Roughing it in Style in the Wilds of Sri Lanka
Safaris and style; the two seem like parallel lines that will never meet, however, nestled in the deep south of Sri Lanka, on the cusp of Yala National Park, the two intersect. Here, you will find Wild Coast Tented Lodge, a jungle oasis that is unlike any other in the country. Enjoy thrilling safari drives along the brick-red mud roads by day and sleep on an ultra-comfortable bed with a high thread count at night. Read more to find out how- and why- you should ‘rough it’ in Sri Lanka.
Exquisite Tented Lodges
There are 22 tented lodges in the campsite- albeit a term that must be used loosely- which range from large cocoon suites with pools to smaller ‘Urchins’ which are perfect for solo travellers. The off-white canvas tents seamlessly blend into the surrounding dry landscape. From the outside, the suites look neat and deceivingly compact, but when you enter it’s an entirely different view. Enter the spacious suites and you will feel as though you’ve been transported to another time, there is an atmosphere of antique futurism. Teak floors, wooden furniture with leather finishing, a brass four-poster bed, and off course a copper free-standing bathtub made entirely of copper.
The Smallest Details
While everything about the hotel is exceptional, but it’s the attention to the smallest details that make Wild Coast exemplary. From the Sonos streaming radio in every room to the cold watermelon popsicles that are offered as soon as you arrive; the team here goes above and beyond to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. Every feature in your room and every experience offered is made with you in mind, and this is epitomised in The Library, a place for you to have a quiet moment to work or relax. This study of sorts is also a naturalist’s dream and holds several leatherback books of the surrounding fauna and flora.
High Tea in the Jungle
Apart from its incredible wildlife and cricket, Sri Lanka is best known for its tea. Lush tea bushes cover the misty peaks of the Central Province, and during your holiday on the island, you must try a cup of Ceylon’s finest brew. For a truly special experience, enjoy a high tea in the middle of the jungle after a long safari drive. Indulge yourself in delectable pastries paired with fine tea while listening to the sounds of the wild.
Sundowners on the Dune
Another unique aspect of this hotel is that it is perched along the rugged coastline of the south coast while also being surrounded by shrub jungle, which makes for some breath-taking views. After your second safari drive, return to the hotel to watch the sunset from soft sandy dunes accompanied with cocktails and canapes. During twilight, the sky turns into an ever-changing canvas and is painted in hues of orange, pink, lilac, before turning a deep purply-blue, and all the while the strong ocean breeze will be billowing—it’s truly magical! The dunes are also a great place for a private romantic dinner.
Indulging Spa Treatments
The Sanctuary Spa is the cherry on top of this already phenomenal cake. Equipped with four treatment rooms- each in an elephant-shaped pod- the spa offers a wide variety of treatments which range from relaxing Balinese massages to invigorating Ayurveda treatments. A spa treatment here is just what you need to soothe your body after spending long hours on the park’s bumpy mud roads. After that, you can always take a quick dip in hotel’s main pool which is fringed by the Ten Tusker’s Bar—an apt name as elephants have frequently been spotted drinking water from the pool!
Wild Coast Tented Lodge makes your wildest dreams come to life, and by no means will you have to rough it out here. Comer experience style and nature like never before.