On the serendipitous island of Sri Lanka nests Resplendent Ceylon, the benchmark for secluded boutique resorts offering timeless escapades combined with the real taste of luxury. For the brand, business is a matter of human service and as they head towards their goal of transforming Sri Lanka into a luxury destination, the core of what they do continues to lie in the conservation of nature and kindness to people.
Resplendent Ceylon boasts three unique experiential resorts, all set in diverse terrains ranging from mountainous jungles to roaring waterfalls and lush green tea fields, providing an opportunity for guests to dwell in the scenic and evocative Sri Lankan experience. The resorts aim to be every traveller’s gateway to the land of paradise by presenting the culinary, natural, and cultural heritage of the island in all its glory through fascinating narratives that define Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres in Sri Lanka’s panoramic tea estate lies the world’s first tea bungalow resort, Ceylon Tea Trails.
Comprising five restored historic tea planter bungalows, the residences are complete with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine, all in a bid to spotlight the convergence of heritage with luxury. With rooms named after colonial British estate managers who lived in the bungalow, each residence carries with it stories drenched in historic narratives combined with the tranquillity of the valleys much needed to unwind and rejuvenate.
The bungalows situated on the tea estates are a welcome invitation for guests looking to immerse themselves in the quintessential Ceylon tea experience – the pillar of Sri Lankan heritage and identity. To complete the journey, activities offered include guided tours giving first-hand insight into the stages of tea production, biking and trekking in the estates, private tea tasting, and tea-infused gourmet dinners.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge Known as the nature-lover’s haven, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is where the wilderness meets the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. This spectacular luxury tented camp is located adjacent to the Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population. In further testament to their commitment to conserving the environment, Malik Joseph Fernando, Managing Director of the brand also spearheaded an initiative to protect leopards in the Sri Lankan tea highlands.
The distinctive layout of the resort has been conceived to look like a leopard’s paw to pay homage to the area’s most famous resident. While the main buildings, made of bamboo blend in with the distinctive rock formations of Yala, the uniquely shaped tents called Cocoons & Urchins are a premium five-star resort room in every sense, offering first-class amenities including air- conditioning. Guests can also enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine curated creatively every day, as well as sundowner cocktails and picnics al fresco on the sand dunes at the open-air bamboo-clad Bar and Dining Pavilion.
Underpinned by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the water at Wild Coast is desalinated from the ocean and recycled into water holes for wildlife consumption while organic waste is composted on-site, and their energy needs met by a solar plant.
Cape Weligama
A slice of gourmet paradise in its truest form with the best of community, culture and cuisine, Cape Weligama is a highly coveted destination atop Sri Lanka’s southern cliffs.
The spirit of Cape Weligama is beautifully showcased by naming every garden after a distinguished explorer or writer whose historic ties with Ceylon lives on forever. The accommodation at Weligama is an extension of this narrative - perfectly balancing the old-world charm of a boutique residence along with the benefits of a world-class resort.
The terracotta-tiled rooftops and beautiful gardens seek to create a welcoming illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, beyond which lie the contemporary living quarters with generously sized and uniquely styled villas and suites. The postcard perfect beaches, kaleidoscopic underwater landscape sprinkled with historic wrecks, and surrounding lush fields and ancient temples represent Weligama’s innate magnetic charm – a must-visit for guests looking to immerse themselves in diverse yet meaningful activities.
Building a luxury destination without compromising Sri Lankan culture and identity is the ethos of Resplendent Ceylon. As they forage towards their goal of bringing the Sri Lankan experience to more and more visitors with different needs, Resplendent Ceylon will soon be launching Reverie, an intimate yet bespoke retreat looking to welcome guests who want to rejuvenate themselves in the stunning green expanse of Sri Lanka.
In addition to every one of Resplendent Ceylon’s offerings being a testament to their outstanding hospitality and service, their commitment to sustainability and landscape conservation is what makes them more just a chain of resorts, but a team that understands how giving back truly matters.
