Sri Lankan boutique hotel firm Uga Resorts has announced its eighth property, Uga Ghiri, will be opening its doors in the country’s central highlands region by June of this year.
A private haven surrounded by sweeping panoramas of Ella’s emerald tea plantations, rolling hills and world-famous Nine Arch Bridge, the all-inclusive property promises world-class dining, healing wellness treatments, and endless activities both on property and in the surrounding central highlands.
Nestled within the grounds of Ella’s historic Sutherland Estate, Uga Ghiri will consist of 15 standalone villas with a luxurious yet contemporary design alongside a meticulously restored colonial-era manor which will serve as the property’s main house and culinary destination, an infinity pool, and a state-of-the art spa.
Uga owner and managing director Priyanjith Weerasooria said of the new addition to the company’s portfolio: “We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of Uga Ghiri, the newest property in our beautiful collection of boutique Sri Lankan retreats. An intimate, all-inclusive retreat of just 15 private villas in the heart of the extraordinarily beautiful central highlands region, the property invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature and immerse themselves in hill country life. From restorative wellness experiences and elevated dining to meaningful encounters with the surrounding landscape and communities, Uga Ghiri embodies our commitment to thoughtful luxury and to creating deeply authentic experiences rooted in Sri Lanka’s most remarkable destinations.”
Uga Ghiri is the latest property in the Uga collection and will join Uga Prāva in Galle, Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, Uga Jungle Beach in Trincomalee, Uga Bay in Pasikuda, Uga Chena Huts in Sri Lanka’s safari hotspot, Yala, Uga Riva, a heritage-style manor house hotel in Negombo, and Uga Halloowella in Hatton.
Part of an exquisite landscape
Uga Ghiri will unfold across 10 lush acres of terraced hillside in the mountain hamlet of Ella, offering sweeping views across the tea-carpeted valleys and distant misty peaks beyond.
An area of Sri Lanka’s famous central highland region that has captivated generations of travellers with its dramatic landscape and timeless charm, Ella sits at the crossroads of some of the island’s most celebrated attractions.
Little Adam's Peak is accessible by foot, while Ella Rock and Ravana Falls promise a rewarding adventure for those wishing to venture future afield.
The surrounding countryside is a tapestry of working tea estates, where the art of Ceylon tea-making continues, its methods unchanged for centuries.
Guests of Uga Ghiri will enjoy a front-row view of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the world-famous brick-and-stone viaduct completed in 1919.
From the property, guests can watch the daily rhythm of mountain trains gliding across the rails, framed by jungle canopy and an endless patchwork of green beyond.
The journey to Ella, whether via the famed train route from Kandy or by winding mountain passage, is as much an experience as the stay itself, during which travellers will soak up some of Sri Lanka’s most breath-taking terrain.
Where Uga’s signature hospitality comes to the fore
Uga Ghiri will offer 15 luxurious standalone villas, each featuring a contemporary and elegant design blended with subtle nods to Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage.
Comprising a bedroom, separate living area and en-suite bathroom with bathtub, walk-in shower and his-and-hers vanity, each villa offers 1,200 square feet of pure sanctuary.
Expansive windows frame the dramatic landscape outside, where a private hot tub and outdoor deck for lounging beckon those in search of ultimate relaxation.
The artfully restored colonial-era manor serves as the resort’s main house, providing ample space for guests to unwind, including an impressive library and a drawing room complete with roaring fireplace for cooler nights.
When it comes to dining, guests will enjoy Uga Ghiri’s signature elevated all-inclusive offering, with an indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar providing a sophisticated setting in which to savour Sri Lanka’s abundant flavours.
Beyond the main house, a 15-metre infinity pool offers the perfect vantage point for soaking up the resplendent scenery outside, alongside a well-stocked pool bar that will serve guests’ favourite tipples all day long.
Meanwhile, the Spa at Uga Ghiri will provide a haven of restoration where ancient Balinese wellness traditions meet highland serenity.
Two treatment rooms, one double and one single, frame sublime views of Ella's dramatic peaks, while a sauna and steam room complete the journey toward complete tranquillity and renewal.
What to do on the property
Uga Ghiri is the ultimate base for an authentic immersion in the rhythms of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Here, foodies can take a journey from picking tea to the tea cup with the resort’s signature artisanal tea experience, indulge in a spot of Ceylon arrak-tasting or try their hand at Sri Lankan cuisine with a market-to-table cooking masterclass.
Meanwhile, the adventurous will revel in the opportunity to cycle through the surrounding tea estates and villages, taking on the adrenaline-packed descent from the Namunukula Ridge.
Sundowners on estate grounds provide an ideal moment to reflect on the day’s expeditions, which might include the discovery of ancient rock carved Buddhas at historic temples, or a conservation walk as part of Uga’s ‘Rewild the Hills’ initiative, where guests will take part in documenting the region's biodiversity and contribute to habitat restoration efforts, including a butterfly and dragonfly breeding initiative.
