For my last few days in Sri Lanka, I wanted to just relax and not really do anything. I wanted it to be easy, carefree, and hopefully a beautiful setting that would go on for days. The Marriott Resort at Weligama Bay was just what I needed.
Located right on the beach, this property has everything you need to relax. If you’re looking for that perfect surf spot, I doubt you’ll find a more perfect place. If you need a place to just relax and enjoy the weather, you definitely haven’t found anything better.
Location
Weligama is located about 2.5 hrs south of Colombo International Airport. The great thing about the location is that it’s located right off the toll road so it’s very easy to get to. You’ll have to pay 2 different tolls to get there but I think the combined toll was around 1200 rupees (about $6.50 USD). That’s $6.50 for about 170km (105 miles) of toll road which is well worth it if you ask me. Yes it is possible to drive there without taking toll roads but I really can’t recommend it.
The resort is located right on the beach and if your room is facing the ocean, you’ll get some amazing sunset views if you’re not out in the ocean surfing. Around the hotel, you’re about a 10 minute walk from the Weligama train station so if you’re taking the train south, it won’t be a long walk or tuk tuk ride from the station to the hotel. Also, it’s an easy stroll along the beach to numerous shops and street food stalls if you’re in the mood (even though it is a very touristy part of town so the prices are a bit inflated)
If you’re looking to learn how to surf or any other type of water sport, there are multiple vendors located within a 5 minute walk from the hotel that will be happy to teach you so there really isn’t anything missing from the area.
Check In
As you walk into the property, you’ll go through a security check (as usual) which includes a metal detector for you and your bag. Remember that security is going to be high in certain areas (understandably) if you’re in high tourist areas especially since the Colombo attacks in April of 2019. If driving, there is limited parking onsite but I doubt there are many people who drive so it shouldn’t be a problem.
First impressions of the hotel is WOW. As you walk into the hotel lobby, you look out onto the ocean and you know you’re pretty much in a beachfront paradise. It’s a really beautiful entrance that immediately has you searching for the nearest bar to order a drink with a little umbrella in it.
Check in is immediately to your right. As I walked in, I was asked my name and immediately greeted. Since I’m a Platinum member, Emil seemed like he was already expecting my arrival and he couldn’t have been nicer. He immediately got me checked in and escorted me up to my room.
Room
I was given a corner room and it was stunning. I thought the design was odd in that it was basically identical to the design of the Marriott in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The bathroom is massive with a separate tub and shower. The thing that makes the bathroom unique is the glass sliding doors that you can open and close depending on what you want. So, if you want an unobstructed view of the ocean while taking a bath, you can leave the doors open. If you want a little more privacy, you can close them.
Past the bathroom was the bedroom area with a wonderful seating area along the window. There was also a desk and a MASSIVE tv that might be the largest TV I’ve ever seen in a room. It made me wish I had one in my house to be honest. Past that, I had a balcony with seating for two to watch the surfers or just enjoy the view.
Amenities
Breakfast was served at the Weligama Kitchen, a buffet style restaurant located on the bottom floor. The selection was expansive with make to order stations that included an egg station as well as a pho station and even a Sri Lankan egg dish that was delicious but I have no clue what it’s called.
There are a few restaurants onsite but I only had a light dinner at the lounge in the lobby bar area at night. I believe there is even a rooftop bar as well but I didn’t go up there.
There is also a kid’s section on the ground floor, a ping pong table that was getting some good use (especially during the rain), multiple pools for different age groups and desires, as well as different classes that were available for free. Classes included things like morning yoga, water aerobics, and volleyball to name a few. I didn’t sign up for any of them but I did see a few partake.
General Impressions
The hotel is about as perfect a spot if you’re a surfer. No doubt about it. I don’t surf but seeing that many surfers must mean it’s a good place to surf.
Getting to Galle is very simple and is just a 40 rupee train ride from Weligama to Galle. The train ride back will 40 or 70 rupees depending on the class. You’ll be fine with a 40 rupee ticket going from Weligama to Galle but you may want to “splurge” on a 70 rupee ticket coming back because that train is going to be much more crowded.
Tip: If you’re unsure of which train or platform ticket to buy at Galle to come back, just stick your head into the tourist office at the station. It’s located right before you have to show your ticket to enter the platform area. They speak English and were so kind in helping me out. They knew that the train I needed to get on was leaving shortly so when one of the officers noticed that I was waiting in line behind someone after they told me where to go, she came over and spoke to the ticket agent to get me a ticket and on my way.
If you’re at the hotel, search out Kamathandi and Chamara. Kamathandi is a server/host in the lobby bar and she is an absolute joy to speak with. Chamara is a bartender and he’s won the bartending championships in SE Asia. Don’t order drinks off the menu and just leave your drinks in his hands. Whether you’re ordering alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, you won’t be disappointed.
A Single Wanderer 