A touch of luxury at Cape Weligama

A short transfer drive today meant that we could have a leisurely start, although as always we were up fairly early. We took our time over breakfast on the terrace, enjoying the sound of the sea and at one point seeing a black monkey run past!

We sorted our bags and with time to spare went out for a short walk on the nearest stretch of ramparts and coffees in the nearby Dutch Café.

Champi picked us up at 10.30 and presented us with the gift he had bought for us, a carved wooden elephant. He was clearly making every effort to compensate for his guiding shortcomings earlier in the trip and although unnecessary we appreciated the gesture.

The drive south to Weligama took only about 45 minutes. At one point Champi asked if we'd like to stop at a turtle hatchery, but unlike the elephants the other day Selective Asia had warned about the dubious eco-credentials of these places so we declined.

We had a friendly welcome at the Cape Weligama resort, which was to be our end of trip splurge. We were given a tour of the resort in golf buggy, visiting the two pools, several lookout points on the cliffs, gym, restaurant and bar, spa etc. The tour finished by our room which was already available for us. Although one of the 'cheaper' accommodation options it was huge, with a large bedroom and sitting area, massive bathroom with separate walk-in shower that doubled as a steam room (not in this heat, thank you) and a walk-in wardrobe.

Our bedroom

Our terrace

We settled in, unpacking more than usual as we knew we would need to rearrange things for the journey home. Then we walked down to the small private beach area, The Cove, to have a light lunch of guacamole and chips plus delicious mocktails.

We spent the major part of the afternoon at the infinity pool known as the Moon Pool because of its crescent shape. There was a pool very near our suite, the Cove Pool, but we preferred the Moon despite the uphill walk to get there because it was quieter (adults only), more attractive and overlooking the sea. As soon as we arrived an attendant organised loungers and brought a bottle of water and glasses with ice.

The weather was hot but mainly cloudy, and we had one brief shower. I enjoyed a couple of swims (the side muscle I had strained earlier in the trip no longer an issue, although I could still just feel it). And at one point a monkey appeared, eating leaves in a nearby tree. Google Lens later identified him as a Purple-faced Langur.

Towards the end of the afternoon we went back to make the most of our lovely room, especially as we'd been advised to be indoors at 5.00 pm when they sprayed the property to deter mosquitos

Just as we were about to leave the suite to go for a pre-dinner drink the heavens opened! It was far too wet for us to want to walk up to the bar and restaurant so we lingered on the terrace hoping it would stop, but it just seemed to get heavier. A member of staff came to do the turn down service and he offered to ring for a buggy, which we gratefully accepted. We learned that we could call for one any time we felt the need, day or night! It meant that we only got a little wet, thankfully.

We enjoyed our drinks in Society, the resort's bar, then went across to the restaurant for a delicious meal. I had a refreshing gazpacho, grilled red mullet in a lemongrass sauce, and a cheesecake made with buffalo curd. Chris's favourite dish was his tuna carpaccio starter.

The bar

By the time we left it had stopped raining so we declined the offer of a buggy and walked back to the suite. A prompt night was called for as tomorrow was to start very early!