“Set amidst lush gardens, this eleven bedroom mansion, dating back to the 18th-century evokes both its rich heritage with some contemporary twists. Rooms are expansive, decorated in dark woods and rich red and gold accents. They feature private patios and large, black marble bathrooms. Divine. ”

Hotel review

An oasis of calm amidst the beeping bustle of Sri Lanka’s biggest city, Residence by Uga Escapes is a stylish boutique bolthole in a fabulous location. Housed in the nineteenth century home of Sheikh Salehboy Moosajee, 11 luxurious modern suites open onto a striking courtyard with a wonderful pool. There’s no shortage of action nearby: pop to the city’s largest park, hit the shops or stroll along the tree-lined boulevards of historic Cinnamon Gardens, lined with houses, galleries and cafes. Park Street Mews - home to some of Colombo’s trendiest restaurants - is mere moments away, as is the glittering Gangarama Temple. When you’ve had your fill of the city, retreat to the tranquility of the pool, sip a cocktail at the swanky Residence Bar, or grab a table under the flowering frangipani tree for a delicious dinner by candlelight.

Saskia Walker
Saskia Walker Review published: 2024-09-11

Recommended for

  • Close to nightlife

    • Join the well-heeled crowd at nearby Park St Mews for delicious dinners and a tipple or two on Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Local exploring

    • Brilliantly located close to buzzy Park St Mews' bars & eateries, plus the city's top park and various boutiques
  • Golf

    • Royal Colombo Golf Club is within easy reach, perfect for a round or two in the sunshine
  • Romantic Break

    • Stylish interiors, gourmet dining and rooms made for lingering are ideal for couples
  • Great walks

    • Amble around nearby Viharamahadevi Park, spotting landmarks including the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and the white-painted Town Hall
  • Historic

    • A nineteenth-century private residence, now turned into a boutique hotel
  • Restaurant

    • Dine in style at Rare Bar & Grill, the hotel's chic restaurant
  • Learning

    • The nearby National Museum is an informative visit.
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a sundowner at Bu Ba on Galle Face Beach.
  • Designer

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Intimate

  • Colonial

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Local markets

  • Spa

  • City Style

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Gym

  • Antiques

  • Child friendly

  • Sights nearby

  • Gourmet

  • Disabled access

  • Traditional

  • Designer Shopping

  • Luxury

  • Romantic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    11 rooms in this hotel
  • Bar

    Sip craft cocktails made by one of the island's top mixologists at Rare
  • Restaurant

    Dine in style at Rare Bar & Grill, the hotel's chic restaurant
  • Airport transfer

    Surcharge.
  • Outdoor dining

  • Massage

  • Bath robes

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Parking

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Laundry

  • Room service

  • Spa

  • Swimming Pool

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Safe

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Close to nightlife

    • Join the well-heeled crowd at nearby Park St Mews for delicious dinners and a tipple or two on Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Golf

    • Royal Colombo Golf Club is within easy reach, perfect for a round or two in the sunshine
  • Great walks

    • Amble around nearby Viharamahadevi Park, spotting landmarks including the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and the white-painted Town Hall
  • Learning

    • The nearby National Museum is an informative visit.
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy a sundowner at Bu Ba on Galle Face Beach.
  • Local markets

  • Theatre

  • Sights nearby

  • Designer Shopping

Map & Location

Other reviews

Sri Lanka's hotels step things up

Set amid gardens (with a handsome outdoor pool) and built as the home of Sheikh Salehboy Moosajee, the 11-suite mansion is decorated with abundant silks in striking colours, in a style that’s both in keeping with its 18th-century heritage and quite contemporary.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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