A quiet lane meanders its way between rough, dry-stone walls, offering intriguing glimpses into pockets of gardens, their narrow pathways winding across neatly-tended lawns and disappearing behind dense foliage. Terracotta-tiled roofs peep among the mature trees, honey-coloured walls glow against the vibrant greenery, and there’s the occasional glimpse of a shaded balcony or terrace…

A wander through the grounds of Cape Weligama feels like exploring a particularly pretty tropical haven that has gradually evolved over time.