Amidst the fine sandy beaches of the Southern Coast, lies a contemporary abode of luxury and serenity, the ideal getaway for the perfect holiday experience.
Words Nadhwa Mohamed | Photographs BT Images and W15
W15 opened it’s doors on June 1, 2015 revealing a charming boutique hotel that is spread across 97 perches. Located just a few steps away from the bright blue waters of Weligama, the boutique hotel offers direct access to the beach. Rather unusually named, ‘W’ stands for Weligama or the wow factor and the wonderful feeling that the hotel strives to deliver; and 15 is short for 2015, its year of launching.
Walking in, you will be escorted through a walkway with long aesthetic pools on either side and a striking theme of red and white, consistent throughout the premises. Right ahead, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean is the hotel’s outdoor pool—perfect for a refreshing dip in the tropical climate. The lawn and its stretch of fresh green grass are adorned with giant red umbrellas and sun beds on one side while the other is enhanced by over-sized cushions paired with low tables.
Making your way past the allure of the freshwater infinity pool, you will find the breezy lounge, alfresco dining area and bar of W15. An elongated space canopied and pillared, offers the best of both worlds—delicious cuisine and breathtaking views. Here, at the restaurant, you can indulge in Asian and Western dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner while trying out some snacks and fresh juices or cocktails in between.
The hotel reveals that their specialities are dishes made from the freshly caught seafood, for instance the Seafood Marinara, which is quite popular among guests. The sound of the gentle crashing waves together with the tempting aromas from the kitchen creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere for the diners to enjoy their meals.
W15 maintains ten rooms over two floors; one executive suite, four ocean view deluxe rooms, four superior double rooms and one standard double room. Each of the rooms are decorated with a distinctive flair and depicts a perfect balance between modern and traditional interior decor and modern amenities such as a flat screen TV with cable, Wi-Fi, IDD telephones and mini bar facilities.
Artefacts, from various miniature statues to vases and bronze oil lamps decorate the rooms, complementing the walls of hushed tones—white, beige or grey.
All the rooms, which have a warm and welcoming aura, consist of cosy king-sized beds, plush couches and rugs paired with patterned cushions and printed sheets. Some of the rooms boast four-poster beds while the other rooms have sofa beds, making it ideal for a group or family stay.
W15 hosts private functions such as parties and also organises wedding ceremonies on request. What’s more, the staff are happy to arrange excursions for whale watching, visits to tea estates, Madolduwa and Madu Ganga, and historical sites such as the Kusthiraja Gala temple.
All the staff members are well presented, friendly and knowledgeable, and as such you need not hesitate to make special requests or ask questions. With a total of 20 team members, the W15 staff is focused on contributing towards a pleasant and unforgettable stay at the hotel.
What’s interesting about the location is that unlike most surfing sites, the Weligama beach is a year-round surfing destination. Safe and enjoyable, the spot draws in surfers who are both, pros as well as new to the sport! Surf boards are available at W15 and the hotel hopes to work together with international surfing brands in order to provide surfing lessons amongst other services.
The exclusive boutique hotel, with its picturesque seascape and unique charisma is an experience in itself. Whether you are looking to have some quiet time with your loved ones, have a beach getaway and go surfing or simply want a change of scenery, W15 will not disappoint!
506, New Galle Road, Weligama
(+94 41) 225 4422
w15.lk
reservations@w15.lk