Into The Wild: Resplendent Ceylon to launch Junior Explorer programme in Sri Lanka

This April, Sri Lanka’s leading luxury hoteliers, Resplendent Ceylon, will launch a new Junior Explorer programme for guests aged 6 –14, spanning the brand’s three resorts; Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Tea Trails and Cape Weligama. The programme will create a trail of unique and educational experiences across the island, introducing little-twitchers-in-making to the country’s diverse wildlife and celebrated heritage, and awarding them with handcrafted wooden badges for each activity they complete.

The journey begins at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, which sits on the edge of leopard-hotspot Yala National Park. In addition to guided game drives available for the whole family, budding naturalists will join the Junior Ranger Programme. Overseen by the resort’s knowledgeable and well-trained rangers, the programme will introduce children to all aspects of naturalist life: learning the art of tracking animal footprints and droppings; bird-call and leopard identification sessions; data analysis from the resort’s camera traps to study the behaviour of leopards and other nocturnal creatures; botany classes and tailored nature walks to track and identify smaller animals such as butterflies, mongoose and birds. Young foodies will take part in the Junior Chef programme, to master the art of baking all-time favourites with a Sri Lankan twist, such as such as coconut-treacle pancakes and cardamom brownies, whilst the kids tasting menu has been specifically designed to introduce young palates to traditional Sri Lankan flavours. With children well-entertained, adults can join rangers on exhilarating bush walks to spot some of Yala’s larger and more renowned inhabitants, or rejuvenate in the newly refurbished spa. The safari-style adventure continues into the night, as children retire to their very own Urchin tent adjacent to their parents’ larger Cocoon Suite, offering privacy to parents and children alike.

Heading inland to restored bungalow resort Tea Trails, family activities will celebrate Resplendent Ceylon’s tea-infused heritage. Under the guidance of resident planter Bernard, the My First Cup of Tea experience at the Dunkeld Tea Plantation will see families curate their very own flavour of tea, participating in all steps of the manufacturing process from leaf to cup, with tailored experiences using the more delicate silver tip flavour for younger taste buds. Families can also take part in fascinating nature walks to spot some of the bird species endemic to hill country, explore the gentle Castlereagh Reservoir on kayak, or simply curl up by the fire and dive into their bungalow’s extensive collection of board games.

Finally, families will arrive at Cape Weligama, located on a dramatic clifftop on the south coast of the island. A new partnership with Borderlands Activity Centre offers families a host of thrilling ocean-based activities, from snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to surfing and whale watching, whilst back at the resort the children’s Cove Pool is a water-world oasis for younger guests. The resort will offer twice weekly mask painting classes for an immersive induction into traditional Sri Lankan culture, introducing children to the whimsical characters portrayed by Kolam masks in rural folklore and traditional story-telling, and offering a unique souvenir to show off once they get home. Children are also invited to visit the nearby MJF Centre which provides a range of education and extra-curricular programmes for children from the local community, to share a song, dance or sport from their culture, broaden their horizons and create new friendships.

To book: Original Travel (020 3582 4990/www.originaltravel.co.uk) offers an eight-day family holiday to Sri Lanka staying at Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Cape Weligama starting from £12,400 based on a family of four. The price includes a selection of Junior Explorer experiences, return flights, transfers, Sharky and George fun packs, access to Original Travel’s Concierge and airport services (meet-and-greet, fast-track check-in and security and lounge access), which come as standard with all Original Travel bookings.