Where the jungle meets the Indian Ocean, by a golden beach lies a cluster of arched fabric tents. These are elegantly designed and blend perfectly with its surroundings. Next to the tents, huge bamboo domes house one of the finest expressions of eco-conscious luxury, at the doorstep of Yala National Park.
What happens when you design a hotel based on deep respect for the land and love for nature? Wild Coast Tented Lodge near Yala National Park in south-eastern Sri-Lanka, is the brainchild of my dear friend Malik Fernando, where he has brought the concept of eco-luxury to a whole new level.
Interspersed among the vegetation, 28 private tents make for a truly intimate experience. One of the most distinctive features of Wild Coast are the shingled domes that house common areas, the bar and the restaurant, where authentic Sri-Lankan dishes are a staple. Attention to detail is one of Malik’s highest tenets. Within the tents, the handcrafted, copper furniture is one of my favourite touches.
The Lodge is a few minutes’ drive from Yala National Park, where large number of leopards have their home. Game drives go out every day and Wild Coast offer expert guides who take guests to more remote parts of the park. This time around, even Malik has outdone himself!