Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka



Perched
on craggy cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, it’s hard
to imagine a more ruggedly beautiful setting than that of Cape Weligama. The sound of
waves rolling into shore melts away everyday troubles on arrival,
lulling you into a perpetual state of relaxation for the duration
of your stay.

With 39 suites and villas scattered over 12 acres, the resort
feels like a bountiful seaside village. Architect Lek Bunnag has
eschewed the typical Bawa-inspired architecture of
Sri Lanka
, instead drawing influence from the island’s history
as voyagers’ stopover. Terracotta-roofed dwellings (each named
after an explorer) complement Weligama’s remote allure, while the
clifftop setting ensures ocean views wherever you go.

This a place to while away the days. Soak up the sun at the
crescent-shaped
pool
, visit the spa
for a Sri Lankan spice scrub or head to the lookout for magnificent
panoramas. Watching the tropical rain thunder down from the refuge
of your veranda refuge is as thrilling as it is refreshing, perhaps
only surpassed by the joy of wandering east or west across deserted
stretches of sand. Of course, there’s plenty to entertain –
big-game fishing, whale watching and Weligama’s great
surf
– but for us, it’s all about switching off and enjoying
luxuriously lazy days.

Rooms

Cape Weligama’s suites and villas are dotted across the 12 acres
of tropical gardens, providing privacy and solitude. All have large
terraces, oversized stone baths and steam rooms, while villas
benefit from semi-private pools. The rooms themselves are some of
the most capacious around, with beds big enough for entire families
and elegant, beach-inspired interiors. Expect deep blues and
untreated wood – and don’t be surprised to find an iguana
scampering across your lawn in the morning.

What’s for breakfast?

Freshly baked pastries and tropical fruit drizzled with lime,
plus an extensive menu of local and international dishes. It’s a
tough call, but skip eggs Benedict with hash browns in favour of
hoppers and prawn curry.

How about lunch and dinner?

Cape Weligama has two restaurants: Ocean Terrace is a dramatic,
wooden pavilion with sweeping views of the sea, while Ocean Grill
is a 12-seater steakhouse which requires advanced booking. Dishes
draw influence from local, western and wider Asian cuisines,
executed with both refinement and flair. As you’d expect, the
seafood is especially good – go all out with just-caught crab and
lobster.

Is there a bar?

Yes, there are two. The Cape Club is the main bar, a breezy
pavilion set adjacent to Ocean Terrace. It’s adorned with memories
from Ceylon’s early sporting history and is the perfect place to
enjoy drinks at sunset. Be sure not to miss the Arrack and
tea-infused cocktails (they also serve a fantastic high tea). The
Moon Bar, tucked away by the pool, is a great spot to take respite
from the hot afternoon sun, and they set up a big screen for film
nights and sporting events.

Amenities

Free wifi, gym, spa, diving centre, swimming pools, Sonos, TV
and DVD Player, film library.

Things you should know

The sea can be rough and the currents are strong, so you might
not be able to swim from both beaches all year round – check with
staff before diving in.

Within a short walk you can find…

The beaches to the east and west of the hotel make for gorgeous
walks at sunrise or sunset, especially if you enjoy long stretches
of deserted, golden sand. Weligama itself – a lively little fishing
town – is a short drive away, and Matara and Galle are both easily
accessible via taxi or tuk-tuk.

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