Nomadic Resorts and Bo Reudler Studio collaborated to design and construct this stunning natural coastal tent hotel—Sri Lanka’s first of its kind. The design thoughtfully weaves sustainable landscapes and local traditions throughout the hotel experience. Situated next to Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka, the resort features 36 tents and welcomed its first guests in November 2017.
This eco-friendly resort is seamlessly integrated into its environment, nestled among arid forests that blend naturally with the rugged sandy coastline facing the Indian Ocean. The project consists of five hotels designed to offer visitors an intimate connection with Yala’s unique flora, fauna, and culture, while minimizing impact on the surrounding landscape. Emphasizing local influence, the design incorporates indigenous traditions, materials, and community involvement.
The project was commissioned by Resplendent Ceylon, a branch of Dilmah Tea, aiming to offer travelers immersive experiences reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Architecturally, the resort mimics the landscape of Yala: on a macro scale resembling scattered circular boulders, and on a micro scale evoking termite mounds.
To suit human scale, the campsite’s main building appears as pebble-shaped pavilions organically clustered at both ends of the site. Large open spaces intersect with smaller enclosed domes, balancing communal areas with private functions. The welcoming entrance features a winding natural landscape lined with cocoon-shaped tension membrane structures, leading to the restaurant and library.
Each tent cluster overlooks a waterhole shaped like leopard paw prints, designed to attract local wildlife. The spa center begins at the seaside. From afar, the large buildings appear solid and robust; however, up close, they reveal a woven bamboo grid structure crafted from recycled teak wood. The expansive arched openings and soaring vaulted ceilings create a spacious, airy atmosphere.
Existing vegetation has been preserved to maintain an authentic landscape experience, complemented by water-efficient spiky plants and elegant rock balance sculptures by Adrian Gray.
The architecture’s exterior highlights the appearance of giant stones, while the interior reveals hidden treasures beneath cave-like veins, crystals, and precious minerals. Guests can experience a sense of discovery, adventure, and charm, blending eco-luxury with the region’s unique assets.
The design emphasizes high-quality materials, integrating local stone, quartz, and mud bricks with copper, brass, terrazzo, wood, bamboo, and textiles to harmonize with the environment. Notable features include a flowing swimming pool in the restaurant and bar area, lighting reminiscent of a starry night sky, a striking copper-leaf tree suspended from the 10-meter-high bamboo dome in the restaurant, mud brick seating, and bamboo branch chandeliers accentuating the main space.
Nomadic Resorts led the architecture and landscaping, while Bo Reudler Studio managed the interior design.
Project Information
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ Main Area Plan
▲ Roof Plan of Main Areas
▲ Main Area Elevation
▲ Main Area Section
▲ Reception Area Plan
▲ Roof Plan of Reception Area
▲ Front View of Reception Area
▲ Section of Reception Area
Project Details
Project Type: Hotel
Location: Palatupana, Sri Lanka
Architectural Design: Nomadic Resorts
Area: 5,250 m²
Year Completed: 2017
Photographer: Marc Hernandez Folguera
Manufacturers: Hunter Douglas, panoramah!®, Serge Ferrari
Design Team: Olav Bruin, Freddie Catlow, Inma Cantero, Oana Tudose, Julian Klaus Trummer
Interior Design: Bo Reudler Studio
Interior Design Team: Bo Reudler, Mandy Finke, Oana Tudose, Maddalena Gioglio, Daniela Oliveira, Nele Teerlinck, Larissa Thoin, Martyna Purtak
Landscape Design: Nomadic Resorts
Environmental and Equipment Design: XCO2 Energy
Lighting Consultant: Robert Jan Vos
Contractor: Nomadic Resorts
Bamboo Consultant: Vinc Math
Client: Resplendent Ceylon
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