Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, its rich culture and heritage and its alluring cuisine.
With travel restrictions slowly becoming a thing of the past and Sri Lanka announcing PCR-free travel, Resplendent Ceylon looks forward to welcoming travellers from the UAE and other GCC states in droves over the spring and summer months, for an experience never to be forgotten, says an official.
Resplendent Ceylon, founded by the Fernando family and originators of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, features a collection of three Relais & Chateaux resorts comprising Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea country, Cape Weligama on the southern coast of the island, and Wild Coast Tented Lodge bordering the Yala National Park.
Forming an enchanting "Route de Bonheur (Happiness)" featuring tea, sea and safari, the alluring properties showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer through a series of curated journeys. This bespoke itinerary is strengthened by the introduction of the Culinary Island of Flavours journey which focuses on the flavourful local cuisine from the early colonisers to modern progressive fusion.
With a direct four-hour flight from the UAE, guests can swiftly arrive at any of the three properties, just 30 minutes south of the Bandaranaike International Airport by seaplane.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails is the world’s first tea bungalow resort and is the first Relais & Chateaux property in Sri Lanka. The property includes five restored historic tea planter residences dating back over 130 years, perched at 1,250 metres in Sri Lanka's scenic Ceylon tea region. Complete with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and customised gourmet cuisine, the rustic ambience has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka.
The 27 rooms and suites are named after colonial British estate managers, who once called these historic bungalows home: Norwood, Tientsin, Castlereagh, Summerville and Dunkeld. Tea Trails takes guests on a journey back in time and is the idyllic setting to pause, connect with nature and unwind while observing life on a working tea estate.
With complimentary tours, guests are invited to explore the lush tea fields and see first-hand how the famous Ceylon tea is made at the Dunkeld Tea Factory. Additionally, adrenaline-seeking travellers can book custom guides and equipment for kayaking, mountain biking, and guided walks to name a few additional activities at Tea Trails. The bungalows are the best way to ensure not just privacy, but also added security and ideal bonding time between families and loved ones that travel together.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is adjacent to the Yala National Park, renowned for its leopard population. The spectacular luxury tented lodge overlooks the Indian Ocean and its unique design sees the man-made structures including the twenty-eight cocoons, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, thanks to the use of carefully selected natural materials.
Blessed with a diverse habitat, ecology and awe-inspiring scenery across the five sectors of the National Park complex and Bundala National Park nearby, Wild Coast redefines the ideology of a safari as a holistic wilderness experience and provides intrepid guests a unique outlook on adventure and learning. Guests also have access to an open-air bamboo-clad Bar and Dining Pavilion that wraps around the retreat’s expansive free-form swimming pool, serving up creative daily-changing menus and sundowner cocktails, making for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of UAE city life.
A nature lover’s paradise, Wild Coast presents incomparable wilderness experiences that allow travellers to fully immerse themselves in the rich Sri Lankan biodiversity. Wild Coast rangers will take guests to the quietest corners of Yala National Park and explain the incredible diversity of flora and fauna the park has to offer, including elephants, sloth bears and leopards. Furthermore, guided walks and nature-based excursions are also available to guests. Those seeking a soothing experience to unwind after an adventure-filled day can escape to the Sanctuary Spa, and opt for a rejuvenating treatment of choice, emphasising the use of native Sri Lankan ingredients, Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon, in all the oils and scrubs used at the spa.
Cape Weligama,
Sri Lanka's soaring southern cliffs are home to Cape Weligama, a celebrated resort along the fabled island's palm-fringed shores. The property comprises a luxurious collection of villas and suites, offering 39 boutique bedrooms, that mimic a traditional Sri Lankan village. Guests will see stylish interiors and generously-sized living quarters with suites that can interconnect, perfect for families or groups of friends.
Visitors will also be treated to stunning panoramic views that complement the private retreat, designed by one of Asia's most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag. The hotel's dining venues capture Weligama's iconic sunsets, as does the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the sea. Ocean Terrace takes centre stage at Cape Weligama, and the highly commended Tableau Chef's Table experience offers local and iconic Sri Lankan dishes, ideal for the foodies of the UAE seeking a memorable gastronomic experience.
Whether guests are looking for a relaxing escape or thrilling activities, Cape Weligama presents various activities inviting guests to explore the idyllic coastline by foot, bicycle, boat or kayak, whereby visitors can see paddy fields, meandering lagoons, ancient temples and fragrant cinnamon gardens making for a truly memorable journey.
“At Resplendent Ceylon, tourism is a force for good and curating meaningful journeys is at the core of its purpose. Dedicated to developing the island, the brand believes in redefining luxury by providing inimitable service and, most notably, by unearthing more purposeful experiences. Just a four-hour flight away from Dubai, Resplendent Ceylon is the perfect getaway experience for residents of the UAE, offering a multitude of activities catering to explorers of all ages and desires,” says the official. -TradeArabia News Service
