One can say that Sri Lanka has been put by the wringer, having confronted an financial disaster and political upheaval. However the island nation has remained resilient and because the state of affairs there stabilises, it’s beginning to open up once more. And with summer time at its peak, now’s arguably the very best time to go to or return for an unforgettable journey. For the curious and discerning traveller, Resplendent Ceylon, the resort arm of tea firm Dilmah, presents a outstanding circuit throughout the nation with its three distinctive resorts that seize the beguiling appeal of the island nation — Cape Weligama huddled on the south coast close to Galle, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beach-side by Yala Nationwide Park, and Ceylon Tea Trails nestled within the tea highlands.
My journey with Resplendent Ceylon started with a easy four-hour flight into Colombo by way of nationwide service Sri Lankan Airways, which presents handy connections to its international route community of over 100 locations in 58 international locations. A 2.5-hour drive from Bandaranaike Worldwide Airport introduced 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 harking back to a standard Sri Lankan village, terracotta-tiled dwellings (every named after a distinguished explorer, author or poet) dot the resort’s vibrant gardens and swimming pools — the showstopper being the crescent-shaped infinity Moon Pool that curves around the cape’s summit, affording spectacular 270-degree coastal views.
Up to date in type, drenched in sunny hues and imbued with a colonial really feel, all villas and suites boast eating and in-room spa services and have giant terraces, spacious walk-in wardrobes, a steam room, and a big rest room (virtually as huge because the bed room itself) with twin vanities and a stone tub. Some even have non-public or semi-private swimming pools for many who admire the seclusion and solitude, identical to I did.
The resort’s cliff-edge alfresco restaurant, Ocean Terrace, is the proper spot to benefit from the beautiful views as you tuck into the splendid, contemporary catch of the day. For genuine native fare, go for the breakfast hoppers or pittu with hearty dahl, fragrant hen or jackfruit curry. The extra intimate Tableau presents an intimate Chef’s Desk eating expertise, whereas the Surf Bar gives a relaxed area to take pleasure in sundown cocktails and a sport of pool.
From scuba diving to browsing classes and even whale watching (between December and April), there’s loads of actions to maintain you cheerful. In case your curiosity lies in heritage crafts, Resort Pola’s assorted workshops spotlight the island’s inventive previous. I learnt the normal artwork of mask-making and portray from native artisans and made certainly one of my very personal.
About three hours away by street or a brief flight by floatplane is a luxurious glamping expertise like no different. Completely positioned between the thick jungle and a pristine seashore, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala seamlessly blends into its rugged environment. On the shores are 28 cocoon tents, impressed by giant boulders discovered on the seashore. These tents, which sit close to watering holes that appeal to wildlife, collectively type the form of a leopard’s paw, alluding to the realm’s elusive resident. Wild Coast exemplifies the Resplendent Ceylon sustainable ethos with all kinds of eco initiatives, similar to desalinating water from the ocean for animals to drink from, assembly power wants with a photo voltaic plant, and composting natural waste on website.
The Rooms
After check-in, I used to be led to my Cocoon Pool Suite — which, I used to be advised one morning, had been visited by an elephant that ate from the berry bushes outdoors whereas I used to be asleep. Inside, hovering vaulted ceilings, a home made copper bathtub and repurposed metallic {hardware}, a lush four-poster mattress in addition to darkish leather-based furnishings exude colonial expedition stylish and a up to date aesthetic. After settling into the absolutely air-conditioned tented suite, one can benefit from the plunge pool or discover the unfenced property—look out for mischievous macaques, wild peacocks and monitor lizards as you navigate the winding paths.
The Meals
A safari vacation just isn’t full with out an thrilling sport drive. Embrace the wild aspect as professional rangers take you thru the unique wildlife on the adjoining Yala Nationwide Park—house to noticed leopards, sloth bears, elephants, native birds and extra. Following an adventurous morning, benefit from the ocean breeze whereas savouring gourmand safari delicacies on the bamboo-clad Eating Pavilion, which was constructed by native fishermen utilizing domestically sourced and recycled supplies. I indulged in a therapeutic massage on the Sanctuary Spa, then went on a guided coastal stroll the place I used to be launched to the unimaginable variety of wildlife within the space. And earlier than I knew it, the day was virtually over. As I sipped on sundowner cocktails, nightfall settled over the magnificent Indian Ocean. It was pretty to have dinner on the seashore, below the duvet of a star-studded sky.
The Services
My closing cease on this journey by way of a virtually 7-hour scenic drive — it pays to have movement illness medicine available — is Ceylon Tea Trails, the world’s first tea bungalow resort amongst the rolling tea fields of Hatton. You too can get there by floatplane and landing on Castlereagh Lake. Perched at 1,250 metres, the award-winning resort epitomises luxurious and old-world appeal with its 5 restored colonial-era tea planters’ bungalows, every providing 4 to 6 expansive rooms and suites with interval furnishings, beautiful butler service and all-inclusive gourmand meals. A household or greater group can reserve an entire bungalow, designed to make you are feeling proper at house.
I used to be greeted by a heat, attentive coterie of workers (my very own butler, home supervisor and chef) who took care of all the pieces — from the shuttle journey to moving into my non-public Backyard Suite at Castlereagh Bungalow the place I stayed. Following a fast tour of the property, a spot of decadent afternoon cream tea on the terrace awaits. One can whereas away the remainder of the afternoon chilling poolside with a ebook or soak within the heated out of doors jacuzzi providing stunning vistas, accompanied by serene nature sounds, earlier than partaking in a singular tea-infused dinner that melds domestically harvested produce and the refined influences of the flavours of tea.
The subsequent morning, I woke as much as a standard “Mattress Tea,” served by my private butler as a delicate begin to the day. One other quintessential tea expertise is the guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Manufacturing unit with the Tea Planter in Residence, who introduces you to the storied historical past of Ceylon tea. Additionally to not be missed is the charming “Planter’s Lunch,” introduced picnic-style in tiffin packing containers and set on the hillside flanked by tea fields and neighbouring jungles. Then, take a non-public guided hike among the many trails—most really useful to get to know the Sri Lankan lifestyle and keep away from getting misplaced—or kayak on Castlereagh Lake and luxuriate in uninterrupted views of the picturesque emerald landscapes.
Laid-back and idyllic, Tea Trails’ superb mountain setting and tranquil environment present a panoramic backdrop to loosen up and recharge—the proper place to spherical off my first go to to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Within the spirit of ayubowan (the normal Sri Lankan farewell), I bid fond goodbyes to the magical landscapes I had found on this resplendent journey as my homebound flight took off.
The flight
My journey with Resplendent Ceylon started with a easy four-hour flight into Colombo by way of nationwide service Sri Lankan Airways. I used to be ensconced in Enterprise Class, the place seats organized in reverse herringbone configuration present direct aisle entry for passengers and a great diploma of privateness, particularly valued throughout an evening flight. My dinner alternative of Prawn Masala was flavourful and moreish, however a private spotlight was the tea service—freshly brewed Ceylon tea straight from silver teapots, served in china teacups. The inflight leisure boasts a variety of Hollywood and worldwide films, tv programmes, audio albums and audio broadcasts. Because the cabin lights dimmed and the starry sky ceiling panels twinkled, I eased into my snug flatbed and drifted off to sleep.
Supply: Her World
