serene sunsets above the weligama waves
set on a clifftop high above the shimmering sea on the fringes of the famous surfing mecca of weligama bay. cape weligama is a tranquil paradise for those who are seeking a unique ultra-luxury experience beyond what most multi-national brands can offer. the sheer exclusiveness & location of the property is second to none & with some of the finest views in the world for whale watching there is no better place to unwind, being at one with nature.
from the morning calls of wild peacocks to the excited monkeys that seem to glide from treetop to treetop, this resort is a place where imagination & wonder take hold, a place where you cannot help but wake-up with a smile.
accommodation
we stayed in a premier ocean villa & at over 180 m2 this vast villa is larger than most homes in europe. as you arrive at the villa through the lush tropical gardens you are greeted by a sublime outdoor living space with a seating area, dining table & sun-beds. at the 'cape', it's all about outdoor living.
the spacious master suite with its king bed, writing bureau & elegant furniture harkens back to colonial times. an illy espresso machine comes in handy for those morning rituals & the advanced entertainment system with 100s of movies, music & channels on-demand are welcomed during those lazy days.
the showpiece of the villa has to be the vast bathroom with his & her vanity, a free-standing bathtub that has fantastic views & a steam room, all make for a wondrous experience. sonos wireless speakers run throughout the property & are very welcomed during a relaxing soak in the tub listening to hanz zimmer.
the property
perched atop a cliff forty meters above the waves in over twelve acres of manicured gardens, the majority of the villas are located close to the summit of the property.
as you meander down through the lush gardens you'll find the main restaurant 'ocean terrace' & the elegant 'cape club' bar close to the edge of the cliff. both offer spectacular views over the bay, it is truly an astonishing sight to behold.
by far, my favourite area of the whole property was the moon pool. a breathtaking crescent-shaped infinity pool curving 60m around the 'cape’s' ocean summit, drinking in every inch of the magnificent coastal views. it honestly is what dreams are made of especially at sunset when the sky glows with hues of pink & purple.
many fantastic viewing platforms can be found around the property. they are the perfect place to sit with a cocktail in hand looking out over the calm india ocean that's home to a resident pod of blue whales, the world's largest mammal, & these can often be spotted daily. super pods of sperm whales & killer whales can also be seen, alongside acrobatic pods of spinner dolphins in their thousands.
gastronomy
the 'cape' is part of the relais & chateau portfolio of properties known for its magnificent cuisine at michelin star levels, the quality & ingenuity of the dishes that are on offer here are second to none.
from breakfast to lunch & dinner we had the privilege of enjoying some of the finest food we have ever had the pleasure of eating, especially the fresh fish dishes & local curries. those who seek super healthy food are in for a treat as they offer up delights such as acai protein bowls & local fresh tropical fruits.
one of the most memorable culinary experiences that we had was their high tea. freshly made sandwiches, warm scones & fine pastries along with some of the most exquisite tea i have ever tasted. i can say that wholeheartedly as the resort is owned by none other than the dilmah family, yes the famous ceylon tea that is savoured the world over.
activities
we spent most of our days at the resort lazing around sunning ourselves by the moon pool.
one sunny day late in the afternoon when the heat of the midday sun had subsided, we did get the chance to go on a fabulous day tour to galle fort. built-in the 16th century, this preserved dutch sea fort houses a network of museums, shops & supercool cafes where you can sip on a cocktail or two. walking along the top of the fort walls gives you a great vantage point of the grand white-washed lighthouse along with locals taking advantage of some downtime swimming in the warm indian ocean.
many other activities await at the 'cape' include surfing, boat trips & a helicopter tour of the island if you are feeling adventurous. no matter what adventures you would like to have the staff here will be sure to make it happen.
community & conservation credentials
the MJF charitable foundation is the philanthropic arm of resplendent ceylon 'the parent hotel group of cape weligama'. they work with underserved communities investing long term in the lives of women, men, girls & boys to ensure that they have control of their futures while also paying it forward to their communities.
rooms from: $500 | book here
money
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country travel tips
atm: most banks offer withdrawals for ($3). don't accept the on-screen conversion.
sim card: dialog. 10GB is ($8) for 30 days. got an e-sim enabled phone, try airalo.
transport: hotel transfers & tours companies are the safest.
taxi: uber? use promo: carlm5078ue for free ride.
accommodation: get ($20) off your first booking.com reservation here