Nestled in a coconut plantation near Negombo’s pristine shores, Uga Riva is a 180-year-old manor house re-launched for travellers seeking an indulgent sanctuary. Situated just 10 minutes from central Negombo and a mere 30-minute drive from Colombo International Airport, Uga Riva serves as the perfect spot for commencing or concluding a Sri Lankan journey. Conveniently positioned for travellers recovering from island explorations or adjusting to jetlag, guests can immediately relax into the serene tranquillity of the five-acre grounds, enjoying a leisurely break by the pool before retiring to the luxurious comfort of Uga Riva’s well-appointed rooms.

The heritage house features a traditional courtyard wrapped around a pond, with large open verandahs providing guests with both space and privacy. The cosy spaces and antique surfaces within the manor house add to its rustic charm, offering world-class amenities and an enchanting ambience that seamlessly reflects Uga’s established portfolio.  Travellers can choose between seven beautifully appointed rooms, all adorned with meticulously restored furniture, contemporary Sri Lankan artwork, and sumptuous linens.

From leisurely breakfasts to romantic dinners, dining at Riva guarantees a truly distinctive and sensory culinary journey. As one of the few upscale dining establishments in Negombo, Uga Riva offers delectable cuisine infused with the rich flavours of the island.

Uga Riva has been thoughtfully reimagined with Uga’s signature style, sophisticated design, and personalised service, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. Travellers can anticipate a harmonious blend of serenity and adventure, where idyllic sunsets meet vibrant local culture. The historic property has played host to many prominent figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the property during his visit to Ceylon in 1927 and planted a tree opposite the house.

Nightly rates at Uga Riva start from $237 (£186*), based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/riva/

Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura

The award-winning Uga Ulagalla is a 25 villa five-star resort set within an expansive 58-acre estate near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, in Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle. Surrounded by natural woodland, a 150-year-old mansion house serves as the resort’s pièce de resistance, having once been the ancestral seat of Anuradhapura nobility.

Designed to complement the natural environment, each thatch-roofed villa features its own pool and decking area looking out onto the lush greenery beyond, and has been constructed using environmentally-friendly durra straw for a rustic-chic aesthetic.

Serving as a sumptuous base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Uga Ulagalla can arrange an array of adventures for guests. From witnessing one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world at Minneriya National Park and leopard and sloth-spotting at Wilpattu National Park to excursions to Sigiriya rock fortress, discovery wildlife drives and the ancient monastery at Ritigala, there are endless opportunities for adventure. Back at the resort, guests can indulge in nature walks, enjoy horse-riding, kayaking and archery, or partake in a Sri Lankan cooking class, while little ones will adore the opportunity to participate in the junior ranger programme.

In 2020, Uga opened its first Elephant Research Centre at Uga Ulagalla. Established in an effort to conserve the elephant population in Sri Lanka while also helping to resolve the human elephant conflict in and around the Anuradhapura area, the centre is run by a well-trained team of individuals, in-house guides and members of the local community. Guests of Uga Ulagalla can visit the centre to learn about Sri Lankan elephants and the research work of the CCR.

Nightly rates at Uga Ulagalla start from $481 (£377*), based on two adults sharing an Ulagalla Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/ulagalla/

Uga Bay, Pasikuda

Uga Bay is a luxurious beach hotel situated on one of eastern Sri Lanka’s most celebrated stretches of sand, Pasikuda. Brimming with coastal charm, the property comprises 46 spacious studios, a two-bedroom Bay Suite and a sprawling Beach Villa. A stunning semi-circular architectural design incorporates Mediterranean elegance and tropical simplicity, with the large resort infinity pool appearing to blend into the Indian Ocean.

At Uga Bay, guests can sample the finest traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at the sumptuous main restaurant, unwind at the laid-back beach bar or indulge in a number of destination dining experiences across the property. Wellness seekers can check in to one of two spa suites overlooking the Indian Ocean, while active adventurers can enjoy a range of water sports – from jet skiing and kayaking to snorkelling and shipwreck dives. A number of excursions are available for those wishing to explore the region, including tours of the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya, visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Polonnaruwa and elephant spotting in Minneriya National Park.

February 2024 will see Uga Bay unveil a brand-new swimming pool, providing the ultimate setting in which to kick back, cocktail in hand, and soak up the Sri Lankan sunshine.

Nightly rates at Uga Bay start from $302 (£237*), based on two adults sharing a Beach Studio on a bed-and-breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/ugabay/

Uga Chena Huts is a true wilderness paradise nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park. Comprised of just 18 thatch-roofed cabins – each with its own private deck and pool – within grounds of over seven acres, the property provides a bucket-list-worthy opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the very best of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Overlooking a beach where sea-turtles come to lay eggs by moonlight and elephants wander down from the nearby forest to play in the surf, Chena Huts is fringed on one landward side by tropical jungle and on the other by a saline lake where ibises, painted storks and eben flamingos may be seen, wading in the shallows.

Guests can enjoy world-class dining at the property’s Basses restaurant, sundowners at the poolside bar and spoiling spa treatments from the comfort of their residence. Endless adventure awaits on the doorstep of guests’ cabin, from game drives in Yala National Park to bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and stargazing.

Nightly rates at Uga Chena Huts start from $1,237 (£970*), based on two adults sharing a Luxury Pool Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/

Tucked within a 10-acre reserve, Uga Jungle Beach stretches along a secluded 4km beach close to the port city of Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Comprised of 48 luxurious cabins set within dense jungle and tropical mangroves, the treehouse-luxe aesthetic and proximity to nature evoke an immediate sense of calm and tranquillity for arriving guests.

Uga Jungle Beach provides the perfect base to explore the largely undiscovered town of Kuchchaveli and its surroundings.  Those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture can also participate in village bike tours or visit the historical harbour city of Trincomalee during the Trinco City Tour, uncovering ancient temples, stunning viewpoints and historical sites.

Water babies will delight in the opportunity to participate in Uga Jungle Beach’s many nautical activities, from snorkelling and diving at Pigeon Island National Park to whale-watching tours. A marine biologist’s playground, the region is famed as one of the best places in Sri Lanka for observing the blue whale, and guests can also look out for dolphins, sperm whales, endangered sea turtles and black tipped reef sharks.

Back at the resort, guests can check into the spoiling spa at Jungle Beach, enjoy exquisite Kuchchaveli cuisine at the main restaurant, arrange an intimate beach picnic or simply lay back and enjoy a cocktail or two by the main pool.

In February 2024 Uga Jungle Beach will enjoy a full refurbishment of its 48 rooms along with all public areas, giving a fresh new look to this luxurious jungle retreat.

Nightly rates at Uga Jungle Beach start from $334 (£262*), based on two adults sharing a Lagoon Cabin on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/junglebeach/

Uga Residence, Colombo

Nestled between leafy Park Street and the lakeside temple of Gangarama, Uga Residence is a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo. Built in the nineteenth century by Sheik Salehboy Moosajee, it is one of the few remaining buildings of its kind in Colombo. Originally a family home, the house was designed to host receptions and entertainment on a grand scale, with great halls, expansive gardens and stables for visitors’ carriage horses.

Today, Residence is a luxurious eight-suite city hotel with an elegant and contemporary design that recognises the rich history of the building and the surrounding area. With a large garden, swimming pool, bar and ‘great room’, Residence offers plenty of spaces to meet, relax or celebrate at the beginning or end of a Sri Lankan adventure.

2024 will see the launch of a new F&B concept, with more details to follow, as well as a full renovation of several suites from April.

Nightly rates at Uga Residence start from $305 (£239*), based on two adults sharing a Park Suite on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/residence/

Coming Soon: Uga Halloowella, Hatton – Opening October 2024

October 2024 will see the launch of Uga’s latest property, Uga Halloowella, in Hatton, within Sri Lanka’s Pekoe trail, the world-famous tea trail region. A complete restoration of a historical bungalow within the Halloowella estate; the new hotel will offer 6 spacious suites, an infinity pool, indoor dining area, a bar and an outdoor dining terrace. The new property will be situated within a 252-acre tea estate and will be 1,444 meters above sea level, boasting stunning views of Castlereagh Reservoir and the glorious tea trail region.

Nightly rates at Uga Halloowella will start from $1,125 (£883*) on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit www.ugaescapes.com

Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability and the local community lies at the heart of each Uga property, and a dedicated sustainability team works hard to ensure all hotels meet and surpass the Global Sustainable Tourism guidelines. From a drive to train and hire resort staff as locally as possible and growing much of each property’s produce on-site, to installing solar panels, wildlife conservation, reducing water waste and a ban on single-use plastics, guests can enjoy a stay with Uga safe in the knowledge that they are playing their part in protecting people and planet.

“At Uga, we know the success of our business is linked to our ability to operate and grow sustainably,” commented Uga’s owner, Priyanjith Weerasooria. “As one of Sri Lanka’s most sought-after hotel companies, we have a responsibility to protect our communities and the environment. As a company but also as an industry, we must rise to the challenge so that Sri Lanka can remain authentic and beautiful for generations to come.”

Recent community projects include the building of facilities and donation of supplies to local schools, investment in local infrastructure including the donation of water tanks to local villages, house building and much more.

For more information on Uga’s sustainability practices across each property, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/sustainability-at-uga-sustainable-practices.html