For such a little speckle in the Indian Ocean, the teardrop island of Sri Lanka packs a punch. From exotic shores, ancient cities, and pulsating rainforests, this island country beckons to lovers who treasure adventure and life-changing experiences.
Words by Eleonora Tucci
With discoveries waiting at every turn, no journey through Sri Lanka is ever the same. With so much to offer, it’s up to you to decide what kind of romantic getaway you wish to fulfil. You can soak up the sun, undisturbed, under swaying palm trees on the coast of Pasikuda, jump in a jeep for a safari excursion in Wilpattu National Park known for its elusive leopards or delve into the prosperous heritage with a walking tour around the open-air museum of the first capital, Anuradhapura, tucked away in the central region of the island.
Whichever voyage you decide to pursue, trust you’ll create everlasting memories when witnessing the riches of this beautiful land through the lens of Uga (www.ugaescapes.com). With 7 exquisite properties scattered around the island, including the new opening in January 2025 of Uga Halloowella amongst the world-famous tea trail region, Uga marvels couples with the opportunity to touch on the diverse landscapes and cultural wealth from the comfort of one of their unique escapes. Combine a selection of Uga Experiences and make your trip to Sri Lanka worthwhile, and here is one of the top-rated unmissable routes:
ANURADHAPURA
Leave Colombo International Airport behind and head to Anuradhapura. Ease into your honeymoon with a secluded retreat at Uga Ulagalla, where peace reigns amongst 58 acres of jungle, paddy fields and a tranquil lake. This wild yet regal sanctuary, where aristocracy once resided, features a glorious 150-year-old mansion and 25 spacious villas with private pools dotted around the property, each offering a piece of paradise to escape to. In the comfort of your opulent living room, with your loved one by your side, you can immerse yourselves in a captivating book with your feet up. As the humidity rises, you can seek refuge in your secluded pool, surrounded by towering trees and the occasional curious monkey coming by to make acquaintance with you.
Uga Ulagalla is a destination in itself. At your residence, you will find bicycles available, allowing you to leisurely explore the premises at your convenience. You can cycle side by side and explore the property with stops at the main pool and spa oasis for moments of respite, or you can opt for more adventure. At dawn or dusk, embark on a spirited kayaking adventure in the tranquil waters of the Wanamaduwa Tank. As you glide through the serene waters, witness the captivating sight of birds diving in and out, while surrounded by the beauty of water lilies and lotus flowers. If you’d rather stay on land, you can delight in a nature walk and identify some of the most prolific singers on the highest peaks of the property, such as the majestic peacocks and walk hand in hand on the verdant paddy fields. Unique to this property, are the two superstar resident horses, Rolex and Roxie, with whom you can explore the grounds and enjoy a couple’s photoshoot everyone back home will swoon over.
To delve into the traditional culinary scene of Sri Lanka, there are tailored cooking classes you can partake in the organic gardens followed by a lunch in the open-air kitchen with the scent of herbs blazing through the air. As the sun starts to set, there’s no need to call it a day, hop on a four-wheeler with Katharina Raaben, the Head Naturalist, for an evening drive in the outback to Nachchaduwa Lake where you might just be able to spot elephants bathing over the horizon as the sun starts to make its descent. After scenic sundowners and wildlife spottings, you’ll surely build up an appetite, and at your return, there will be a table set for you in the privacy of your own villa upon request, at one of the refined tables at Liyawela Restaurant or embark on a delectable epicurean expedition through Sri Lanka’s rich history of spices and ingredients. Immerse yourself in the 2000-year-old tradition of cooking with handcrafted clay pots at the heart of the paddy fields at Kamatha Restaurant.
Nightly rates at Uga Ulagalla start from $481 (£377*), based on two adults sharing an Ulagalla Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit: www.ugaescapes.com/ulagalla/
Don’t Miss:
– Visit one of the country’s unmissable sites: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originating in the 5th century, this magnificent royal dwelling and fortress showcases one of the world’s most preserved landscaped gardens. The meticulously maintained water gardens guide visitors toward a challenging ascent of 1,200 steps, culminating in breathtaking views of the palace’s ruins.
– Delve into the ancient history of the first capital with a guided tour of Anuradhapura. These holy grounds are a must-see, rich in temples and sacred monuments. From brick stupas, the sacred Bo-Tree ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ and the ‘Samadhi,’ meaning in a meditative state, Buddha statue, this is a place to connect with the rich and long-standing culture of Sri Lanka.
– Venture into Minneriya Natural Park to get a closer look at one of the largest gatherings of elephants in the entire world. With its large body of water, there are so many encounters you’ll witness, whether that’s with mammals, birds or reptiles. If you visit from May and September, you’ll witness some of the most tantalising gatherings of elephants.
YALA NATIONAL PARK
Venture deeper into the southern regions where untamed nature flourishes in all its glory and welcomes you to embrace your wild side. Spend days venturing into the great outdoors in a quest to come face to face with some of the world’s most fascinating species. And, to feel at one with the uncontaminated surroundings without compromising on comfort, Uga Chena Huts is only a stone’s throw away from Yala National Park, is a sanctuary for couples looking for luxury amidst nature’s embrace.
At Uga Chena Huts, couples can escape the monotony of everyday life and immerse themselves in the wonders of nature, surrounded by warm and first-class Sri Lankan hospitality. Pocketed on one side by the dense jungle and on the other by the golden shores lapped ferociously by the Indian Ocean, the best of both worlds collide and as a guest, you get a front row ticket to it all. You can commence your experience by checking into one of the 18 thatch-roofed cabins dotted around the 9-acre property, featuring a nature-inspired vernacular form, log furniture throughout and a precious deck equipped with a private plunge pool. The attention to detail seeps from every corner, with the safari lodge gadgets dotted throughout, a spacious living space and a free-standing bathtub for the ultimate in-room treat after a day of exploring.
As you scout deeper into the property, you’ll discover the serenity of the main pool, inviting you to immerse yourself amidst a vibrant thicket of lush shrubbery. To enhance your connection with nature’s spirit, visit the spa for an invigorating treatment or retreat to the privacy of your cabin for a rejuvenating massage, allowing you to unwind and reconnect with your better half. When peckish, The Basses restaurant is your one-stop for a refuelling breakfast to light lunches and a taste of tradition or Sri Lankan classics for dinner. From the Bush Grill proposing meats and seafood directly from the fire to the local flavours of the Ambula vegetable curry offerings, you can delight in a different style of meal day after day. And, if you’d like to change the ambience occasionally, you can opt for different table settings to make your romantic evening off the charts. Whether you want a candlelit, toes-in-sand type of occasion or an intimate dinner under the stars on your private deck, however you wish to celebrate your love, the team at Uga Chena Huts will go above and beyond to take your experience to the next level.
Nightly rates at Uga Chena Huts start from $1,237 (£970*), based on two adults sharing a Luxury Pool Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit: www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/
Don’t Miss:
– A thrilling safari trip in Yala National Park. Early morning and evening drives are a must. The resident guides will take you under their wing and take you out to make sure you catch as much of the action as possible. Game drives are always fascinating, and with brimming bio diversity, an encounter with the majestic elephants and the chance to catch a glimpse of an agile leopard or the forest-dwelling sloth bear are always on the cards.
– Couples will fall in love with a Secret Sundowner Drive. With the golden beach just minutes away, let the team tantalise you with a dramatic sunset ride up and down the dunes. The team will introduce you to some of the secluded spots by the lagoon where you can enjoy a sundowner and canapés for a romantic picnic with your love.
– The scrubby bush surrounding the property is a wildlife-rich buffer zone, where big and small animals roam freely so it’s no shock if a curious elephant joins you for breakfast or you hear movement in the night. Experience a bush walk, look for footprints with the guides and see who has been visiting the property overnight.
