The Best Hotels In Weligama, From Surf Camps to Luxury Villas 2025
- Kate Colliety
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 1 minute ago
With its large bay and Shaka vibes, Weligama is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to visit along Sri Lanka’s south coast. It's best known for its long, sandy beach break that's ideal for beginner surfers and it makes an excellent base for exploring the neighbouring surf towns of Midigama and Mirissa.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best hotels in Weligama whether you’re looking for a surf camp (spoiler: just book the Surfer Weligama), a luxury villa or perhaps like us you need a budget homestay.
Weligama is one of our absolute favourite towns in Sri Lanka and if you’re here reading this it looks like you’re planning to go! Great…. Don’t forget to surf every sunset, eat an ungodly amount of roti and soak up the relaxed surf vibe.
Picking a place to stay can make or break your trip so read on to find out the best area to stay in Weligama, plus our top picks of accommodation.
Short On Time? The Best Hotels In Weligama
Best For Families: Marriott Resort & Spa
Best For Solo Travellers: Happy Bunk Hostel
Best For Couples: KOMOREBI Weligama
Best For Backpackers: Tharaka Homestay
Best For Digital Nomads: Outpost
Best Surf Camp: The Surfer Weligama
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Why Stay In Weligama?
Picking where to visit, especially if you’re short on time can be tricky. Should Weligama be on your Sri Lankan itinerary? We think so, and here’s why!
If you’re into surfing, or want to learn, then Weligama has the best beach break in the whole of Sri Lanka. The wide bay, although busy, allows each surfer to find their own space either in the white water for beginners or out the back for intermediate surfers.
After a long surf session, you’ll find no shortage of cafes and restaurants to fit your vibe. Either head for avo on toast and smoothie bowls or as we preferred, a local curry and roti.
On top of this the digital nomad scene is growing meaning it’s a great place to meet like-minded people on the road with places like Ice Weligama and Nomad Café popping up.
Now you know why to visit, let's look at the best area to stay in Weligama.
Best Area To Stay In Weligama
Weligama town is focused around the beach and main coastal road that connects the south of Sri Lanka. This gives the town a long, narrow shape with a few distinct areas.
East Weligama: Quiet Surf Camps & Community
The eastern side of the town is home to a few of the best surf schools in Weligama, including The Surfer. There aren’t many restaurants located here but there is quiet surf and a community feel, especially if you’re staying in one of the surf camps.
Central Weligama: Main Tourist Hotspot
The middle of Weligama is where most of the action is and where we recommend you stay. The back streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You’ll be close to the main surf beach where local schools run daily lessons. There's also a big Cargills Food City supermarket (ideal for snacks) and a Bank of Ceylon ATM that doesn't charge extra for withdrawals.
Western Weligama: More Local With Budget Homestays
The final area is the western side of town, here you will find great budget homestays, these are perfect if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Weligama and have your own transport. This side of Weligama is more local with fishing boats on the beach and fewer restaurants, although the best chicken burger can be found here at A/42 Cafe.
Budget Hotels & Places To Stay In Weligama
Price: $10
Rating: 4.9
Best For: Backpackers
The second time we visited Weligama we stayed at Tharaka Homestay. We loved the location, close to Cargills Supermarket and was only a short walk from Ice Weligama and the beach. The rooms are large and spacious with mosquito nets and fans and the hosts were lovely, allowing us to park our tuk tuk on their driveway at night.
If you need a basic, no-frills budget place to stay in Weligama we recommend Tharaka, however if you're looking for a bit of luxury keep reading!
Price: $10
Rating: 4.7
Best For: Solo Travellers
A chilled hostel just a short walk from the main surf beach. They offer dorms and private rooms, plus communal hammocks and beanbags. It’s a great place to meet fellow surfers and make friends.
Mid-Range Hotels In Weligama
Price: $30-40
Rating: 4.8
Best For: Couples
Hotelito is a tiny boutique hotel with serious style. Set back from the buzz of the main street between Weligama and Ahangama, this is a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery and local culture. There is a garden pool, cosy common areas and focus on a wellness experience. With cold baths, yoga and breathwork this is the perfect relaxation treat.
Price: $40-50
Rating: 4.9
Best For: Couples
On the shore of Weligama Beach is KOMOREBI, a villa-style accommodation designed with natural materials and colours. To us this is luxury without the price tag as you get a lush garden setting, sea views and little touches such as a tea and coffee maker. There is also an onsite restaurant serving a variety of delicious meals.
Luxury Hotels In Weligama Sri Lanka
Price: $150-300+
Rating: 4.6
Best For: Couples, Families
If you're looking for 5-star beachfront luxury in the heart of Weligama, this is it. The Marriott is the tallest building on the bay, with direct beach access and sweeping ocean views from nearly every room. It's slick, polished, and perfect for travellers who want Western-style comfort with a tropical twist. The infinity pool, spa, and huge breakfast buffet are standouts for us. It’s also super central so you can be out surfing within minutes.
Price: $400-800+
Rating: 4.7
Best For: Couples
This is next-level luxury. Perched on a cliff just outside Weligama, Cape Weligama feels like its own private headland with panoramic views of the sea in every direction. The villas and suites are incredibly spacious, the infinity pool is beautiful, and the service is about as premium as it gets in Sri Lanka. We’d recommend it for honeymoons and any other big celebration.
Price: $150-250
Rating: 4.4
Best For: Couples (Adults Only)
A bit of a hidden gem on the quieter side of Weligama Bay, Naomi Beach Resort is a boutique escape with a more modern, minimal aesthetic. Think clean lines, open glass walls, beachfront loungers, and stylish, sun-filled suites. It feels high-end without being showy, and it’s ideal if you want a luxurious stay with fewer people and a bit more peace. The beach here is quieter, and the sunsets are incredible.
Weligama Villas
Price: $250-400
Rating: 4.9
Best For: Couples, Honeymoons, Families
With just a few private villas surrounded by lush jungle, it’s ultra-private and super stylish. The open-air bathrooms, plunge pools, and dreamy canopy beds make it honeymoon-worthy. It’s set a little inland for privacy, but just a short tuk tuk from Weligama Bay.
Price: $180-300
Rating: 4.7
Best For: Families, Groups
Emerald Villas offers sleek, modern villa accommodation with private pools and a breezy tropical vibe. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting space and privacy, but still within a short ride of the beach. The minimalist design, palm-fringed setting, and full kitchens make it feel like a luxury home away from home.
The Best Surf Camps In Weligama
Price: $45-80
Rating: 4.9
Best For: Surfers, Backpackers, Solo Travellers
We could go on all day about how much we love The Surfer, it’s why we fell in love with Weligama and definitely why we can now confidently surf intermediate waves. The vibe here is great, each evening there are social events with the surf instructors, video analysis and delicious dinners.
Price: $35-65
Rating: 4.8
Best For: Surfers, Backpackers, Solo Travellers
If the Surfer is fully booked then we recommend Lucky’s. It’s locally run, friendly, and just a short stroll from the beach. Rooms are simple but clean and it has great reviews.
Best Coliving Spaces In Weligama
Price: $50-90
Rating: 4.5
Best For: Digital Nomads
Outpost is known amongst digital nomads, having locations in both Bali and Sri Lanka it is the most-established place on our list.
Staying at the coliving space Outpost will give you access to their coworking rooms with international plug points, fast, reliable WiFi, standing desk and dedicated video-call booths. There is also a generator for backup power, a pool and beachfront access.
Price: $11-30
Rating: 4.5
Best For: Digital Nomads
If Outpost is out of your budget then Sugar Hostel is a great choice. Sugar Hostel has a rooftop coworking space, onsite restaurant, free yoga, and great coffee. There are also onsite dorms and private rooms which include access to the coworking space which is open 24/7 plus discounts on the food. We love the look of this place!
FAQs About Where To Stay In Weligama
Can you stay on the beach in Weligama?
There are plenty of Weligama Hotels located right on the sand such as the Marriott Resort & Spa. Because Weligama is small, almost any accommodation will be just a short walk from the beachfront.
What’s the best area to stay in Weligama for surfing?
If you’re new to surfing, we suggest joining one of the surf schools like The Surfer Weligama. For confident surfers, staying anywhere near the beach gives you easy access for sunrise and sunset sessions.
Do hotels in Weligama have good Wi-Fi?
We found WiFi to be hit and miss in Sri Lanka, normally miss in the local homestays. However, there are plenty of cafes and co-living spaces with reliable internet for digital nomads and remote workers.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Weligama
The best time to visit is between December and April during the dry season when surf conditions are optimal and rainfall minimal.
Weligama gets busy during the peak season, therefore we recommend you book your accommodation in advance.
How To Get To Weligama Beach
Weligama By Train
One of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to get to Weligama is by train. From Colombo Fort, take the coastal railway line to Weligama Station. The journey takes around 3 hours and costs just a couple of quid.
Most people book 1st or 2nd class for the extra space and comfort. We booked 2nd class but ended up squeezed into 3rd and it was one of our best travel experiences.
We missed our train and joined our carriage at rush hour which was sardine packed, everyone started singing and trust us when we tell you, we will never forget that!
Or opt for comfort and book this private airport transfer to Weligama.
Weligama By Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take a Matara-bound bus, which often stops in Weligama, just check with your driver as you get on. The journey will take around 4 hours and cost 200 - 500 LKR depending on the type of bus.
If you’re coming from Ella the #31 runs from Ella to Matara and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. From Matara, you can hop on a local bus or take a tuk-tuk for the final 20-minute journey to Weligama. The bus costs around 650 LKR and the whole journey could take up to 8 hours.
Don’t want to spend 8 hours on a bus? Check out this Ella to Weligama Private Transfer!
Weligama By Tuk Tuk
Want to explore Sri Lanka on your own terms? Renting a tuk tuk is hands-down the most fun and flexible way to travel the south coast. You’ll find plenty of rental shops in Weligama, but we highly recommend Tuk tuk Rental for their great service and well-maintained vehicles.
We had an unforgettable road trip with our tuk tuk. Freedom to stop wherever we wanted, meeting locals on the side of the road, and soaked in the scenery at our own pace. Seriously, it’s an experience not to miss!
Ready to hit the road? Book your tuk‑tuk now at Tuk tuk Rental’s website and use our code KandM to get 5% off your booking. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Stay at The Surfer, Weligama - This is the best surf camp to meet friends, improve your technique and have the surf to yourself as they have a prime secluded spot!
Weligama is a surf town - If you want beautiful swimming beaches, base yourself in Mirissa or Tangalle.
Be careful of scams - Take a video of your surf board before you hire it, just in case they try to blame you for dinks that were already there.
Hire a tuktuk - This means you can use Weligama as your base and explore neighbouring Midigama and Mirissa.
Digital Nomads - Weligama is one of the best places to work remotely with several digital nomad cafés and co-working spaces.
Try Ice Weligama - Challenge your body with an ice bath!
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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