Weligama on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is emerging as the country’s trendiest destination for tourists seeking a glamorous beach getaway and second home buyers looking for a wise investment which can be rented out when they are not enjoying it themselves.
With its influx of boutique hotels, restaurants and spas in recent years, Weligama aspires to become Sri Lanka’s version of Miami’s iconic South Beach.
The local authorities have invested heavily in restoring older buildings and landscaping roadsides to transform the once-sleepy fishing village into a chic coastal retreat.
Tourism has boomed, with visitor numbers doubling since 2010 to over 100,000 in 2020.
Catering largely to young, affluent travelers, Weligama offers a quieter, more exotic alternative to South Beach for those looking to soak up Sri Lanka’s sun, sand and famous surf.
Weligama beach stretches just one kilometre along Sri Lanka’s southern coast and located a 2-hour drive from Colombo airport, it is renowned for its excellent swimming and surfing conditions, making it one of the best spots in the country to learn how to surf. In addition to water sports, yoga is also very popular in Weligama.
The main beachfront strip is home to trendy boutiques, restaurants and a lively local market and more than 200 hotels have opened here in the past 5 years to accommodate the growing numbers of tourists, locals and weekend visitors from Colombo.
While most lodging options are boutique hotels, larger resorts can also be found, like the beachfront Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa and the luxurious Cape Weligama set on a cliffside overlooking the bay.
Weligama has seen a surge in foreign investment and development: since 2016, beachfront land values have increased 84% as developers build luxury villas, apartments and hotels targeting overseas buyers.
The South Beach Weligama complex, a 106-unit project by famed architects Balmond Studio launching in 2024 will have five-star amenities like a restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and more.
Property prices remain affordable compared to other beach markets, with South Beach units starting around $175,378.
Beyond relaxing on the sand, visitors can experience Weligama’s lively Full Moon parties, which draw 100,000 revelers monthly.
Sri Lanka offers stunning natural scenery, including the dramatic 4,000-foot cliff at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park – this scenic overlook provides an unforgettable experience and spectacular photo opportunities.
Hiring a knowledgeable local guide or driver allows you to fully explore this beautiful region whilst helicopter tours from Weligama provide a bird’s-eye view for adventurous travelers.
Although not commonly associated with Sri Lanka, blue whale watching occurs off Mirissa from December to March and off Trincomalee from March to July.
Sperm whales and spinner dolphins can also be regularly spotted in Sri Lankan waters.
And Sri Lanka’s endangered elephants are also a top wildlife attraction: ethical elephant safaris allow visitors to responsibly view these majestic creatures in locations like Udawalawe National Park, home to around 600 elephants.
Finally, the country’s renowned tea plantations, like the Handunugoda estate, draw many visitors to this low-country plantation which produces exclusive “virgin white tea” and provides a scenic overview of Sri Lanka’s iconic tea culture.
For apartment enquiries, contact Branson Atterbury, Marketing Director on branson.atterbury@kristall-
