Project
Cape Weligama
Project Type
Hotel
Operator
Resplendent Ceylon, Colombo
Project Manager & QS
Perigon Lanka, Colombo
Design Architect
Bunnag Architects, Bangkok
Local Architect
Rajiv Senanayake / Access Projects (Pvt) Limited, Colombo
Interior Designer
David Edwards
Structural Consultant
Deepal Wikramasinghe, Colombo
Mep Consultant
NJ Consultants, Colombo
Lighting Consultant
KLD (Klaasen Lighting Design), Singapore / Corbett Lighting Design, London
Landscape Consultant
Pia Landscape Design, Bangkok
Procurement Consultant
Benjamin West International, Mumbai
Food Services Consultant
Gemini Lanka, Colombo
A Clifftop Sanctuary in Sri Lanka
Cape Weligama is a luxury resort perched on the southern cliffs of Sri Lanka. The design reflects the spirit of traditional island villages, where each detail has been thoughtfully crafted to offer guests an experience that feels both authentic and luxurious. The resort avoids contemporary resort aesthetics, creating a unique and personal environment for each guest.
Cape Weligama offers an immersive experience that reflects the essence of Sri Lanka, blending local heritage with modern luxury.
A Village on the Cliffs
The architectural design draws from Sri Lankan village culture, with villas arranged in clusters to foster both privacy and a sense of community. These clusters, with villas known as Wattas and two-story Walauwas, break away from typical resort uniformity, offering diverse configurations. The layout allows guests to connect deeply with their surroundings and ensures that each stay feels unique, avoiding the repetition often seen in resorts.
Inspired by the traditional Sri Lankan village, Cape Weligama’s villas are clustered to create a sense of community and individuality.
Literary and Natural Inspiration
In keeping with the resort’s goal of a unique, non-cookie-cutter experience, each villa cluster is named after notable authors relevant to Sri Lanka. The design incorporates curated artwork, objects, and furnishings inspired by both the island’s maritime heritage and its natural beauty. Color schemes of cinnamon, terracotta, and aquamarine mirror the landscape, ensuring that each villa feels connected to the land and its rich cultural history.
Each villa cluster is named after significant authors in Sri Lankan history, blending literary inspiration with design elements that celebrate the island’s culture and environment.
Verandahs Designed for Outdoor Living
Cape Weligama’s verandahs extend each villa’s living space, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. Furnished to allow lounging, dining, and even spa treatments, these spaces encourage guests to enjoy the stunning views and ocean breezes in comfort. Each verandah is a sanctuary where guests can fully experience the natural beauty of the cliffside, making it feel like an extension of their private retreat.
The expansive verandahs of each villa offer guests an open connection to the surrounding natural beauty, encouraging outdoor relaxation in a luxurious, private space.
Public Spaces Reflecting Time and Tradition
The public spaces at Cape Weligama have been designed to tell the story of Sri Lanka through architecture and design. Each building has a distinct character, featuring different styles of furniture and décor. From the intimate living pavilion, designed to feel like a private library, to the monumental dining pavilion overlooking the cliffs, every space invites guests to explore and connect with the history and charm of the island. The design team ensured that the resort feels as if it has naturally grown and evolved over time, offering a timeless experience for visitors.
Each public space at Cape Weligama tells a story, evoking a sense of place and history that has evolved naturally over time.
Celebrating Local Craftsmanship
Cape Weligama’s interiors were brought to life through close collaboration with local artisans. The design team sourced materials and finishes from local vendors, ensuring that each item—from furniture to textiles—was handcrafted with precision and care. This approach not only supported the local economy but also gave the interiors a unique, bespoke quality that reflects the authenticity of Sri Lankan culture. The use of traditional materials, such as teak wood and rattan, further emphasizes the colonial and local influences present throughout the resort.
By working closely with Sri Lankan artisans and craftspeople, Cape Weligama’s interiors celebrate the richness of local craftsmanship.
A Unique Cultural Retreat
Cape Weligama’s design is a tribute to the island’s culture, history, and natural beauty. From its architectural layout to the carefully curated interiors, every detail has been designed to provide guests with a luxurious yet authentic experience. By balancing modern comforts with traditional elements, the resort allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka while enjoying the highest standards of luxury.
Cape Weligama stands as a harmonious blend of luxury and cultural authenticity, offering an immersive experience that connects guests with the island’s spirit.
Aston Design’s interior design studio primarily focuses on the hospitality industry with specialist disciplines in the commercial, wellness and residential sectors.
Ali Nick
,
Global
David Edwards
,
Singapore
Ganesh Madasamy
,
Singapore
Yann Luh Hon
,
Singapore
Edmund Kok
,
Shanghai
Peter Dell’Uva
,
Stockholm
Tove Lundgren
,
Stockholm
