Sri Lanka, with its diverse landscapes, rich culture and abundance of wildlife and natural beauty is a bucket list travel destination that everyone should visit at least once – although, if your experience was anything like mine then you’ll want to go back time and again.
After a week exploring mountains, tea plantations and vibrant cities, we rounded off our time in this small but diverse nation by heading to Yala, which is known for its breath-taking array of wildlife, and is the place to go if you’re keen to head out on safari for a chance to spot the elusive leopard.
Nestled on the south-eastern coast of Sri Lanka, just outside of the Yala National Park, the Uga Chena Huts were to be our base for our three-night stay, and little did we know, we were in for the experience of a lifetime.
Offering an unparalleled luxury retreat amidst the breath-taking wilderness, the resort enjoys a secluded beachfront location and features luxurious accommodations as well as offering an array of immersive wildlife experiences.
Hotel
The Uga Chena Huts is not your average resort – in fact, far from it. As you drive up the rather long driveway, you’re instantly swept up in the magic of the diverse surrounding landscapes, arriving finally to reception to the warmest of welcomes.
Set amidst lush foliage and overlooking the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, the hotel’s design seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, and exudes a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern elegance.
The resort is home to an opulent spa (I didn’t have a chance to try this out myself), which offers a range of indulgent treatments, including massages, aromatherapy and rejuvenating beauty treatments.
Stays here are on an all-inclusive basis, which includes all meals, premium drinks and morning and evening game drives to the Yala National Park for each day of your stay.
Huts
Accommodation at Uga Chena Huts is spread across its 14 spacious and exquisitely designed huts, each offering a private sanctuary amidst the jungle landscape. In fact, the word ‘huts’, which could well make you think of far more basic lodgings, doesn’t really do them justice – but think of it as a nod to their rustic setting and charm.
Built using traditional techniques and natural materials, the huts exude a sense of exactly this, but are expertly balanced with a feeling of understated elegance, with thoughtful touches and modern amenities included to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Our hut boasted a spacious living area adorned with elegant furnishings, plush linens, and indigenous artwork, with a huge, comfortable bed, twin sinks in the bathroom and opulent touches like an espresso machine and a sound system adding an extra layer of luxury.
From the bedroom, large glass doors opening out onto a private deck area with its own pool with a set of sun loungers and a table and chairs. This felt really private, and completely secluded from the huts on either side, backing onto forest-like vegetation behind. And as it happened, spending our afternoons here quickly became the absolute highlight of our stay, with grey langur monkeys frequently playing in the surrounding trees and at times, on the deck itself. If you love nature then you’ll be in for an absolute treat even whilst relaxing and enjoying some downtime, because we were also able to spot wild boar and a variety of other animals, birds and insects all whilst sipping on a cocktail in the pool. A truly magical experience!
One afternoon, a park ranger was passing by and after we began chatting, he took us to have a look at a nearby lake, pointing out the crocodiles and birds and showing us evidence of where elephants had passed by and demolished some of the trees. And another time, we actually spotted an elephant strolling along the beach in the early evening.
With so much wildlife around, you do get a torch for going to and from your room at night.
Food and drink
At Uga Chena Huts, dining is a culinary adventure that celebrates the rich flavours and vibrant spices of Sri Lankan cuisine. The resort’s signature restaurant, The Basses, offers an eclectic menu of locally inspired dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding region, and here, you can enjoy an elegant dining experience overlooking the rugged beach beyond.
Breakfast is a true delight, and features an array of traditional Sri Lankan specialties, international favourites, and made-to-order extras. I have to admit, we definitely over-indulged – we just couldn’t resist the huge variety of options on offer and particularly the mouth-watering local cuisine. All I can say is, come hungry – because if you’re a breakfast-skipper then this is the time to change the habit of a lifetime.
For lunch, you can indulge in a light and refreshing meal by the pool, with an assortment of salads, sandwiches, and grilled seafood options to choose from.
In the evening, The Basses transforms into a romantic and intimate dining destination, with flickering torches and the gentle sounds of the ocean creating a magical atmosphere. You can opt to enjoy your meal up on the deck, or with your feet in the sand. With a choice of Sri Lankan curries, seafood specialities, and international classics, expertly prepared by the resort’s talented chefs, there are no worries about getting bored if you’re staying more than a few nights – and every dish we sampled was delicious.
If you’re looking to really up the ante when it comes to romance then you can request a private beachfront dinner under the stars. We sadly didn’t have time on this occasion, but if you’re visiting on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary then it’s certain to be a magical way to mark the occasion.
We found service a little on the slow side at breakfast, but other than that, it was flawless. The excellent customer service you generally get here is, in fact, a highlight, and staff can’t do enough for you to make sure you have a memorable stay.
To do
One of the highlights of staying at Uga Chena Huts is the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Yala National Park, which is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The resort offers a range of guided wildlife experiences, including game drives, birdwatching tours, and nature walks, allowing guests to discover the park’s abundant wildlife and breath-taking landscapes.
We headed out on two game drives in a bid to spot the elusive leopard, and our guide told us that one had actually been seen early that morning, not far from the hotel – but sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to track one down. We did, however, see an abundance of other wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, birds and even a mongoose, and the landscapes of the Yala National Park, are quite simply stunning, so it’s definitely worth taking the time out to traverse the park’s rugged terrain in an open-air safari vehicle, with your camera at the ready to capture unforgettable moments and sightings – even if it’s not your lucky day on the leopard front.
For bird enthusiasts, Yala National Park is a paradise waiting to be explored, with over 200 species of birds calling the park home. With this in mind, you can also join a guided birdwatching tour and venture deep into the park’s dense forests and wetlands, where you’ll have the chance to spot colourful kingfishers, majestic eagles, and rare migratory species in their natural habitat. We actually saw many of these on the game drive, so whatever type of tour you choose, you’re in with a good chance of seeing lots of wildlife – and the more you head out, the more you’re likely to see, so if you’ve got the time then it’s worth spending as much time out in the park as possible.
Back at the resort, there are plenty of relaxing amenities and activities to enjoy, too. A rejuvenating spa treatment is a must after a long day out exploring, while a refreshing dip in the pool with a glass of wine became our daily ritual. If you’re in need of some R&R then just lounging on your deck with a good book is just the ticket – and if you’re lucky like we were then you’ll see plenty to keep you entertained while you do.
In a nutshell
When it comes to truly unique and unforgettable luxury travel experiences, Uga Chena Huts is serious bucket list material and offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation amidst the breath-taking beauty of Yala’s spectacular landscapes. From luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities to immersive wildlife experiences and eco-conscious ethos, it’s the epitome of luxury travel in Sri Lanka, and every nature enthusiast’s dream.
Factbox
Address: Tala-Palatupana, Wildlife tourism zone, Yala, Tissamarama 82000, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 472 117 100
Email: inquiries@ugaescapes.com
Website: ugaescapes.com/chenahuts
