Travel Counsellors explore Sri Lanka

20 May 2024

Our Travel Counsellors hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs based on their own personal experiences, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations. Recently, a group of them were lucky enough to head off on a fabulous trip to gorgeous Sri Lanka, where they had the privilege of staying in one of our favourite properties there, Cape Weligama. This allowed them to truly get a feel for what this standout property can offer our guests, as well as discover why Sri Lanka is such a great holiday destination, mixing culture, immersion in nature, and relaxation.

Why choose Cape Weligama?

This boutique hotel is very much a place for indulgence: think afternoon high teas, cocktails on the Moon Pool Terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at the Old Surf Bar, which also comes with breathtaking views of the water as well as hosting jazz and other live entertainment.

Although you’ll very much want to stay here and make the most of all its fabulous facilities and amenities, it’s very well sited for Galle Fort, Sri Lanka’s fortified city, which the Travel Counsellors got to know in the company of expert local guides. They saw the stilt fishermen, the Dutch Reformed Church (Cross Church) of 1752, the Queen’s House and the old military belltower, and the longest colonial building in the country, which was used as a storehouse for cinnamon and as a kraal where elephants were trained and transported.

Other highlights included the Black Fort, the oldest place of the fort, with the old Winkler blacksmiths and Santa Cruz Portuguese church, the historic lighthouse, the Old Flag rock bastion for views of the old slave route, and an old house in the fort built during the Dutch period. They then enjoyed cocktails and dinner at the Fort Bazaar Hotel within the Galle Fort.

Back at Cape Weligama, they got to experience a yoga session, spa treatments, and a DJ session – all by the pool – a gala dinner with a live band on Ocean Terrace, and even an impromptu cricket match versus the Cape Weligama team, complete with band and an ice-cream van for spectators. There was also time for art activities and a look at displays by the MJF Charitable Foundation, which works with under-served island communities.

"We really were treated like royalty and every single moment of the trip was immaculately planned and delivered, we couldn’t have asked for more. No wonder our clients love this place, with people like Columbus helping them discover this beautiful island."

- Blanche, Travel Counsellor

Yala National Park and the Wild Coast Tented Lodge

The Travel Counsellors were also thrilled to get to go spotting leopard, elephant, and sloth bears on a Jeep safari in Yala National Park, and to experience Yala’s luxurious Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, covering 979km2. Game drives in the early mornings or late afternoons take you into this semi-arid landscape with its ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. The number of mammals species recorded here is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

The Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a UNESCO design award-winner for its unique soaring, curved, organic structures that blend into the surroundings, including a bamboo-clad, open-air restaurant and bar (where the Travel Counsellors enjoyed a delicious lunch) and a freeform infinity pool complementing the bushland-and-beach setting. Part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio, Wild Coast includes Cocoons (luxury tented bedrooms) and a fabulous spa.

“Just landed back from what has been hands down the greatest work trip that there has ever been, absolutely incredible from start to finish! Huge thanks to everyone for looking after us. Sri Lanka is up there in my top 3 favourite places for sure!”

- Louise, Travel Counsellor

Feeling inspired?

As Travel Counsellors, our mission is to provide you with expert guidance and personalised service. Having experienced Cape Weligama, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park and Galle Fort firsthand, we’re equipped with invaluable insights and firsthand knowledge that will enable us to tailor unforgettable experiences for you.

To book your Sri Lanka holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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