Uga Chena Huts

Tucked between the untamed beauty of Yala National Park and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Uga Chena Huts offers an extraordinary escape where wilderness and luxury meet. Elephants sometimes wander down to the shore, sea turtles nest by moonlight, and flamingos wade in the nearby lagoon. Blending into the landscape of dunes and forest, this boutique hideaway promises total immersion in nature with all the comforts of a high-end retreat. Ideal for couples seeking privacy and adventure, it’s a truly exceptional base for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

Eighteen spacious cabins, each spanning over 1,600 square feet, are scattered across the property to ensure complete privacy. Designed to echo traditional Sri Lankan architecture, the thatched-roof cabins blend natural materials with contemporary elegance. Inside, vaulted ceilings, timber floors, and hand-crafted furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Each cabin features a king-sized bed, a generous living area, and a private 15-foot plunge pool with air jets set on a shaded deck. The bathrooms are particularly striking, with free-standing tubs, twin vanities, and open-plan layouts that bring the outdoors in – ideal for couples looking for romance and relaxation in the wild.

Food & Drink

Dining takes place at Basses, a nautically inspired restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Expect refined Sri Lankan and international cuisine, prepared with the freshest local ingredients and complemented by fine wines. Guests can also enjoy drinks at one of three bars – the main bar, a poolside bar hidden behind a cascading waterfall, and a relaxed beach bar perfect for sunset cocktails. All stays at Uga Chena Huts are fully all-inclusive, covering all meals, selected beverages (including premium spirits), daily game drives, park entry fees, laundry (six pieces per day), and a daily minibar refill.

Experiences

Positioned between the jungle and the sea, Uga Chena Huts offers a wealth of experiences for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. Twice-daily guided safaris in Yala National Park allow guests to encounter leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and countless bird species in their natural habitat. Between game drives, guests can join guided bush or beach walks to discover the region’s flora and coastal ecosystems, or take part in cooking masterclasses and curd-making sessions that celebrate local culinary traditions. The Junior Ranger programme introduces younger guests to the wonders of the wilderness in a fun and educational way. For quieter moments, the resort’s spa provides soothing treatments inspired by nature, while the 22-metre outdoor pool is ideal for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by jungle sounds and sea breezes.

Children

Children are welcome at Uga Chena Huts, though the resort’s setting and style make it best suited to adults or families with older children. The Junior Ranger programme provides an engaging introduction to the natural world for young guests. Babysitting can be arranged on request.

Sustainability

Uga Chena Huts has been designed to exist in harmony with its environment. Cabins are built using natural materials that blend into the landscape, and the resort actively minimises waste and plastic use. Local communities are supported through employment and sourcing partnerships, and all safaris are conducted with a focus on conservation and education.

Best Time to Visit

Yala National Park is open year-round, but the best wildlife viewing in Sri Lanka is from February to July, when the park’s water levels are low and animals are most active. The surrounding months offer lush landscapes and fewer visitors.

How to Get There

Located in Sri Lanka’s deep south, Uga Chena Huts is a 5-minute drive from the Yala National Park entrance and approximately 6 hours from Colombo International Airport. Private transfers and scenic air taxi services can be arranged.