Uga Ulagalla

Uga Ulagalla, Thirappane, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"After a hot and dusty day exploring the 2000-year-old Buddhist temples, vast dagobas and ruinous monasteries of the ancient cities, Uga Ulagalla, ideally located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, is quite possibly the perfect place to replenish. Within the extensive 58-acre grounds are fantastic views at every turn: neat, unfeasibly green paddy fields sprinkled with birdlife, sparkling reservoirs and untamed scrubland. Couples and honeymooners will revel in this secluded, natural setting. But the real joy is the huge, luxurious villas, each in their own scenic cocoon of nature set apart from the others. This is no bird spotter’s hideout, however, as interiors resemble a high design apartment complete with glass-walled views of lush forest or emerald-coloured fields. Your tasteful bedroom is the height of comfort and pared-down luxury, the expansive bathroom shimmies with minimalism, and the cherry on the cake is the deep blue plunge pool bedecked by a chic double lounger. And there’s no need to worry about your eco impact, Uga are leaders in environmental design who have created one of the largest solar farms in Sri Lanka here, walls are made from recycled rice paddy, they have reverse osmosis water purification, plus there's an organic edible garden with over 40 varieties. Drop in at the Coco Spa for a Balinese therapy, watch peacocks and monkeys in the grounds, find out more about the local elephants in the on-site research centre, and meet the horses in the stable. To round off your day enjoy the Nachchaduwa Scenic Drive through the local village ending up with sundowners by a picturesque lake, then return to the 150-year-old Walawwa mansion for a gourmet three-course dinner. What a wonderful place! Highs Spacious, well-appointed and contemporary accommodations each with private plunge pools Outstanding service and a warm welcome from staff Seeing nature from your room – we spotted a troupe of monkeys and a peacock doing his impressive mating dance, plus numerous brightly coloured birds; over 70 types of bird and 100 species of butterfly flit in the grounds Delicious food whether in the serene Liyawela Restaurant – we loved overlooking the ever-changing luminescent fibre-optic swimming pool – or the signature Kamatha dinner under banyan trees by the paddy field The peaceful location, which is so well-positioned for UNESCO-listed attractions and national parks of the Cultural Triangle Lows Not only are the rooms expensive, so are drinks, activities and spa treatments The grounds are spacious and your villa may be a bit of a distance from the restaurant and main pool, so you need take golf carts to get about the resort (don't forget to bring small notes for tipping) No local restaurants to explore for a change of scene; vary your meals by having the Kamatha dinner, a bbq by the pond, dining by the pool, or private in-villa dining" - Harriet Whiting