Weligama Bay Weligama, Sri Lanka
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
Hilltop villa estate
Life unfolds quietly above the forest canopy, moving from morning walks through the rewilded estate to sunset drinks on the terrace.
“Further inland at Malabar Hill, the arches and pillars of old Rajasthan have been assiduously reproduced amid 33 acres of hillside...”
What it’s good at
Notable
Hilltop nature trails wind through a rewilded cinnamon estate sheltering native hornbills.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and The 50 Discovery.
Though its architecture, design, and craftsmanship may put you in mind of a historical palace experience, Malabar Hill is, at its heart, an entirely modern luxury boutique hotel.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set four kilometres inland from Weligama Bay, the hilltop looks out over buffalo-flecked rice paddies, winding waterways, and the distant southern coastline.
The rooms
Standalone villas feature ivory terrazzo floors, antique Rajasthani furnishings, and private saltwater plunge pools facing emerald rice paddies or the ocean.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 35-metre saltwater infinity pool is lined in green Sukabumi stone, flanked by cushioned four-poster cabanas above the hillside.
At the table
A ten-metre petal-carved wooden bar looks out across the canopy, and dinner is served on the lawn under hanging lanterns.
The 12 design-savvy villas cling to the verdant hillside, overlooking a tapestry of buffalo-flecked rice paddies or the Indian Ocean...
How it began
A decade of planning transformed a retired 33-acre cinnamon plantation into a hillside sanctuary, leaving most of the land rewilded for native wildlife.
Good to know
Stay here
Malabar Hill
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Weligama
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.