The stories of resplendent
Our heritage is steeped in tea, kindness, & hospitality.
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Experience Sri Lanka’s history, culture, & nature with Dilmah Tea’s hotel collection
1985
Where it all began
We are a family business, founded by Merrill J. Fernando, with the philosophy that business must also be a matter of human service. Kindness to people and nature forms the heart of all that we do. In 1985, we set out to make the world a better tea. That’s why we grow our own, unlike other tea companies, then pick the best leaves by hand, not machine, and pack it super-fresh right here in Sri Lanka.
But it’s not just the taste that makes our tea better, 15% of our profit goes to humanity through the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. In 2005, we started our first hotel, almost by accident.
2005
From Tea to Tourism
In 2005, we ventured into tourism with the launch of Ceylon Tea Trails, our first luxury resort and Sri Lanka’s pioneering tea bungalow resort. Nestled in the lush tea country, Ceylon Tea Trails redefined the guest experience by blending heritage with immersive luxury, offering travellers a unique stay amidst Sri Lanka’s famed tea plantations. This marked our first step into hospitality, transforming our legacy in tea into an exceptional guest experience that celebrates Sri Lankan culture and landscape.
2007
A Commitment to Conservation and Human Service
Dilmah Conservation began its work in 2007 as an important element in the Fernando family’s commitment to making our business a matter of human service. It was by then so clearly evident that human welfare and the environment were inextricably and critically intertwined. We operate the first private sector climate research station in Sri Lanka, focusing on the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Through our initiatives, we aim to protect natural resources, promote sustainable agriculture, and support communities with a holistic approach to development. This is our way of ensuring a legacy of harmony between people and the planet.
2014
Launch of Cape Weligama
Resplendent Ceylon expanded its footprint with the opening of Cape Weligama on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This clifftop resort brought together luxury and panoramic ocean views, designed with an emphasis on Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty and traditional aesthetics. The property features private villas and suites, each offering sweeping views and direct access to pristine beaches, marking Resplendent’s second luxury destination following Ceylon Tea Trails in the central highlands.
2017
Opening of Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Resplendent further enriched its luxury portfolio with Wild Coast Tented Lodge, located on the borders of Yala National Park. This eco-conscious property introduced a unique blend of wilderness and luxury, with tented suites designed to resemble cocoons. The lodge offers immersive safari experiences, and its architecture and sustainability practices earned widespread acclaim. The lodge set a new benchmark in tented lodges, merging Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity with a high-end experience for discerning travellers.
2023
Launch of Reverie Resorts
Resplendent Ceylon expanded again under a new brand, Reverie Resorts, with two intimate resorts.
Ahu Bay, located on Ahungalla Point, offers luxury accommodations with beach access and is set between two sandy coves. Kayaam House, near Tangalle, emphasises Ayurvedic wellness, yoga, and nature experiences like birdwatching and kayaking, thanks to its proximity to Rekawa Lagoon. Kelburne Estate in Haputale is set to open in 2025 and will feature cottages among the lush tea plantations in the southern hill country, bringing a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion to the highlands.
the best of
Sri lanka
Conceived by the Fernando family, Sri Lankan tea producers and founders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Resplendent Ceylon’s collection of boutique resorts offer the discerning traveller a remarkable circuit across Sri Lanka.
Featuring five distinctive resorts – Ceylon Tea Trails in the tea highlands, Wild Coast Tented Lodge beach-side at Yala National Park, and Cape Weligama on the south coast near Galle. Two beachside villa-style stays, Kayaam House in Tangalle and Ahu Bay in Ahungalla, complete the collection.
Inspired by tea, kindness, and hospitality
Human service and our sustainability commitment
At the heart of our human-service philosophy is our commitment to positively impacting the ecologically sensitive landscapes where we exist and transforming the lives of people in our communities through the MJF Charitable Foundation.
Sri Lanka’s sole relais & Châteaux members
Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, and Cape Weligama are Sri Lanka’s only members of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux. This recognition highlights each property’s unique and carefully curated experiences that define Sri Lanka’s culinary, natural, and cultural heritage.
The many faces
Of resplendent
Our people are the heart of Resplendent Ceylon. In Sri Lanka, our people are known for their humbleness, happiness and hospitality, and we endeavour to carry out that sentiment. We’re certain that when you visit our island home, you’ll feel warmly embraced as we share with you the culture, heritage and history of Sri Lanka.
our Journal
The magic of our island lies in our inimitable blend of culture, wildlife, nature and cuisine. Immerse yourself in our journal and seek inspiration for your journey ahead.
Discover Your Luxe Escape
Traverse the wilderness, find stillness beside the ocean, and reconnect in nature with meaningful experiences that seek to share the best of Sri Lanka with curious, discerning travellers.
Revel in the allure of Sri Lanka through Resplendent Ceylon’s tea, sea and safari themes.
Follow our journey
Discover our remarkable resorts. #ResplendentCeylon
