As the month of April approaches, the air in Sri Lanka becomes infused with anticipation, joy and a vibrant cultural energy that marks the beginning of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, locally known as Avurudu. This jubilant celebration isn't just about turning the calendar page; it's a rich tapestry of traditions, an embodiment of hope, prosperity, and renewal.

Set out on an extraordinary whale-watching expedition in Sri Lanka, where the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean set the stage for unforgettable encounters with marine giants in their natural habitat. To make the most of your journey, it's essential to be prepared for the unique aspects of this thrilling excursion.

Today, Galle Fort is also perhaps Sri Lanka’s most exciting culinary destination with a host of fine dining venues, quaint cafes and lively taverns tucked away in its narrow cobblestone streets. The Fort’s gastronomic scene is as diverse as its cultural heritage—local produce and native spirits like arrack feature prominently at its newest hangouts while the Fort houses an increasingly evolving, refined international cuisine scene. Here’s our list of handpicked standouts for the best restaurants and bars in Galle.

While Southern Sri Lanka is known for its stunning coastline fringed with swaying coconut palms—along with adventure sports like surfing—there’s more to the South than its beaches. The region houses tea gardens (yes, you heard it right!), dense jungles with roaring cascades, paddy fields where peacocks roam, and slow-living villages with century-old cottage industries. Much of the island’s spices and herbs grow and flourish here, while generational artists work meticulously to keep their crafts alive. By the rugged shoreline, you’ll find fishermen on stilts, a decade-old practice, while the surrounding ocean is home to whales, dolphins and other marine life. So here are the 10 best travel experiences in and around Galle, Ahangama and Weligama beyond the South’s sunkissed shores.

Once a sleepy village, Weligama is now south Sri Lanka’s buzziest surf town. It’s vibrant, laidback, and magical, with the sunny southern coast’s palm-fringed shores and inland paddies. It draws in both thrill seekers and those who love something a bit more sedate—breezy sundowners by the ocean, after-dinner nightcaps under star-studded skies, and lazy, jazzy brunches with good coffee under the tropical sun. More recently, Weligama has also become one of Sri Lanka’s culinary-forward beach spots, with a new sleeve of cafes, pizzerias, al fresco dining venues and sushi bars championing native, locally grown produce and once overlooked spirits. There’s something for everyone here, from al fresco lunches in stunning settings to vegan-focused menus, and craft cocktails curated by homegrown mixologists. This is our edit of some of the best places to eat and drink in Weligama, within a short drive from the resort—in no particular order. 

It’s no secret that Ahangama houses some of the most Instagrammed dining spots in the island right now. Frequented by digital nomads and those with an eye for design, this once sleepy fishing village has cemented itself as Sri Lanka’s most vibrant surf town, with a continuously evolving food scene. Take a stroll along its tiny alleyways and you’ll quickly notice contemporary chic cafes, tropical design-led bistros, rooftop sunset bars and elegant dining venues tucked away in its green jungles. With new spots open every peak tourist season (it’s when the surf's up with bright blue skies), Ahangama’s culinary scene is only going to be more varied, and exciting—and you can go from sampling island-inspired small plates to trendy hangouts serving avo on toast within a couple of hours. This is our edit of Ahangama’s favourite cafes, bars and restaurants for anyone visiting the south coast’s lively beach town.

Amidst an evening of elegance and celebration on the 12th of March, we gathered to honour the luminaries of our establishment, the ambassadors who epitomise the essence of hospitality at The Resplendent Awards. Congratulations resonated through the hall as we applauded the well-deserved winners of the Resplendent Awards, each category a testament to the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment exhibited throughout the year.

Reverie personifies the art of slow living. Reverie’s collection of intimate resorts embodies this in a meaningful and conscious manner - integrating slow life by way of restful and soulful stays, relishing and nourishing cuisine, rediscovering our island home, and rejuvenating one’s well being through a host of holistic therapies.

The Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company first ventured into hospitality in 2005 when it launched Resplendent, the company behind Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Cape Weligama. It’s now created another brand, Reverie, which has three openings in prospect.

If you know anything about us Sri Lankans, it would include the fact that we love our spices. Our local cuisine is known for particular combinations of herbs, meats, vegetables, fruits and rices; which are highly centred upon the use of spices. Spices grown on our own soil and commonly used in our kitchens comprise cinnamon, pepper, clove, cardamom, chilli, cumin, nutmeg, turmeric and ginger. 

A spiritual sanctuary, enveloped by a dense jungle on one side and the deserted golden beach on the other; Kayaam House sits bright-white, tucked away in an undeveloped biodiverse spot near Rekawa, Tangalle.

After a long and tiresome week, sometimes a weekend getaway is in order. Consider our ultimate long weekend guide when planning yours next! Having new experiences, even if they are over a short period of time, can be highly influential ...