RESPLENDENT FOLIO
RESPLENDENT CEYLON
The benchmark for secluded boutique luxury in Sri Lanka.
Resplendent’s collection of boutique resorts offers the discerning traveller a remarkable circuit across Sri Lanka, with a range of authentic experiences, while supporting our positive impact programs through the MJF Foundation & Dilmah Conservation. This “Best of Sri Lanka” Tea, Sea & Safari journey features three distinctive resorts - Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea highlands, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beach-side by Yala National Park and Cape Weligama on the south coast near Galle.
The resorts are connected by a thread of peerless service and are the sole Sri Lankan members of Relais & Châteaux, the global fellowship of individually owned & operated luxury hotels and restaurants. Reverie is our new collection of small, laid-back properties in idyllic parts of Sri Lanka, starting with two beachside resorts - Ahu Bay and wellness focused Kayaam House.
A collection of unique and carefully curated experiences that define Sri Lanka.
THE FERNANDO FAMILY
Inspired by Tea, Kindness & Hospitality
Our Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s philosophy is that business must also be a matter of human service. Kindness to people and nature forms the heart of all that we do. In 1985, we set out to make the world a better tea. That’s why we grow our own, unlike other tea companies, then pick the best leaves by hand, not machine, and pack it super-fresh right here in Sri Lanka. But it’s not just the taste that makes Dilmah tea better, 15% of our profit goes to humanity through the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation.
In 2015 Mr Fernando was honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace award, selected by Nobel Laureates in Economics and Peace. Over 70 charitable projects islandwide include the Empower Culinary School - free bootcamp style chef training for less privileged youth, Foundation Centre East - teaching sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, ecosystem restoration and Rainbow Centre - therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome & Autism.
A Family Business Serving Humanity through Kindness to People & Nature
SRI LANKA
Offering a continent's worth of attractions in one small island
8
UNESCO world heritage sites, mountainous tea country, spectacular wildlife, epic food, and breathtaking coastlines combine to form a tapestry, filled with intriguing characters that bring the story of today’s Sri Lanka to life. Known as Ceylon until 1972, Sri Lanka means Resplendent Island. Just off the southern tip of India, the island is about the size of Ireland and home to 22 million people.
Ahu Bay
Cape Weligama
Ceylon Tea Trails
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Kayaam House
CEYLON TEA TRAILS
Location Hatton, Central Highlands
Recommended duration of stay 3 nights
Room inventory 27 rooms in 5 bungalows
Key things to do
Private Tea Tasting
The Tea Experience
Pekoe Trail Trekking
Tea-Infused Dinner
AHU BAY
Location Southwest Coast
Recommended duration of stay 3-7 nights
Room inventory 13
Key things to do
The Bawa Triangle
Master of Puppets
Ceylon Cinnamon Experience
CAPE WELIGAMA
Location South Coast, near Galle
Recommended duration of stay 3-7 nights
Room inventory 39
Key things to do
Surf in Weligama
Whale Watching
Gateway to the Southern Riviera
WILD COAST TENTED LODGE
Location Yala National Park
Recommended duration of stay 3 nights
Room inventory 28
Key things to do
Game Drive
Guided Nature Walk
Wilderness Dining
KAYAAM HOUSE
Location Rekawa - Tangalle
Recommended duration of stay 3-21 nights
Room inventory 9
Key things to do
Yoga
Ayurveda Treatments
Personalised Wellness Journeys
CANOPY LODGE
Location Dambulla
Room inventory 33
KELBURNE ESTATE
Location Haputale
Room inventory 19
A continent’s worth of attractions are rarely found on one small island. Travellers from across the world love Sri Lanka because of its breathtaking landscapes, diverse history, rich biodiversity and incredibly warm, genuine hospitality.
"La più bella isola delle sue dimensioni in tutto il mondo” "The finest island of its size in all the world"
- Marco Polo
CEYLON TEA TRAILS
Escape to the Magical Heart of Ceylon Tea
C27 rooms in 5 bungalows
eylon Tea Trails is a collection of five historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 metres in Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands. Complete with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine, the non-hotel ambiance has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka.
Hatton
Bungalow Map
"These restored planters' bungalows befit a Somerset Maugham lifestyle, with timbered ceilings, panelled libraries, claw-foot baths and bay windows."
"Feast on tea-inspired cuisine and rustic views before exploring the surrounding tea estates, ravines and waterfalls."
THE PEKOE TRAIL
The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre curated walking trail through Sri Lanka's central Highlands.
Offering a 22-stage journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, it passes through scenic locations like Haputale, Hatton, and Ella. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 20 Travel Experiences of 2024, it combines thrilling trekking with sustainable travel. Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows provide accommodation and access to Stages 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this picturesque trail.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Uda Pussellawa
Ella
Haputale
Horton Plains
Hatton
A feat of invention and ingenuity, our Cocoon suites bring to mind an anchored airship.
WILD COAST TENTED LODGE
Where the Indian Ocean meets the Jungle
U28 cocoon suites
NESCO design award winner Wild Coast Tented Lodge is adjacent to the Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population.
This spectacular luxury tented camp is stunningly located where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Yala
COCOON SUITE
Our Cocoon Suites boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, offering jungle views from the double-height, double glazed facades.
COCOON POOL SUITE
Cocoon Pool Suite is a combination of expedition style and contemporary design.
FAMILY COCOON POOL SUITE
Features a spacious Cocoon and an adjoining Urchin, located approximately 5 meters away and connected by an outdoor, raised wooden footbridge.
WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES
At Wild Coast Tented Lodge, experiences are elevated with the anticipation of wildlife encounters and the thrill of uncovering Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture. Our experiences are curated to enhance your journey into the jungle of Yala National Park with holistic wellness, fine food, family fun, and adventure.
"This Relais & Chateaux property has managed to combine the luxury of a lodge on the African savannah with the wildness of Yala National Park."
"You’ll feel like an adventurer, albeit one for whom no comfort is too plush, including a spa and a stunning infinity pool."
Wake up to the golden sun, the call of peacocks and the soothing sound of the ocean. Coconut trees sway in the breeze, inviting you to pause and reset.
CAPE WELIGAMA
The most celebrated resort along this island's palm-fringed shores
Cape Weligama spans twelve tropical acres atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, just thirty minutes from Galle. With 39 villas and suites nestled in lush gardens, this sanctuary balances modern luxury with Sri Lankan charm. From palm-fringed shores to the vibrant culture and cuisine, Cape Weligama is your gateway to the southern riviera.
Weligama
39 suites and villas
Villas
Suites
The
THE ATLAS
Experience a harmonious blend of traditional and global flavours at every meal. Be inspired by breakfast with the best of delectable local and familiar morning staples. Lunch is a tranquil affair with daily menus featuring the best of what’s freshly caught and harvested. The blazing fire of torches, gentle flame of lanterns and candles set the stage and atmosphere for a dinner experience that ignites the imagination.
THE SOCIETY
Tea and sundowners with a view across the coastline. The Society honours the deep roots of Ceylon’s renowned tea heritage with daily Dilmah Ceylon High Tea experience. The extensive tea menu showcases the many exquisite varieties available, accompanied by delicate savouries, delicious scones, home-made jams and mouth watering pastries.
TABLEAU
Connect and bond over crafted menus, getting to know the heirloom ingredients and produce of our island while sampling appetisers, soups, sorbets and mains. As the main course of the experience comes to an end, your host will guide you over to the The Society where our mixologist will greet you and showcase his talent and skills over a hyperlocal cocktail of the evening. This immersive experience brings together the finest flavours and an intimate discourse around food and community.
"With its jaw-dropping views, exceptional service and lavish suites and villas, this exclusive resort is redefining luxury on the south coast."
"Anything from a pot of something from the extensive tea menu, a tea-infused cocktail and canapés at sunset or a post-dinner digestif under the stars..."
COVE BEACH & BEACH BAR
Introducing the newly reimagined Cove Beach Bar, offering an ideal combination of gourmet indulgence, signature cocktails and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can now bask in the charm of a beachfront paradise, with direct access to our swimming and surfing bay, perfect for soaking up the sun or riding the waves.
CAPE RESIDENCES & INTERCONNECTED ROOMS
Introducing 8 sets of 2-bedroom interconnected suites, perfect for families with children of all ages. These accommodations combine a Master Suite with an interconnecting Junior Suite. The 3 sets of 310m2 Cape Residences comprise a Prestige Villa on the ground floor with a Pool Pavilion on the upper floor, connected by an internal staircase.
FOREST SCHOOL KIDS' CLUB
A nature-inspired program with activities like tree climbing, sand play, and gardening, designed to nurture creativity and independence. With everything from mud kitchens to butterfly gardens and storytelling, our new Kids Club is the perfect place for young adventurers.
"It captures the beguiling charm of Sri Lanka – beautifully-crafted wooden architecture, colourful gardens and authentic cuisine – yet combines this with a sense of supreme luxury."
Weligama
The Surf Town with a Culinary Twist
Weligama, a sleepy village turned vibrant surf town in southern Sri Lanka, boasts palm-fringed shores, lush paddy fields, and a culinary scene featuring cafés, pizzerias, and sushi bars which champion local produce.
Ahangama
The Design-Forward Chic Tropical Oasis
Ahangama, near Cape Weligama evolves from a fishing village to Sri Lanka's surf hub, drawing digital nomads and design enthusiasts. Instagram-worthy cafés, chic bistros, and trendy hangouts define its lively culinary scene.
The Gateway to the Southern Riviera
Cape Weligama, on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is the gateway to the island's enchanting southern riviera. Adjacent to vibrant Ahangama, Weligama and Galle, it offers a blend of serene luxury and adventure.
Galle
A Historical and Culinary Gem
Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed 16th-century marvel, showcases architectural influences from Portuguese, Dutch, & British rule. Its cobblestone streets host fine dining, cafés and taverns, making it one of the most vibrant culinary destinations.
Galle
Weligama
Ahangama
Explore the south coast in "Riviera", our vintage 1969 van
AHU BAY
Laid-back barefoot luxury in an intimate, relaxed beach house
Perched on Ahungalla Point, between two secluded bays on the southwest coast, is Ahu Bay, a relaxed beach house for free-spirits. Pared-back, rustic interiors feature neutral sand tones, rattan furniture, recycled wood accents and plenty of natural greenery, and a casual all-day dining venue serves up Sri Lankan and international favourites, surrounded by tropical lawns, beach cabanas, a Sanctuary spa and a shimmering infinity swimming pool.
13 rooms
"From soulful experiential moments that immerse you in local culture to unexpected culinary delights, everything within Ahu Bay is customised for the guests to reconnect with themselves and with others."
Ahungalla
KAYAAM HOUSE
A spiritual sanctuary in a secluded spot just steps from the vast Indian Ocean
Tangalle
9 rooms
The Kayaam House journey focuses on restoration and recovery with wellness a key part of every guest experience. Kayaam is home to two Garden Terrace Rooms, four Ocean Rooms, two Palm Suites, a two-bedroom Palm Residence and a chic, Bawa inspired 20-cover restaurant and bar. The Sanctuary Spa features two treatment rooms with therapies based on traditional healing methods utilising hyperlocal herbs and spices, whilst guests can find additional opportunities to be bathed in nature at the outdoor yoga pavilion or at the far-reaching infinity pool.
Our spaces are curated to emanate a grounding, cosy and restorative atmosphere, ideal for rest, rejuvenation and rediscovery.
CANOPY LODGE
Upcoming Resort
Resplendent Ceylon will welcome a new destination in 2026. Tucked in the island’s cultural heart, near the World Heritage Sigiriya rock fortress, the 33 room Canopy Lodge will steep guests in natural wonder in a pocket of biophilic design set within an ancient forest. A series of Tree Houses and Tree Pods will be accessed via canopy walks.
KELBURNE ESTATE
Upcoming Resort
Kelburne will be a collection of hillside cottages amidst the tea plantations in the eastern mountains of Haputale. Perched at the edge of a cliff, 5,000 feet above sea-level, the cottages overlook five of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces. The rolling hills and valleys below lead all the way to the ocean in the distance.
OUR PURPOSE
Inspired by Tea, Kindness & Hospitality
The Merrill J. Fernando Foundation was formed to fulfil our Founder’s desire to make his business a matter of human service. One of the region’s largest private charitable foundations, a minimum 15% of the pre-tax profits of Dilmah Tea, Resplendent Ceylon and our other businesses funds the work of the Foundation.
9,000 MWh of electricity generated through solar power
720 MWh of electricity generated through hydro power
Find our IMPACT book here!
Point Pedro Jaffna Kayts
Kalkudah
Batticaloa
Ampara
Monaragala
Hambantota
Weligama
Ratnapura
Moratuwa
Colombo
Negombo
Nawalapitiya
Udawalawe
Endane
Perillaveli
The Empower Culinary School provides free bootcamp style training for less privileged youth which guarantees employment in the hospitality industry with Resplendent Ceylon and others.
Sri Lanka’s first Climate Change Research Station in Nawalapitiya, was set up to address the dearth of scientific research of climate change in Sri Lanka, thereby facilitating the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Our Foundation Centre East is the newest of our 17 locations. On a 23 acre site in a disadvantaged area, we teach sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing practices and ecosystem restoration.
Our Rainbow Centre offers therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome & Autism. All services, like the rest of the Foundation, are provided free.
Curating Meaningful Journeys
At Resplendent Ceylon, we truly believe that Tourism is a force for good. Curating Meaningful Journeys is at the core of everything we do. Local brands give back to the community, and as a truly Sri Lankan brand, we are committed to developing our country. We also believe that the new luxury is defined by small brands with big stories. And we have many more stories to tell.
We’ll see you soon in Sri Lanka!
Malik J Fernando Chairman
malikjfernando
Resplendent Ceylon
46/38 Nawam Mawatha
Forbes & Walker Building 2nd floor
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka