Cape Weligama

Why book?

Because this glossy all-rounder clifftop resort is the triumphant Relais & Châteaux flagship of Resplendent Ceylon’s stunning quintet of properties.

Set the scene

Cape Weligama is brilliantly positioned in the surfer’s paradise of Weligama, home to the famous stilt fisherman and one of the Southern Riveria's buzziest tourist spots. Spread across 12 acres, the hotel is situated on a clifftop, offering spectacular ocean views. Winding pathways, flanked by lush gardens, lead to terracotta-tiled villas that accommodate a broad cross-section of guests, from young honeymooners to retired couples and families of all ages. To keep every generation happy, there’s both a family pool and an adults-only swimming pool, sweeping around the headland. There’s so much space that you barely see anyone, and endless activities keep you occupied for hours. For a slice of beach chic, the swanky new beach club hits all the right notes, complete with beach volleyball.

The backstory

Founded by the Fernando family, who also founded Dilmah Tea, Resplendent Ceylon is a homegrown success. The family launched their first hotel, Ceylon Tea Trails, in 2005 in the tea country before Cape Weligama opened in 2014, built by lauded Thai architect Lek Bunnag (whose work includes Four Seasons Langkawi and Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay). Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala National Park followed three years later. Impressively, all three hotels are Relais & Châteaux crowned – the only hotels in Sri Lanka to be so. Continuing this successful trajectory, Resplendent Ceylon launched a new brand, Reverie, in 2023, introducing two more intimate properties: Ahu Bay in Ahungalla and Kayaam House near Tangalle. Over the past two years, Resplendent Ceylon has turned its attention back to Cape Weligama, with a shiny makeover to celebrate the property’s 10th anniversary.

The rooms

Set in well-thought-out clusters of two or three freestanding villas, the 39 terracotta-tiled villas and suites are absolutely huge, right up to a two-bedroom suite which is akin to a house (perfect for large families). Soft pastel walls provide a gentle canvas for vibrant peacock-patterned textiles, coastal art, and rich wooden furnishings. The luxury spills over into the bathrooms, featuring freestanding stone bathtubs, walk-in rain showers and steam rooms. Outside, the focus is on privacy rather than sea views, with each cluster surrounded by emerald-green gardens, with a shared pool and private flagstone-floor verandas.

Food and drink

Food is a strong point of Cape Weligama, partly thanks to its abundant kitchen garden. The Atlas all-day restaurant packs a punch with its bold, purple-coloured walls and wide-ranging menu, from rice and curry to roasted lamb rack. However, opt for any fish dish, preferably with produce caught fresh that morning. Bag a table outside to fully soak up the glistening ocean panorama, interrupted only by the occasional strutting peacock. Alternatively, splash out for dinner at the clifftop’s Chef’s Table, which seats 12 people, with a menu of, perhaps, ginger-infused baked mullet and coconut panna cotta, conjured up in front of you. Either way, do go for cocktails at The Society beforehand (try the Earl of Weligama, a concoction of Earl Grey-infused gin, Martini Rosso and white wine) and get lost in its towering bookshelves. In the morning, there’s the option of a floating breakfast in your pool, which is picture-perfect. However, more practical is eating at The Atlas, with its particularly good cardamom-infused pancakes, accompanied by coconut cream.

The spa

Hidden behind foliage, the spa is cosy and super private. Treatments feature hyperlocal natural ingredients to create delicious massages and more. Book the Pampering Ritual, an invigorating body scrub and wrap that utilises Ceylon coconut, honey, tea, and coffee.

The neighbourhood

It’s easy not to leave Cape Weligama during your time there. In fact, few people do. However, there’s lots to get stuck into: whale watching, craft-making, cycling through local villages and elephant-spotting in nearby Udawalawe National Park. And that’s just for starters. For something more low-key, wander down to the local beach from the hotel’s beach club, stopping off for a fresh coconut along the way. The local market is also a 10-minute walk away.

The service

The staff are smartly dressed and on it. They are ready with a buggy to transport you around the resort before you realise it. The waiters are knowledgeable and make excellent recommendations.

For families

Cape Weligama couldn’t be better for families – choose between a Cape Residence, which sleeps five, or the two-bedroom Family Suites, including several by the family pool. There’s a new Forest School (little ones will love the treasure hunt), plus a kids’ menu and babysitting services.

Eco effort

Resplendent Ceylon is known for its sustainability. Fifteen per cent of the brand’s profits are channelled into two charitable foundations – one which focuses on children’s education, the other on nature conservation. Cape Weligama also works hard to reduce plastic, source local food and improve waste management, which has included establishing plastic waste collection points along the coast.

Accessibility

Four of the bedrooms have no steps. This includes one junior suite and one premier villa, which both have wheelchair access, including accessible bathrooms. Buggies are very efficient and on hand when needed.

Anything left to mention?

It’s the perfect stop-off for a road trip down the south coast, from Colombo and on to Yala National Park, which is a two-hour drive away.