About Weligama

One of Sri Lanka’s most famous surfing hotspots, Weligama is an enduring favourite with visitors eager to hit the waves, hang out in quirky beachside cafés, and sip a cocktail or two as the sun goes down. Accommodation options here are wide-ranging, with guesthouses and B&Bs aplenty to suit all budgets, as well as some impressive boutique properties. Our pick of the best places to stay in Weligama includes a terrific, top-notch resort with incredible views over the Indian Ocean.

Weligama Bay itself boasts an enormous sandy beach perfect for long strolls and sandcastles, or beginners’ surf lessons from little pop-up shacks. Ask your hotel to recommend a great instructor or surf hire shop for the best experience. There are bars and eateries aplenty scattered along the bay, while village bike rides, tea plantation tours and diving excursions can be easily organised. Historic Galle Fort is 18 miles away, and well worth exploring.

Most of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Weligama are slightly beyond the busy town itself, offering the utmost privacy in picturesque tropical surroundings. Whether you’re eager to hone your surfing skills, to chill out with some yoga or simply to soak up the sunshine in front of a gorgeous hotel pool, we’ve got you covered. This is a popular spot so book well in advance if travelling in peak season!

The best places to stay in Weligama

For boutique charm

  • Eraeliya Villas & Gardens, set right on the coast, has generous suites tucked within recently built villas and a century-old house. Beautifully appointed interiors reflect owner Nyuri’s impeccable taste, and romantics will find plenty of space to kick back in blissful tranquility.

For absolute luxury

  • Cape Weligama is one of Sri Lanka's most luxurious resorts, an enormous, beautifully-appointed property with superb service and stunning clifftop views from its 39 suites and villas. Book a private villa for a romantic honeymoon or a Pool View Suite to put your family at the heart of the action.
  • Malabar Hill, hidden — as the name suggests — on a verdant hilltop, is nothing short of spectacular. Suites with private plunge pools overlook the distant ocean and the rice paddies and birds flit between the trees. The hub of the resort is a beautiful Mughal-inspired restaurant-bar with huge terrace and gourmet cuisine, plus a sensational pool. Unwind at the spa, take cooking classes or enjoy nature walks. Fabulously romantic. 

For great value

  • Rise Bed & Breakfast offers simple, affordable guest rooms above a buzzy pizzeria. The onsite shop stocks cool pieces by locally based brands, and Weligama beach is just across the road. A friendly B&B choice for sociable types. 
  • Villa Hillcrest is tucked slightly inland, in leafy gardens, and offers ten bedrooms, a hilltop infinity pool and great Sri Lankan and Western fare. A comfortable, well-priced spot for couples, groups and families.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we suggest that you visit our online partner booking.com.

Travel information

  • Weligama is just under two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport on the newly-built expressway. Most hotels will be able to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver. Intercity Uber is also available, and prices are reasonable.
  • If you are travelling from Colombo, daily trains run from Fort Station to Weligama Station. Tickets are cheap and the coastal route is picturesque, but this can be a slow and sticky way to see the island!
  • Time your trip to coincide with the south coast’s peak season (November to March) for the best of the year’s surf. Most hotels offer excellent off-peak rates, but the sea may be too rough to swim or surf in the off-season. Do book well in advance if travelling in the high season!

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The best hotels in Weligama

Rise Bed & Breakfast

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

A simple five-bedroom guesthouse set above a hugely popular, family-run Italian restaurant. Within walking distance of Weligama Bay, this friendly B&B boasts airy rooms — some with private balconies — as well as a shop stocking top local brands. A great-value choice with an excellent pizzeria.

  • Active Holiday - Ideal for keen surfers who can stroll across to the beach or hop in a three-wheeler to more nearby surf breaks
  • Surfing - Weligama is a surfing hotspot — you'll find board hire and friendly instructors just across the street
  • Value chic - A simple, affordable guest house in a great location, with a warm team & fantastic food
  • Restaurant - Rise is one of the most popular Italian restaurants on the south coast, famed for their pizzas!
from CA$55 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Villa Hillcrest

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

A simple collection of 10 guest rooms set within leafy gardens on a hill near Weligama. Expect comfortable spaces with cosy beds, wooden desks, cane lampshades & warm colours. Friendly hosts, a stunning hilltop infinity pool and delicious Sri Lankan fare complete the picture. Very relaxed.

  • Country Escape - A tranquil spot on a hilltop near Weligama — close enough to surf spots yet promising a refreshing sense of calm
  • Surfing - Weligama Bay is brilliant for beginner surfers, with regular small waves, board hire & friendly instructors
  • Local markets - Hire scooters and zip into town to visit bustling Weligama market, or the growing number of boutiques
  • Value chic - A simple, affordable spot with a fabulous pool, comfortable guest rooms & verdant vistas
from CA$135 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Eraeliya Villas & Gardens

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

A beautiful haven overlooking sparkling seas at Weligama Bay, Eraeliya is made up of six villas — one over a century old. Designed by owner Nyuri, elegant spaces feature antique furnishings, big stone bathtubs, soft textiles and stacks of character. Fabulous fare and sunset poolside cocktails await.

  • Surfing - Weligama Bay is brilliant for beginner surfers, with board hire, regular small waves and lots of space
  • Honeymoons - Romantic couples will adore the elegant design, spacious suites, in-room breakfasts & sunset cocktails
  • Groups - Book multiple villas for a wonderful trip with friends and family, complete with superb cuisine
  • Yoga - Speak to the team about early morning and evening yoga classes with wonderful instructors
from CA$349 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Cape Weligama

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

The long awaited palm fringed resort has arrived - with stunning views of the Indian Ocean beyond the infinity pool. All interiors are elegant with a clean edge and private gardens. In-room spa treatments are available too. Delicious cuisine, good for families or a romantic retreat.

  • Families - Multi-bedroom private villas with swimming pools are ideal for families, who will also adore the child-friendly activities
  • Surfing - Weligama Bay is one of the top surf spots on the island for beginners - don't miss the chance to take lessons
  • Honeymoons - Honeymooners will adore the sumptuous suites, candlelit dinners and superb spa treatments
  • Hotel boats for hire - Private sunset cruises or whale and dolphin watching trips can be arranged
from CA$599 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Malabar Hill

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

A dazzling luxury hotel hidden on a leafy hilltop inland from Weligama. You can expect striking Mughal-inspired architecture, an impressive gourmet restaurant and 14 suites — each with a private plunge pool & spell-binding views. Verdant gardens are filled with birds. An exceptional escape.

  • Honeymoons - Private suites with plunge pools are ideal for indulgent honeymoons, complete with massages & gourmet fare
  • Total relaxation - A hillside haven for yoga, meditation and spa treatments, plus total immersion in nature
  • Gourmet - Expect fabulous cuisine, in part made using produce from the organic kitchen gardens
  • Great walks - Walks through the grounds — following the tree trail or exploring the kitchen garden — come highly recommended
from CA$603 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms