Uga Riva

Set in the quiet coastal town of Negombo, just 20 minutes from the airport, Uga Riva is a beautifully restored 180-year-old manor house offering an elegant introduction or farewell to a luxury vacation to Sri Lanka. Once a private stately home, the property has been reimagined as a refined coastal retreat where colonial architecture, shaded verandas, and tranquil gardens create a deep sense of calm. With just seven suites, a serene outdoor pool, and fine dining rooted in local flavours, Uga Riva captures the grace of a bygone era while offering the comfort and polish of modern hospitality. Perfect for couples or travellers who love boutique hotels, it balances character, privacy, and impeccable service with ease.

Accommodation

Uga Riva features seven individually styled suites within the original mansion and its adjoining wings. Each suite is unique in layout and design, blending heritage architecture –high ceilings, antique furnishings, and polished timber floors – with contemporary comforts. Expect plush bedding, spacious en-suite bathrooms, and private terraces overlooking tropical gardens or the central courtyard. The Riva Suite, the largest, offers a private living area and direct pool access, ideal for those seeking extra privacy or space before a flight or after exploring the island.

Food & Drink

Dining at Uga Riva is a highlight, celebrating the island’s coastal bounty. The main restaurant serves fresh seafood and modern Sri Lankan dishes alongside international classics, using ingredients sourced from local fishermen and farmers. Meals can be enjoyed indoors beneath vintage chandeliers or al fresco under the frangipani trees. The bar and lounge offer curated wines, tropical cocktails, and premium Ceylon teas, while private dining can be arranged by the pool or on your suite’s veranda for a more intimate experience.

Experiences

Beyond the estate’s peaceful gardens, guests can explore Negombo’s colonial canals, fish markets, and Dutch-era churches, or sail along the lagoon at sunset. At the hotel, the atmosphere encourages relaxation – read by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or take an early morning stroll through the coconut groves. The property’s proximity to the airport makes it an ideal start or finish to a wider Sri Lankan journey.

Children

Uga Riva welcomes children aged six and above. The tranquil setting and small number of suites make it best suited to couples or families with older children.

Sustainability

Sustainability is central to Uga’s philosophy, and Uga Riva follows suit. The restoration preserved much of the original 19th-century architecture and reused local materials wherever possible. The hotel supports local suppliers, employs from nearby communities, and eliminates single-use plastics. Organic herbs and vegetables are grown onsite to supply the kitchen.

Best Time to Visit

Negombo is a year-round destination. December to April brings the driest weather and calm seas, while May to October offers quieter stays and lush surroundings following tropical rains.

How to Get There

Uga Riva is located approximately 20 minutes (12 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport and about one hour from Colombo. Private transfers can be arranged through the hotel or Lightfoot Travel.