Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
A luxury tented escape
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is located adjacent to the world famous Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population. The luxury tented camp sits where the jungle meets a rugged, empty beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The use of arched fabric structures allows each of the 28 tents to take on the shape and colour of the rocks and boulders that lay scattered nearby, whilst a clever layout in the shape of a leopard’s paw print alludes to the area’s most famous resident.
The main buildings are made of bamboo and blend in with the distinctive rock formations of Yala. The uniquely shaped tents, called cocoons and urchins offer state-of-the art amenities including air-conditioning. The open-air bamboo-clad Ten Tuskers bar and dining pavilion wrap around the resort’s enormous free-form swimming pool. Guests can enjoy creative daily-changing menus of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the restaurant, as well as sundowner cocktails and picnics al fresco on the sand dunes, watching dusk settle over the Indian Ocean.
Highlights
28 cocoon-like tents
Restaurant
Bar
Library
Guided wilderness experiences
Nature walks
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Sri Lanka
Places to combine Wild Coast Tented Lodge with
Colombo
Located within five acres of landscapes tropical gardens is The Wallawwa, a colonial manor house with plenty of character and charm.
A short drive from the airport and under an hour from the hustle and bustle of Colombo itself, this is a great option for those wanting a tranquil stay while never being too far from the action.
The hotel features 17 elegant rooms and suites, some featuring their own verandah overlooking the garden. For families or small groups, the two-bedroom Mountbatten Suite with private plunge pool and garden is perfect. It is so named because Lord Mountbatten was commander in chief of the south east Asia command, the headquarters of which were in Sri Lanka – then Ceylon.
Dine at the Verandah restaurant, which makes use of fresh, local ingredients to create delicious fusion cuisine. You can also enjoy high tea in the garden, enjoyed with a cup of Sri Lanka’s famous tea. When you want to relax and unwind, the Z Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, and there is an outdoor pool nestled among the lush foliage.
Tea Country
The Ceylon Tea Trails resort is the ideal place from which to explore this breathtaking part of Sri Lanka.
Dating back to colonial times, five spacious bungalows feature antique furniture and exemplary, personalised service. With between four and six rooms, they are perfect for families and small groups.
All of the 26 rooms and suites, which are named after tea planters who lived there, are elegantly outfitted in natural colours and materials, and make for a tranquil escape. Spend time out on the veranda in the fresh mountain air enjoying the views of Castlereagh Lake, the Bogawantalawa Valley and Dunkeld Estate; or curl up with a book in front of a fire.
Take long, leisurely walks through the tea plantations learning all about the ancient process of making tea, enjoy a tempting spread of sweet treats on the lawns or have a light lunch at the pool side. Sri Lankan-inspired meals at Ceylon Tea Trails feature the freshest of seasonal produce with home grown vegetables, herbs and teas from the estate. Rates at Tea Trails are fully inclusive of meals and drinks.
Make the most of the calming surroundings and start the day with an aromatic bath, or treat yourself to a selection of therapeutic spa treatments in your room. Get a healthy dose of fresh air and explore some of the walking and biking routes through the mountains, or enjoy a game of tennis or croquet.
