Wild coast tented lodges – Yala
“We travel for Romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury
Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala is one of the 3 Relais and Chateaux hotels in Sri Lanka. Situated adjacent to the Yala National Park – a heaven of 28 cocoon like tents placed at the edge of the jungle and beach. This luxury boutique hotel is situated 290 km away from Colombo which is a 4.5-hour drive via the Southern Express Way.
1. Ambience
Nestled between the jungle and the Indian Ocean, this eco resort’s organic architecture integrates seamlessly into the dense bushland that merges with the sandy coastline overlooking the Indian ocean. Showcasing the splendor of the natural habitat, this 5-star resort is designed to provide visitors with an intimate experience of Yala and its wildlife.
The open-air bamboo-clad ten tuskers bar/ restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean is built in such a way, you will want to spend all your time there. This is the best place for you to catch the sunrise if you are one of them early birds. But the greatest attraction is just outside the lodge itself: The Yala national park, one of the most wildlife rich areas in the whole of South Asia. The hotel grounds are not fenced; hence you may find elephants and wild boars roaming the grounds occasionally.
2. Accommodation
The luxurious and unique cocoon shaped tents are crafted from thick French canvas. The interior within recalls a time of great expeditions, featuring teak floors, copper bathtubs, leather chairs and comfortable wooden four-poster beds – there is also wi-fi, a state-of-the-art sound system and air conditioning, making the whole experience truly one of kind.
There are 3 types of rooms available. The Family Cocoon Suite, Cocoon Suite and Cocoon Pool Suite. Cocoon Pool Suites are the most indulgent as you will have your own private plunge pool that overlooks the beach and they are also the closest to the bar/restaurant area. But if you are more of a Nature lover, a Cocoon Suite might be more appealing to you as each one is situated next to a watering hole, increasing your chances of getting close to the wildlife in the area.
Note: Rooms are sold at an all-inclusive rate which includes alcoholic beverages, one free game drive and afternoon-tea.
3. Service
The service levels at Wild Coast is nothing but remarkable. The staff from the cocktail makers to the safari ranges will make you feel right at home. They would always be around to make sure all your requests are attended to ASAP. And at night, they will guide you to your suites keeping you from harms way.
4. Food
The food served at Wild Coast is top notch. Every meal served was delicious and the food presentation was excellent. As always, our favorite meal was breakfast. It was quite the feast! The smell of the freshly baked croissants and the Pain au Chocolat was irresistible. And the spread of bacon, sausages, hash browns, poached eggs with hollandaise sauce served with piping hot lattes were more than enough to keep us energized throughout the entire day.
5. Poolside
The freeform saltwater infinity pool that radiates outwards from the dome shaped bar and restaurant pavilions has striking views of the Indian Ocean. A dip in this beauty during sunrise is highly recommended.
6. Things to do
Once you have settled into your grand tent and seen the wildlife lounging nearby, you might feel like you need not leave the lodge at all. But here’s a list of things that you should experience while your stay at Wild Coast in Yala.
- Guided Bush Walk
- Game Drives – Yala National Park
- Jungle Afternoon tea
- Rural Bike Exploration
- Cook Your Own Lunch
- Visit to Nearby Jungle Monastery
What’s in this article
