Uga Ghiri to Open in Ella, Sri Lanka in June 2026
In June 2026, Uga Resorts—the acclaimed Sri Lankan hotel group known for intimate, design-led retreats—will unveil Uga Ghiri, its eighth property and one of its most exclusive to date, in the mountain village of Ella.
Set within the storied grounds of the historic Sutherland Estate, Uga Ghiri will comprise just 15 standalone private villas, alongside a meticulously restored colonial-era manor house that will serve as the heart of the resort. With sweeping views across tea-carpeted valleys and a front-row vantage of the legendary Nine Arch Bridge, the all-inclusive retreat promises an experience that blends elevated hospitality with the quiet poetry of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
A Sanctuary Above the Clouds
Unfolding across 10 acres of terraced hillside, Uga Ghiri has been designed to immerse guests in the rhythms of the landscape. From almost every corner of the property, visitors will look out over rolling plantations, drifting clouds, and distant mountain silhouettes. Ella’s timeless appeal—equal parts romantic and adventurous—forms the perfect backdrop for a retreat built around slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and savoring unhurried moments.
Commenting on the new opening, Priyanjith Weerasooria, Owner and Managing Director of Uga Resorts, notes that Uga Ghiri represents the brand’s philosophy at its most distilled. “This intimate, all-inclusive retreat of just 15 private villas in the heart of the extraordinarily beautiful central highlands invites guests to 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 deeply authentic experiences rooted in Sri Lanka’s most remarkable destinations.”
Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Design
Each of the resort’s 15 villas spans an expansive 1,200 square feet, offering generous living spaces that balance modern elegance with subtle references to Sri Lanka’s artistic traditions. Inside, guests will find a serene bedroom, a separate lounge area, and a spacious en-suite bathroom complete with bathtub, walk-in rain shower, and double vanity. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the landscape like living artwork, while outside, a private hot tub and open-air deck invite lingering afternoons wrapped in mountain breezes.
At the heart of the property stands the restored manor house, once part of the estate’s colonial past and now reborn as Uga Ghiri’s social and culinary hub. Guests can relax in an elegant drawing room warmed by a crackling fireplace on cooler evenings, or leaf through travel classics in the library before dinner. The indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar will showcase Uga’s signature all-inclusive dining concept, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage through refined, contemporary interpretations.
Nearby, a 15-metre infinity pool appears to melt into the hills beyond, offering one of the most scenic swimming spots in the region. A poolside bar will keep refreshments flowing throughout the day, from freshly blended tropical juices to sundowner cocktails best enjoyed as the sun dips behind the peaks.
Wellness with a View
For those seeking restoration, The Spa at Uga Ghiri promises a tranquil escape where Balinese wellness traditions meet highland calm. Two treatment rooms—one double and one single—are positioned to capture uninterrupted mountain views, transforming each therapy into a multisensory experience. Guests can also enjoy a sauna and steam room, completing a wellness journey designed to rejuvenate both body and mind amid nature’s stillness.
At the Crossroads of Iconic Landscapes
Ella’s location places Uga Ghiri at the center of some of Sri Lanka’s most beloved attractions. Little Adam’s Peak can be reached on foot, rewarding early risers with panoramic sunrise views. More adventurous hikers may set out for Ella Rock, while the cascading Ravana Falls offer dramatic scenery and refreshing pools after a day of exploration.
Perhaps most captivating is the property’s view of the Nine Arch Bridge, the iconic brick-and-stone railway viaduct completed in 1919. From Uga Ghiri, guests can watch trains slowly traverse the arches, framed by thick jungle and endless green valleys—a daily spectacle that feels suspended in time.
Even the journey to Ella is part of the allure. Whether arriving via the famously scenic Kandy–Ella train route or winding mountain roads, travelers are treated to some of the island’s most breathtaking terrain before they ever reach the resort.
Immersive Experiences in Hill Country Life
Uga Ghiri positions itself not merely as a luxury retreat, but as a gateway to authentic hill country experiences. Guests can trace the story of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup through guided estate visits and hands-on tea tasting sessions. Culinary enthusiasts may explore local flavors in market-to-table cooking classes, while spirits connoisseurs can sample Sri Lanka’s signature Ceylon arrack during curated tastings.
Adventure seekers will find ample thrills cycling through tea estates and villages or tackling downhill rides from Namunukula Ridge, known for its dramatic descents and sweeping views. Evenings may be spent enjoying sundowners on estate grounds, reflecting on days filled with discovery.
Cultural and conservation experiences also feature prominently. Guests can visit historic temples with ancient rock-carved Buddhas or participate in Uga’s “Rewild the Hills” initiative, contributing to biodiversity documentation and habitat restoration projects, including butterfly and dragonfly breeding programs that support local ecosystems.
A New Jewel in the Uga Collection
Uga Ghiri joins an established portfolio of distinctive Sri Lankan escapes, including Uga Prāva in Galle, Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, Uga Jungle Beach in Trincomalee, Uga Bay in Pasikuda, Uga Chena Huts in Yala, Uga Riva in Negombo, and Uga Halloowella in Hatton—each known for pairing unique locations with immersive, personalized hospitality.
With nightly rates starting from $1,200 per villa on an all-inclusive basis, Uga Ghiri is poised to become one of the most sought-after boutique retreats in Sri Lanka’s highlands, offering travelers not just a place to stay, but a rare opportunity to experience Ella from an intimate, elevated perspective.
For more information, visit www.ugaresorts.com/ugaghiri.
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