Ulagalla Resort

Far from the crowds of the Cultural Triangle's main sights, Ulagalla has an appealing sense of tranquility. A delight for romantics, wildlife aficionados and families, it's the jewel in this homegrown hotel group's crown — and a deserving one at that. A beautifully restored historic manor house sits within 58 acres of verdant grounds — some still cultivated for rice — and guests are invited to unwind at this central hub throughout the day. Dotted around the paddy fields are 25 lavish villas, each of which boasts its own private pool, terrace and sitting room. Think draped four-poster beds, wooden beamed ceilings, cream and green textiles and black-and-white sketches of animals and rural scenes adorning white walls. Bathrooms are indulgent, with big rain showers; Deluxe Pool Villas have free-standing tubs.

It’s tempting to simply hide away in your own little slice of the jungle, but there’s plenty to explore on the hotel’s bicycles, too. Make for the spa, where pampering massages await, or hit the gym and the huge — though generally very quiet — main swimming pool. Ulagalla takes its wildlife efforts seriously, and the Elephant Conservation Centre is fascinating, filled with objects, photos and information about the animals which plod through the resort’s grounds. Don’t miss speaking to the team about their work, or signing little ones up to the Junior Ranger programme. Activity highlights include horse riding, village bicycle tours and 4WD rides out to dazzling Nachchaduwa Tank for splendid sunset picnics. Venture further afield to the sacred sites of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla, or on safari to Kaudulla and Minneriya. In short, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like at Ulagalla.

Round off fantastic days with traditional rice and curry feasts at Kamatha, a traditional clay-floored restaurant set amidst the paddies, or sip gin & tonics in the main building before dinner at Liyawela.

A classic Sri Lankan escape with a warm team and a well-deserved reputation with guests who return again and again.

 

Written by Saskia Walker

• Restaurant
• Savour traditional cooking at Kamatha, surrounded by paddies, or dine on Sri Lankan and western cuisine at LiyaWela Restaurant
• Garden
• The hotel has well-tended gardens as well as farmed paddy fields and sections of protected forest for wildlife
• Swimming Pool
• Enormous 30 m pool in front of the restaurant, and private plunge pools in each cabin
• Private Pool
• All villas come with a private pool
• Bar
• Wifi
• Suites
• Gym
• Air conditioning
• Billiard/pool table
• Sauna/Steam
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Safe
• Hot Tub
• Sitting Room
• Good wine list
• Massage
• Airport transfer
• Parking

• Satellite / Cable TV
• 24 Hour room service
• Private dining room
• Outdoor dining
• Bicycles available
• Views
• Private villas
• Child friendly
• Sit-out Terrace
• Spa
• Cots available
• Private chef / butler
• Bath robes
• Concierge
• Room service
• Laundry
• No pets
• In room DVD

• Wildlife Area
• Speak to the team in the Elephant Conservation Centre about the elephants wandering past in the evening & early morning
• Riding
• Ride through the hotel grounds on horseback, along lakeside paths and into tranquil lake waters surrounded by lotus flowers
• Other Activities
• The team offer late afternoon 4WD tours through the paddy fields, ending at a gorgeous lakeside spot for a sunset picnic
• Sights nearby
• Go to Ritigala, a 2,000-year-old monastery on top of a hill, for great views & the chance to see a leopard in the wild
• Learning
• Visit the ancient sites of Sigiriya or Anuradhapura for an insight into Sri Lanka's rich heritage
• Cycling
• Each room comes with complimentary bicycles for you to zip around the hotel grounds on two wheels
• Fishing

• Watersports
• Trekking
• Kayaking
• Great walks
• Climbing
• Birdwatching
• Archery