Cape Weligama

Where trade winds carried legendary explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien past Sri Lanka’s soaring southern cliffs on some of history’s most celebrated nautical journeys, Cape Weligama has become the most celebrated resort along this fabled island’s palm-fringed shores.

Thirty minutes east of Galle, Cape Weligama inhabits 12 manicured acres atop a singular promontory rising 40 metres above the Indian Ocean. Stunning panoramas await you, naturally complementing the 39 private retreats designed by one of Asia’s most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag.

The hotel’s dining venues capture Weligama’s iconic sunsets, as does the 60-meter crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the shimmering sea, while those timeless breezes ensure elegant swells unfurl onto the sun-kissed sand.

ACCOMMODATION
Nestled into the natural slopes atop Cape Weligama’s striking headland, a collection of 39 Suites and Villas create the welcoming illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village.

Yet beneath local terracotta-tiled rooftops, stylish interiors unfold as generously sized contemporary living quarters, surrounded by tropical gardens, named after a distinguished explorer or writer whose historic Ceylon journey captures the spirit of Cape Weligama.

The Villas are set within eight gardens in the upper part of our headland, comprising two or three Villas in each plus a large shared infinity edge swimming pool.

The Ocean Pool Villa and Duplex Two Bedroom Cape Pool Villa enjoy private 15m pools. The Suites are located at the lower level, around the Cove Pool. They are especially well suited to families or friends travelling together.

All accommodations enjoy a large terrace with dining and in-room spa facilities, spacious walk-in wardrobes, Sonos wireless audio, handmade Ophir toiletries, a steam room & large bathrooms with twin vanities and a stone tub.

OCEAN POOL VILLA
The upper floor Ocean Pool Villa features a luxuriously furnished bedroom, a large bathroom with a stone tub & steam room and an outdoor deck. The stunning highlight is the elevated 15m infinity edge private pool with panoramic Indian Ocean views.

PREMIER OCEAN VILLA
The spacious Premier Ocean Villa features a large, well-furnished verandah ideal for relaxation or dining, overlooking lush tropical gardens that feature a 15m infinity swimming pool shared with either one or two other villas. The entrance lobby leads to the elegantly furnished king bedroom & large bathroom with steam room & stone bathtub.

POOL VIEW JUNIOR SUITE
The spacious Pool View Junior Suite offers a Super King bedded room, which can be converted to twin Queen beds, & large bathroom with stone bathtub & steam room. The outdoor verandah is perfect for lounging & dining. The Junior Suite can interconnect with a Master Suite via the verandah. The Suites overlook the Cove pool & tropical gardens.

DINING
Explore our island’s heritage with your palate
Allow your taste buds to explore this exotic island on their own! The resort’s restaurants set the bar for fine dining in Sri Lanka. A gourmet paradise, Cape Weligama pays homage to its location with the day’s freshest catch cooked to order at the Ocean Terrace.

Savour mouth-watering fare at the Tableau, dramatically poised at the cliff edge, serving beautiful, seasonal and sustainable food in keeping with the ethos of Relais & Chateaux.

The dishes are prepared in front of you by Resplendent Ceylon’s chefs and visiting culinarians from around the world. The resort’s handpicked wines complement these extensive East to West menus.

Honouring the deep roots connecting Cape Weligama to this island’s rich history, the Cape Club provides a relaxed yet refined venue for traditional Ceylon high tea, as well as to linger over sunset cocktails and after-dinner nightcaps under the stars.

The Surf Bar sits atop a dramatic cliff that oversees a pristine bay famed for drawing in seasoned surfers from around the world.

A casual, eclectic food menu is served with beautifully handcrafted cocktails to sip as you marvel at the beauty of the ocean or catch your favourite sporting event at the bar. All Villas & Suites have dining tables on generous terraces where meals could be served in a private setting, overlooking tropical gardens.

OCEAN TERRACE
Views toward the shipping lane symbolize traditional and global flavours that inspire our menus
Ocean Terrace surveys the ocean to the south and east and is a majestic venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open-fronted restaurant is perfect for indulging in beautiful cuisine whilst watching the gentle swell of the sea.

Be inspired by an early morning breakfast within minutes of the sunrise with the best of delectable local and familiar breakfast staples. Lunch is a tranquil affair with daily chef-created menus featuring the best of what’s freshly caught and harvested.

The blazing fire of torches, gentle flame of lanterns and candles set the stage and atmosphere for a dinner experience that ignites the imagination.

The birthplace of progressive Sri Lankan cuisine, the Ocean Terrace dinner menu explores modern pan Asian, European inspired and cape comfort creations that deliver a menu to satiate your appetite for beautiful food from different corners of the world.

Our menus serve only as a guide; our chefs would be delighted to create personalized menus and curate experiences tailored just for you.

TABLEAU
Gastronomy with fascinating narrative
There are no walls that separate kitchen and dining room at Tableau. There are no boundaries for creativity either.

Farm fresh produce meets the freshest seafood and meats handpicked by our chefs, prepared in front of you and personally served by the best of Resplendent Ceylon’s talent and visiting culinarians from around the world.

No two nights are ever the same, no two menus are alike. The food: Beautiful. Seasonal. Sustainable. Fresh. Creative. Indulgent.

THE SURF BAR
Chilled out vibe, seriously good food
The Surf Bar sits atop a dramatic cliff that oversees a pristine bay famed for drawing in seasoned surfers from around the world. A casual, eclectic food menu is served with beautifully handcrafted cocktails to sip as you marvel at the beauty of the ocean or catch your favourite sporting event at the bar.

Impromptu eight ball pool tournaments during our happy hour are a mainstay and making friends with other residents happens naturally at this relaxed venue.

The interior is vintage surf themed and offers both indoor and alfresco dining out at the deck for resident and non-resident guests.

Open for lunch daily, the culinary experience is a fusion of Asian and Spanish cuisine and includes all-time favourites like nachos, wraps, tacos and burritos with a selection of sweets including homemade ice creams.

A daily special cocktail is available and designed to match the cuisine served while a wide range of beverages is also on offer. A pool table and table tennis add an active vibe to the atmosphere of the bar with the Gym and the famous Moon Pool located close by.

CAPE CLUB
Tea and sundowners with a view across the coastline
The Cape Club honors the deep roots of Ceylon’s renowned tea heritage with daily Dilmah Ceylon High Tea experience. The extensive tea menu showcases the many exquisite varieties available.

Once your tea is selected, it will be accompanied by delicate savouries such as cucumber and egg and cress sandwiches, delicious scones with clotted cream and home-made jams and mouthwatering pastries such as Battenberg cake and Victoria sponge.

The cliff-top location of the club allows for stunning views over the Indian Ocean and one can view the surfers, deep below, riding the famous waves of Weligama. At sunset, the venue turns into the perfect place to unwind.

Enjoy your favourite cocktail, with a tea-infused twist, while admiring the starry night settling down over the vast Indian Ocean and listening to relaxing lounge tunes.

Kumbuk Cafe
A must-try Cape Weligama breakfast option to immerse guests into traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. The setting is designed like a typical village home and chefs are on hand to explain the unique menu and cultural significance to guests

Cliff Edge Dining
Our elevated location with panoramic Indian Ocean views allows for dramatic vistas from which to relish a special meal. Lookout Blue is located near the Surf Bar and enjoys the most amazing ocean views from the very edge of the cliff.

DISCOVER SRI LANKAN CUISINE
A detailed exploration of Sri Lankan fare followed by a spicy, mouth-watering lunch.
A guided, detailed exploration into the technically complex, sensory layers of Sri Lankan cuisine, hosted by Chef Vinnol.

The experience is designed to answer the “why’s” and “how’s” of our cooking, our ingredients, our flavours and our recipes. Chef Vinnol walks guests through his favourite recipes, his favourite local comfort foods, and secret techniques.

Meanwhile, on the stove, the mustard seeds pop, curry leaves sizzle and cinnamon and other spices release their distinct aromas into the air in the promise of gastronomic indulgence that is ensuing. Chef Vinnol is as articulate about the art of Sri Lankan cuisine, as he is passionate about the distinct flavours unique to our emerald isle.

The experience has two sittings – at noon and 2pm each day at – “Tableau”, our chef’s table restaurant. A scrumptious Sri Lankan lunch follows. Guests are welcome to get behind the stoves and be as involved as they like.

CURATED EXPERIENCES
From Ocean Safari’s to Cinnamon Plantations and Culinary Experiences, Cape Weligama will immerse you in our Sri Lanka.
Our experiences are carefully curated to offer an authentic, intimate and exploratory journey into the heart, soul, history, and gastronomy of this magical island.

We also offer activities with healthy doses of fun, adventure and pampering, along with a holistic wellness offering for guests to escape their urban life and soothe mind, body, and soul. A selection of engaging activities for families – with a special selection for kids – are on hand as well, to round out the perfect getaway.

BIG DAY OUT – BY AIR
An experiential day out with some stunning views for aerial photography!
See and be a part of some uniquely Sri Lankan experiences on this helicopter tour. With a packed picnic breakfast, depart Cape Weligama to the cultural triangle. Depending on guest preference, visit either Sigiriya – the 8th wonder of the world, Dambulla Cave Temple or Pidurangala rock.

Then, fly over the heritage city of Kandy, with a fly-by past the famous Adam’s Peak and World’s End at Horton Plains National Park en route to Tea Trails. Touch down at Dunkeld Estate, home of Ceylon Tea Trails.

A scrumptious lunch will be offered at Dunkeld, Summerville or Castlereagh bungalows, but we recommend the picnic “Planter’s Lunch”, in a quiet little watch hut on the mountainside above Dunkeld bungalow.

Walk the trail back down to Dunkeld Bungalow and try our private “tea tasting” – a hosted experience with our resident tea specialist who will explain the diverse flavours of Ceylon tea, with an interactive tasting. Depart Tea Trails to arrive back at Cape Weligama in time for high-tea at Cape Club overlooking the bay! A perfect day out.

BORDERLANDS ADVENTURE CENTRE AT CAPE WELIGAMA
Welcome to your adventure
Our Adventure Centre, operated by Borderlands, is located on East Beach, a 5-minute walk from the Cove Pool at Cape Weligama.

Plunge into the depths of the ocean to discover a hidden world of colour and life, kayak through the glistening waters or try your hand at SUP boarding. The choice is yours. All activities are accompanied by a trained professional, who will customise the experience for safety and enjoyment.

4 luxury boats are available that can take you for a whale watching excursion, a SCUBA diving trip or a Sunset cruise or a Banana boat ride. Also offered are surf lessons, sea kayaks, canoes, stand up paddles, and bodyboards.

You can also choose to go kayaking or Stand Up Paddling on a river or lake nearby with a guide. In addition to water related sports, mountain bikes are available for those who prefer land over water. It is even possible to organize a special triathlon, which will take you from Sea Kayaking to River Kayaking to Biking!

As an official PADI Dive Centre, Borderlands offers the full range of PADI courses, from Open Water Divers to professional Divemaster. It’s also possible, for those who have never dived before to take an introductory Discover Scuba Diving program which will give you a first impression of the underwater world.

Borderlands uses modern equipment meeting international standards. Safety and well-being are a top priority. All programs, activities and adventures are operated to strict International Safety Standards. Borderlands guides are First Aid and CPR certified and receive constant on the job training in safety and rescue procedures.

CUSTOMIZED SURFING EXPERIENCES
Take to the waves of Weligama for a memorable surf experience in one of the most beautiful and surf- friendly bays in Sri Lanka
Take advantage of world-famous Weligama waves while staying here at Cape Weligama.

We have customized programs for any keen surfer, from total beginners who want to get a taste of surfing, to those who have surfed before but struggle to catch waves with confidence, all the way to the advanced surfer looking to improve their style.

All the surf coaches are International Surfing Association (ISA) certified. Both private and group lessons are available. Alternatively, surfboards are also available for rental.

Cape Weligama Signature Ocean Safari
Set sail on Cape Weligama’s signature Ocean Safari experience, in search of blue and sperm whales, spinner dolphins and other marine wildlife. The experience is guided by a Cape Weligama naturalist and includes a scrumptious breakfast on board.

The face of the Galle Fort
The walk focuses on the host’s experience of growing up in the Galle Fort and presenting it not as a tourist attraction, but an extension of his “home” – a home filled with history, heritage, cultural integration and soul.

VISIT A TEA PLANTATION – HANDUNUGODA
Learn the story of a tea made for a Chinese Emperor
This is a low-country tea plantation within sniffing distance of the sea, owned by third-generation planter and author Herman Gunarathne.

Famed for its ‘virgin white tea’, which retails for over US$1,500/kg, and stocks the shelves of tip-top tea gourmet Mariage Frères in Paris. Guided tours of the serene estate include a walk-through of the antiquated factory and tea with cake.

VISITS TO HISTORIC SITES AND POINTS OF INTEREST
We can arrange unguided visits to places of interest such as Devundara Temple and the Dondra lighthouse, a turtle hatchery, beaches and bays such as Mirissa and Unawatuna, and even the Galle Fort if you’d like to visit without our guide.

WINE-PAIRED SUNSET CRUISE
Wine. Food. Sunset. Tropical Coastline.
A stone’s throw from Cape Weligama, the village of Weligama is one of our island’s most beautiful bays. Surfers ride waves that roll up to sandy beaches; fishing boats and sunbathing visitors strewn along the beach.

Green hilltops of cinnamon, low-grown tea and artisanal spice plantations rise from the coastline. As the sun descends, a warm glow bathes the shore and gives the shallow turquoise ocean swells an added sparkle.

Our wine-paired sunset cruise is ideal for honeymoon couples or an intimate group. A selection of canapes from Cape Weligama’s Relais & Chateaux kitchen paired with four wines add a touch of sophistication and epicurean indulgence to this soothing tropical experience.

The menu’s focus on Sri Lankan fare and showcase RC’s food philosophy of a modern, contemporary take on Sri Lankan cuisine. The vessels is operated by Cape Weligama’s activity partner Borderlands.