Charms From Coast To Coast

Revel in the allure of Sri Lanka through the Tea Sea and Safari themes from Resplendent Ceylon.

- Shermin Ng

One can say that Sri Lanka has been put J through the wringer, having faced an economic crisis and political upheaval. But the island nation has remained resilient and as the situation there stabilises, it is starting to open up again. And with summer at its peak, now is arguably the best time to visit or return for an unforgettable adventure. For the curious and discerning traveller, Resplendent Ceylon, the resort arm of tea company Dilmah, offers a remarkable circuit across the country with its three distinctive resorts that capture the beguiling charm of the island nation-Cape Weligama huddled on the south coast near Galle, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beachside by Yala National Park, and Ceylon Tea Trails nestled in the tea highlands.

My journey with Resplendent Ceylon began with a smooth four-hour flight into Colombo via national carrier SriLankan Airlines, which offers convenient connections to its global route network of over 100 destinations in 58 countries. A 2.5-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport brought me to Cape Weligama, a sprawling 12-acre resort perched on a grassy headland overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Designed by revered Thai architect Lek Bunnag and reminiscent of a traditional Sri Lankan village, terracotta-tiled dwellings (each named after a distinguished explorer, writer or poet) dot the resort's colourful gardens and pools-the showstopper being the crescent-shaped infinity Moon Pool that curves round the cape's summit, affording spectacular 270-degree coastal views.