The main strip is dotted with swanky boutiques and restaurants as well as a lively market that draws tourists, locals, and weekend visitors from Colombo. More than 200 small hotels have sprung up along the stretch in five years.
Most of the hotels are boutique, but there is now also the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa right on the beach and several luxury hotels such as Cape Weligama which is set on an elevated headland with stunning view and has modern well-equipped, and spacious villas and suites.
There are also a large number of private villa and apartment developments hoping to attract foreign investment. So far, the area is proving to be a potentially good investment with the beachfront land value increasing by 84% since 2016. The renowned Balmond Studio Architects recently launched their latest project of 106 apartments in Weligama. SouthBeach Weligama is due to be completed in 2023.
The Southbeach Weligama complex is more like a five-star hotel with a restaurant, poolside bar, gym, 35m swimming pool, an art gallery and a music room. With Mahiki, the London Tiki-themed nightclub, well known for its celebrity clientele being named as the food and beverage partner, the development is likely to become an attraction to those visiting Weligama. Property in Weligama is still very affordable for foreign buyers with prices at the most exclusive developments such as Southbeach Weligama starting at around $150,000.
There is plenty to see and do around Weligama for the more adventurous if you don't want to just relax by the beach. Visiting during the monthly Full Moon Party on the beach is an experience like no other with 100,000 people converging on one place to party all night long.
