Cape Weligama
Weligama
Cape Weligama features in Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools
Perched on a dramatic clifftop just 30 minutes east of the historic UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, Cape Weligama is one of the most exclusive luxury beach resorts in Sri Lanka. With sweeping 270-degree views of the Indian Ocean, this serene sanctuary offers a breathtaking coastal escape in what is undeniably one of the island’s most scenic locations.
Spread across 12 acres of manicured gardens and coconut palms, the resort is the architectural vision of renowned Thai designer Lek Bunnag. The design evokes a traditional Sri Lankan village, with red-tiled rooftops and winding stone pathways, yet it blends seamlessly with contemporary sophistication and five-star comforts. The layout maximises privacy while offering an authentic sense of place, perfectly suited to the resort’s clifftop setting.
The 40 suites and villas are exceptionally spacious, flooded with natural light and offer ocean views from private terraces or verandas. Interiors feature a harmonious mix of coastal charm and modern elegance, with polished teak floors, canopied beds and luxurious bathrooms fitted with twin vanities, stone bathtubs and steam rooms. Whether you’re a couple seeking privacy or a family looking for space and comfort, these ocean-view accommodations deliver understated luxury.
At the heart of the resort lies its signature crescent-shaped infinity pool, dramatically positioned on the cliff’s edge. This Insta-worthy centrepiece offers panoramic sea views and is the perfect spot to unwind, cocktail in hand, on one of the elegant burgundy sun loungers. Cape Weligama also boasts a fully-equipped fitness centre, Dive Centre, Kids’ Club and in-villa spa treatments.
Water sports are a key draw here, with surfing in Weligama Bay, stand-up paddleboarding and diving excursions all available. For those wanting to stay dry, cycling through nearby rice paddies, cinnamon plantations and tea estates offers a wonderful glimpse into rural life along Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Dining is a pleasure, with multiple restaurants serving everything from the daily seafood catch at Ocean Terrace, to elevated Sri Lankan flavours at Tableau and curated wines and tapas at the Cape Club. Each venue celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the culinary heritage of the region.
A proud member of the Resplendent Ceylon collection, which also includes the legendary Ceylon Tea Trails in the Central Highlands and the wild, oceanfront Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala National Park, Cape Weligama is known for its highly personalised service and thoughtful attention to detail. Together, these properties form a seamless trail across Sri Lanka for those looking to experience the island’s rich diversity in signature style.
Cape Weligama is an excellent choice for families, honeymooners or small groups of friends seeking a stylish and secluded beach retreat close to Galle, with all the hallmarks of Sri Lankan hospitality and world-class design.
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