Uga Chena Huts

Perched on the edge of a wild stretch of coastline in the buffer zone of the Yala National Park, Chena Huts offers a seriously luxurious safari escape. Those in search of seclusion will be thrilled by the hotel’s seven acres of leafy grounds, where each of the 18 cabins are connected by raised wooden walkways, yet strategically positioned so as not to overlook one another.

Domed cabins, topped with thatched roofs, feel surprisingly spacious, with big beds at their centre, white-painted walls, natural materials and soft green textiles. There’s a TV and cosy sofa in one corner, but the real draw is undoubtedly the private deck, seen through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Step outside to sink into safari chairs with a cup of tea or cold glass of white wine, before taking a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool. There’s no room service here, but minibars are regularly restocked with alcohol, soft drinks and delicious chocolate chip cookies by discreet staff members. Request Cabin 1 or 2 for spectacular Indian Ocean views, or hide away in the jungle, where monkeys swing through the trees and birds flit overhead.

Amble along to the main pool for a swim — especially good if travelling with kids, who will like the waterfall feature — or enjoy restorative massages at the pampering spa before leisurely baths in your free-standing tub.

For craft cocktails, head to the open-sided beachfront bar, where guests gather in the evenings and elephants are often seen wandering along the shoreline. The Basses restaurant, named for the nearby reef and lighthouse, has an air-conditioned interior and lovely terrace, perfect for long, leisurely breakfasts when you return from safari. Expect a friendly, attentive team (who are quick to remember favourite drinks or food preferences), and a varied menu of Sri Lankan and Western dishes. Evening meals on the beach are particularly romantic.

Chena Huts is, first and foremost, a safari hotel, and you can venture our for early morning or afternoon excursions into Yala National Park with expert guides. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing elephants, leopards basking in the sunshine, fluttering green bee-eaters, herds of deer and perhaps a nocturnal sloth bear. The team are full of insights about Yala’s wildlife, and glad to share their knowledge with interested guests. Chatting about the island over indulgent picnic breakfasts beside the lake will be a very special part of any Sri Lankan adventure.

 

Written by Saskia Walker

• Restaurant
• The restaurant serves a fantastic selection of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, including some superb seafood
• Swimming Pool
• Cabins each have their own plunge pool, but there is also a larger jungle-fringed pool for guests to share
• Bar
• Sip signature cocktails or a cold glass of wine in the beach-facing bar, particularly lovely at sunset
• Spa
• Enjoy rejuvenating massages and Ayurvedic treatments at the spa
• Massage
• Outdoor dining
• Airport transfer
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Family Suites
• Parking
• Bath robes
• Safe
• No pets
• Sit-out Terrace

• Good wine list
• Laundry
• Private Pool
• Suites
• Garden
• Child friendly
• Disabled access
• Private villas
• Concierge
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Air conditioning
• Wifi
• Views

• Safari
• Private Jeep safaris are superb, with expert guides and the chance to explore beautiful Yala National Park
• Wildlife Area
• Spot elephants, basking crocodiles, elusive leopards and rare sloth bears whilst on safari
• Cooking classes
• Learn to make curd from fresh buffalo milk using traditional Sri Lankan methods with the hotel chefs
• Golf
• Drive just under 1.5 hours to Hambantota for a round of golf at the Shangri-La's 18-hole course

• Sights nearby
• Visit Yala's Sithulpawa Temple for panoramic views and an insight into the area's rich culture
• Birdwatching
• Learning
• Great walks