Deep in the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle in the most famous national park, Yala, we find the 5-star Wild Coast Tented Lodge, winner of the UNESCO Design Award and luxury camp. Quite like no other, this uniquely designed lodge features numerous cocoon-like accommodations to reinforce the wild setting of the hotel. The onsite rangers at this hotel help you to connect with your inner intrepid explorer and guide you through the ins and outs of the surrounding Yala National Park. But, if you don’t want to venture too far, you can also enjoy everything the camp has to offer within the grounds, from premium dining to relaxing in the comfort of your own space with the jungle greeting you outside.
Immerse yourself in the resident library, relax in the swimming pool or spa, or enjoy the nearby beaches and sand dunes. What’s even better is that you can catch a glimpse of native wildlife that visit the camp’s specially designed watering holes, all from the comfort of your own private suite. With the harmonisation of jungle and coast in mind, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge truly is an unforgettable experience.
Room Types
The rooms/suites here are designed to look like cocoons, with basic yet luxury essentials and vibrant patterned accent pieces that add a tasteful pop of colour to the suite. With three main room types, you can tailor your stay to suit you and your preferences. The Family Cocoon Pool Suite features a main suite with a private pool, plus a separate room with two beds for children, separated from the main suite by a short bridge-like walkway through the jungle.
Additionally, the Cocoon Pool Suite offers your private pool paradise – whether you want to use your suite as a base to come back to after a busy day exploring the jungle, or you don’t want to venture too far and want to simply relax in your private haven, these cocoon suites will allow you to do both.
Facilities and Amenities
Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s main amenities include the Sanctuary Spa, which is aptly named as it serves as a little wilderness sanctuary where you can relax, pamper and enjoy a wide variety of beneficial treatments that revolve around tea and cinnamon from experienced workers.
You can also find a well-stocked and beautifully designed library-come-lounge, with a selection of interesting books, artefacts, fossils and specimens, as well as a TV that plays informative documentaries and classic films you’ve likely watched multiple times. While this wilderness camp is small, its vibrant and fulfilling atmosphere and amenities will keep you entertained and occupied for hours, if not days.
Dining
Whether you want to take full advantage of your beautiful temporary wilderness home and dine in nature, or you want to sample expertly-crafted cocktails from master mixologists, or experience the best of Sri Lankan cuisine, then Wild Coast Lodge has you covered. Each of their dining facilities, from the unique Dining Pavillion and chic Ten Tuskers Bar to the Wilderness Dining setting, offer an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience like no other.
Each dining setting at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is expertly designed to reflect the core values of the camp, and to perfectly introduce guests to the Sri Lankan way of life. The dishes and drinks served here are masterfully crafted to the highest level, whether its traditional Sri Lankan delicacies or international cuisines. Sip on cocktails by the pool or in the midst of the wilderness, or enjoy the unique architecture that is meaningfully designed, just like everything else here.
Experiences and Activities
Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a wide range of unique and exciting experiences that allow you to experience the very essence of the Sri Lankan Yala National Park. Much like an African safari, only much better, the game drives you can experience here give you a deeper insight into some of the national park’s residents, which include elephants, leopards and bears among others. The rangers are knowledgeable and can provide a plethora of interesting information about the animals and the park, as well as the native wildlife and flora. If your favourite animal is an elephant, you can see many more of them on the Udawalawe Elephant Excursion.
Additionally, you can also explore the local history and culture through the Buddhist and Hindu temples and ancient monasteries. For families with young kids, why not introduce them to the world of the wild with the Junior Ranger Programme? After your busy day exploring and experiencing the very best of your surroundings, enjoy a cocktail and a canape on the beach at Sundowners. It’s safe to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice on activities and experiences to partake in here.
Who It's Best For
Who is Wild Coast Tented Lodge best suited for? Well, everyone. Families will be well catered for with the family cocoons that feature private pools and separate kids rooms, plus a number of kid-friendly experiences. Couples will also have almost too much fun here, as will solo travellers or business guests who want to unwind after a long working day. No matter the type of traveller you are or the experience you want to have, you’ll be well accommodated at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, that’s for sure.
Sustainability
This resort is rooted in sustainability and biodiversity, which is reflected through its practices and architecture. The watering holes here are designed from recycled waste water, and were made to encourage biodiversity and thriving ecosystems. Sri Lanka itself is known for its sustainability, and this resort incorporates those traditions into every corner.
Unique Selling Points
What makes this hotel different from the rest? Apart from its unique design and unconventional accommodation, there are a number of unique selling points and features that make it stand out among its stiff competition:
Its design: The unique domed tent-like structure and cocoon-shaped accommodation here makes this hotel one of a kind, and reinforces the wild setting of the resort, helping guests get in touch with the nomadic lifestyle and parts of themselves.
Its experiences: From safari-like game drives to elephant parks, kids ranger programmes and cocktails by the beach, Wild Coast Lodge is committed to providing a wide variety of activities that you’ve likely never experienced before. The highly knowledgeable rangers and staff make these experiences even better, and help you connect with the wilderness on a deeper level.
Its dining options: Whether you’re just looking to dine on authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, or you want to dine amongst the native wildlife and flora, you can do it all here. Each dining option is designed to provide the ultimate culinary experience, whether through traditional and authentic local cuisine or international dishes elevated to the highest standards and depths of flavour.
Its location: How often do you get to stay right in the heart of the wilderness? Wild Coast Lodge allows you to experience the very best of the Sri Lankan countryside and jungle with its location in Yala National Park, which is arguably the best national park in the country.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Coton
I love discovering and writing about new places which then get added to my now extensive travel list, but nowhere beats the comfort of my hometown Bristol or the sense of culture and community that my base of Cardiff exudes. That's why travel writing was a given for me.
