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Cape Weligama is a clifftop resort on Sri Lanka's south coast, set in 12 acres of gardens on a headland above Weligama Bay. It belongs to Resplendent Ceylon, the hotel company of the Dilmah tea family, alongside Ceylon Tea Trails and Wild Coast Tented Lodge, and it is a member of Relais & Châteaux. Designed by the Thai architect Lek Bunnag, it has 39 villas and suites under terracotta roofs, and its signature is the Moon Pool, a crescent-shaped infinity pool at the edge of the cliff.
The resort stands on Abimanagama Road, on a rocky cape above Weligama Bay, surrounded by ocean views. Below it lie the long sandy beach of the bay and the surf breaks that have made Weligama popular with surfers. Mirissa is about 20 minutes away by car, and Galle Fort, the UNESCO-listed Dutch town, is around 30 minutes west along the coast.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly two and a half to three hours away by road, most of the journey on the Southern Expressway before the last stretch to the coast. There is no rail or scheduled air link to the resort itself, so a pre-booked private transfer with a driver waiting at the airport is the most comfortable way to arrive after a long flight. Book the Colombo (CMB) Airport transfer to Cape Weligama.
The 39 residences are spread through the gardens in nine categories: Junior Suites, Master Suites and Two Bedroom Family Suites, Pool Pavilions, and Luxury, Premier, Prestige and Grand Villas. Villas are grouped in small clusters that share a semi-private 15-metre pool, and all enjoy views over the gardens or the ocean. The largest is the Cape Residence, with two bedrooms and its own infinity pool.
The Atlas is the main restaurant, and Tableau is an intimate chef's table for a small number of guests. The Society is the bar, serving afternoon tea by day and cocktails in the evening. Down at the water, the Cove Beach Club adds a relaxed place to eat and swim. The restaurants, the bar and the beach club were redesigned or newly added when the resort relaunched in January 2025.
The 60-metre Moon Pool curves along the cliff edge with sweeping ocean views and is reserved for adults, while the Cove Pool is the family pool. The Sanctuary Spa offers treatments, there is a fitness centre, and children have their own club, the Forest School, with babysitting available on request.
Weligama Bay is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf, with gentle waves close to the beach, and the resort can arrange lessons. Boats leave from nearby Mirissa for whale and dolphin watching in season. Galle Fort, with its ramparts, lighthouse, churches and cafés, makes an easy half-day trip. Cape Weligama also pairs well with its sister properties, Ceylon Tea Trails in the hill country and Wild Coast Tented Lodge near Yala National Park.
Bookable activities, tours, and tickets within a 25 km radius.
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
