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Wild Coast Tented Lodge: Luxury Sri Lanka Resort Review

ByLauren Moore Hours

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Sri Lanka was my stay at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge. The entire property is stunning, from the ocean views, to the unique “cocoon” villas. The location within the Yala National Park cannot be beat either.

This review of Wild Coast Tented Lodge will talk all about my stay here, an honest opinion of the property, and tips if you plan to stay.

Contents hide
Arrival and First Impressions
Rooms: Luxury Cocoons
On-Site Amenities and Activities
All-Inclusive Dining
Location and Things to Do
Is It Worth the Splurge?
Tour of the Resort

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Arrival and First Impressions

A peaceful coastline scene featuring large, smooth rocks leading down to the ocean. The sky is clear and blue, with a few scattered clouds, and a small fire pit with logs is visible in the foreground, enhancing the natural beauty of the shoreline.

The welcome at Wild Coast was warm and easygoing. The staff met us at the car, took our bags, and handed us refreshing welcome drinks and popsicles—exactly what we needed in the hot weather.

The first thing I noticed was how well the lodge blends into the surroundings. The main dining area, bar, and pool all overlook the ocean, while the cocoons are spread out to give each one plenty of privacy.

It felt like we were in our own little world.

Rooms: Luxury Cocoons

A vintage-style writing desk with a leather chair is positioned near a large window offering a view of lush greenery. The desk holds books, jars, and a small speaker, with a patterned rug adding to the rustic, yet elegant safari tent atmosphere.
king-sized bed with crisp white linens, red accents, and striped pillows sits under a canopy of sheer fabric, creating a warm, inviting ambiance in a safari-style luxury tent. A leather bench sits at the foot of the bed, and wooden nightstands with vintage decor flank the space.
A rustic-style freestanding clawfoot bathtub is centered in a luxury tent with a large arched window overlooking greenery. Warm sunlight filters through, creating a serene atmosphere with natural tones of wood and soft lighting.

The “cocoon” rooms at Wild Coast take glamping to a whole new level. Each suite is a canvas tent with air conditioning, hardwood floors, and indoor plumbing—so it’s not exactly roughing it. Inside, you’ll find everything you’d want for a comfortable stay.

There are three room types. We stayed in a base suite, which had a big king bed, desk, closet, and a spacious bathroom with two sinks, a tub, and a shower. Outside, there’s a small deck with seating where we spotted monkeys and other animals passing by.

One of the small perks was an in-room cooler stocked with complimentary soft drinks and water, which was great for staying cool and hydrated.

If I went back, I’d book a pool suite (the next room category) for more private outdoor space. The final room type is a family suite with a smaller attached cocoon for kiddos.

On-Site Amenities and Activities

A three-tiered dessert tray with various sweets including chocolate cake, cheesecake bites, and scones, sits on a table next to two refreshing cocktails—one green with mint and one yellow with lemon and passion fruit. The background features a rustic woven roof, giving a tropical vibe.
Exterior view of a resort with a clear blue swimming pool and uniquely shaped domed buildings, surrounded by greenery and a bright sky
A bartender prepares drinks at a wooden outdoor table set up near the ocean, with bottles of gin, whiskey, and vodka displayed alongside appetizers. The blue ocean and clear sky create a serene and scenic backdrop.

The property itself has a lot to offer, even though our main focus was the safaris. Here’s what I enjoyed most:

Pool: The main pool extends out from the dining area and has an awesome ocean view. It’s a great spot to cool off and relax after a morning safari.

Afternoon Tea: Each day, Wild Coast offers afternoon tea with sweet and savory snacks. I liked that you could order a cocktail instead of tea if you wanted, which was a nice option after already having plenty of tea earlier in the trip.

Sundowners on the Beach: Every evening, the lodge sets up a happy hour on the beach with cocktails, snacks, and candlelit seating. It was one of my favorite parts of the stay—a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.

Spa: Although spa services aren’t included, they’re worth it if you’re looking to unwind after a long day on safari. We booked a couples massage, and it was the perfect way to relax and recharge.

All-Inclusive Dining

A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast featuring string hoppers (steamed rice noodles) on a banana leaf, accompanied by side dishes in small metal bowls, including dhal curry and onion sambol. The meal is served on a copper tray, with utensils and a glass of water visible in the background.
A traditional Sri Lankan meal served on a copper tray with banana leaves, featuring a mound of white rice, papadam, and various curry dishes in small bowls, with lush green plants in the background.

Dining at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is all-inclusive, so you can eat and drink as much as you’d like. The menus have a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, and a lot of the ingredients are locally sourced.

My favorites were the Sri Lankan curries—they were packed with flavor and a great way to get a taste of the local cuisine.

The day starts early with coffee, pastries, and fruit before the morning game drive. When you return, there’s a full breakfast with choices ranging from Western dishes to Sri Lankan favorites.

Lunch is also à la carte, with options like curry rice, noodles, and grilled meats.

Dinner is a multi-course meal with soup, starters, an entrée, and dessert.

The portions are generous, and the service is attentive. You’ll definitely leave each meal feeling satisfied (maybe even a little too full!).

Location and Things to Do

A baby elephant crossing a dirt road in front of safari vehicles, with tourists observing from inside the open-top trucks.

The best part about staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is its location near Yala National Park, known for having the highest number of leopards in Sri Lanka.

It’s one of the top places in the country to see wildlife, and although you may not see as many animals as on an African safari, each sighting feels extra special.

We went on safari hoping to see leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, and we weren’t disappointed. We saw plenty of elephants and even a few leopards.

But the most unforgettable moment came on our last day when a mama sloth bear and her two cubs crossed the road right in front of our vehicle. Even our guides were amazed, snapping pictures and sharing in our excitement.

The lodge includes one game drive per day with an expert guide, and the safari vehicles are comfortable with guaranteed window seats for everyone.

Is It Worth the Splurge?

Absolutely. Wild Coast Tented Lodge combines luxury and adventure in a way that few places can. The location near Yala is unbeatable for animal lovers, and the lodge’s unique design and high level of service make it well worth the investment.

This place is perfect for honeymooners, families, and wildlife enthusiasts alike—anyone who wants an immersive nature experience with the comforts of a luxury hotel.

With its incredible wildlife, stunning location, and standout service, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is one of those places you’ll remember forever. Whether you’re an avid safari-goer or just looking for a unique getaway, it’s an experience you won’t regret.

Check rates and book your stay

Tour of the Resort

Before I stay at any hotel, I love seeing a video tour on YouTube. This is one that captures the property well, but isn’t too long of a watch.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park (Sri Lanka): review & safari

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This image is a collage promoting the Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka. It features the website "www.thetravelingmoore.com" at the top, with elegant typography highlighting "Wild Coast Tented Lodge Sri Lanka." The collage includes four visuals: a cozy bar area with rustic decor, a woman smiling near the ocean wearing a white dress, domed structures by a turquoise pool, and a pathway surrounded by lush greenery under a cloudy sky.

Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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