whilst savouring a hand picked wine at Rouge.

family

Children are welcomed with open arms and despite the luxuries here, the emphasis is firmly on a warm family feel. The smaller Cove Pool is for under 12s only and has inflatables, a shallow end for paddling and parasols for shade. For older swimmers, there are plenty of sports to keep them entertained from snorkelling, kayaking, banana boating and scuba diving classes. They'll also love the whale and dolphin watching, boat trips and the safaris in the National Parks.

Children are welcome in all the restaurants and the chef will adapt all dishes to suit smaller tastebuds. High chairs, booster seats, beakers and kids cutlery, along with all other kinds of kid paraphernalia, is also available. Alternatively make the most of the babysitting service and disappear to enjoy the views in peace.

There are plenty of options for rooms too. The Residences are set two to three together within their own private walled garden and a private swimming pool. These can accommodate extra roll away beds and cots can also be provided. However, if you prefer separate rooms then the Master Rooms can be interconnected with the Junior suites to make up a two bedroomed residence and the junior rooms can take up to four children on queen sized beds. For larger families then there is the option of the three bedroomed Cape Weligama Residence. All options come with a private Butler.

location

The resort is set in 12 manicured acres atop a peninsula in the laid back coastal town of Cape Weligama, in the stunning, coconut fringed southern province of Sri Lanka. Colombo Bandaranaike International airport is around 3 hours drive away. The hotel will organise transfers or hire a car and potter your way down, enjoying the spectacular scenery. Alternatively take a Cinnamon air seaplane to Mawella Lagoon airport and drive the 25 minute scenic coastal route to the resort.