WILD CEYLON

For years Sri Lanka has been one of the world’s most underrated destinations thanks to its spectacular scenery, abundance of wildlife, pristine beaches and more recently, incredible hospitality, largely thanks to the passion and growth from luxury hotel operators Resplendent Ceylon.

The name Resplendent Ceylon certainly evokes mystery, elegance and luxury and for discerning travellers, it has quickly become synonymous with amazing escapes on the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka.

Conceived by the Fernando family, Sri Lankan tea producers and founders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Resplendent Ceylon’s collection of boutique resorts offer the luxury traveller an incredible journey across Sri Lanka.

The collection features five unique resorts, Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea Highlands, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beach-side at Yala National Park and Cape Weligama on the south coast near Galle and two beachside villastyle stays, Kayaam House in Tangalle and Ahu Bay in Ahungalla.

Given the Fernando family’s global reputation for producing fine tea that’s available to be enjoyed globally through their Dilmah brand, it is no surprise the Ceylon Tea Trails retreat in the Highlands garners most of the worldwide attention and remains one of Asia’s most in-demand hotels.

Down on the nation’s rugged and spectacular coastline however, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Cape Weligama have firmly appeared on the global magazine hot lists of late thanks to their experiences, luxury accommodations and fantastic hospitality.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Resplendent Ceylon’s most striking creation is Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the world famous Yala National Park, renowned for being home to 215 bird species and 44 mammalian species including the Sri Lankan leopard.

This spectacular luxury tented camp, a UNESCO design award winner, is situated in a stunning location where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s unique design, masterminded by a consortium of Dutch, English and Sri Lankan designers, sees the man-made structures blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape thanks to the use of carefully selected natural materials.

The use of arched fabric structures allows each of the 28 cocoon tents to take on the shape and colour of the rocks and boulders that lay scattered nearby, whilst a clever layout in the shape of a leopard’s paw print alludes to the area’s most famous resident.

While their main buildings, made of bamboo, blend in with the distinctive rock formations of Yala, their uniquely shaped tents, called Cocoons and Urchins, represent a luxury five-star resort room under canvas, offering state-of-the art amenities including air-conditioning.

There are three kinds of accommodations on offer, the Cocoon Suites, Cocoon Pool Suites and the Family Cocoon Suites.

Cocoon Suites boast soaring vaulted ceilings, offering jungle views from the double-height double glazed facades.

The interiors fuse colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations, from freestanding handmade copper bathtubs to sumptuous fourposter beds.

Teak floors and canvas walls complement dark leather touches and repurposed metallic hardware for an eclectic and design-led aesthetic.

The Cocoons are also dotted around watering holes attracting wildlife, which can be viewed from outdoor decks.

Four secluded beachside Cocoon Pool Suites also offer private plunge pools, while the Family Cocoon Suites sport an adjoining twin-bedded 20m Urchin, perfect for older kids, offering privacy and space for parents and children alike.

All of the rooms feature air conditioning, teak floors, WiFi, an all-inclusive minibar and Sonos audio.

The open-air bamboo-clad Bar and Dining Pavilion – designed to mirror the boulders scattered across the golden beach beyond – wrap around the resort’s enormous free-form swimming pool.

Guests can enjoy creative daily-changing menus of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the restaurant, as well as sundowner cocktails and picnics al fresco on the sand dunes, watching dusk settle over the Indian Ocean.

When dining at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, guests will be treated to an array of gourmet safari cuisine with a Sri Lankan flair, served in the elegant bamboo Dining Pavilion open to the ocean breezes. Alternatively, guests can dine romantically in the beautiful natural beach garden under a star-studded Sri Lankan night sky.

Breakfast features a wide array of traditional Sri Lankan and international breakfast offerings, while lunch is a la carte with perennial favourites with a wild coast twist, comfort food, healthy options and more.

Post evening game drive cocktails and snacks takes place on the stunning beach outside the Lodge and dinner features uniquely Wild Coast fare, inspired by nature and the freshness of local produce.

There’s a library at the Lodge, which also doubles up as an educational centre where guests learn about the wildlife in the park and watch documentaries, further explained by the lodge’s expert guides.

The Sanctuary Spa at Wild Coast Tented Lodge rounds out the experience and boasts treatments that include two native Sri Lankan ingredients, Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon, used in the spa’s oils, scrubs and poultices.

All Resplendent Ceylon resorts are underpinned by an unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical business practice, which Wild Coast certainly exemplifies.

Water is desalinated from the ocean and recycled into water holes for animals to drink from, a solar plant meets energy needs and organic waste is composted on site.

The Lodge is also building a conservation centre dedicated to monitoring and protecting vulnerable wildlife within the surrounding area, including the Sri Lankan leopard, which you could be fortunate enough to see on one of the daily game drives at the lodge.

A nature-lover’s paradise, Wild Coast offers exceptional wilderness experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in some of the richest biodiversity in Sri Lanka.

Vehicles will whisk guests to the quietest corners of Yala National Park, whilst their rangers will be on hand to talk guests through the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including elephants, sloth bears and leopards.

A variety of lectures and workshops, with focuses ranging from wild elephant behaviour to bird watching and nature walks, will offer an insight into the fascinating natural surroundings. In addition, the lodge also offers excursions to ancient Buddhist and Hindu sites.

The Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a truly remarkable escape in a part of South Asia that’s remarkably still so undiscovered.