WHERE TIME STANDS STILL! UGA HALLOWELLA OPENS IN HUTTON, SRI LANKA
Welcome to Uga Halloowella—the sixth jewel in the crown of Uga, Sri Lanka’s celebrated boutique hotel group. This intimate, six-suite sanctuary is already redefining what it means to experience the island’s central tea trails.
Set within a 252-acre working tea estate in Hatton, with panoramic views over the mirror-like Castlereagh Reservoir, Uga Halloowella is more than a hotel—it’s a heritage home lovingly revived. A masterful restoration of a colonial-era planter’s bungalow once owned by British WWI pilot Major Elton Lane, the property blends old-world elegance, curated modern comforts, and authentic Sri Lankan soul.
A New Chapter for Uga
“We are thrilled to unveil Uga Halloowella, a true celebration of Sri Lankan heritage and natural beauty,” shares Priyanjith Weerasooria, Owner and Managing Director of Uga. “This is not just a luxurious escape—it’s a gateway into the very heart of our tea country, steeped in history and surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes.”
With its debut, Uga Halloowella becomes the latest addition to a portfolio that already includes some of Sri Lanka’s most sought-after boutique retreats. And the momentum isn’t stopping. The brand is set to expand further in April 2025 with Uga Prāva, a coastal escape on the untouched beaches of Tangalle.
Where Heritage Meets High-End Comfort
Located just 146 km from Colombo, Uga Halloowella can be reached via a scenic drive or a swift helicopter ride for those seeking the utmost in style. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by manicured lawns, the scent of fresh tea leaves, and the grandeur of a colonial bungalow that has stood the test of time.
The six suites are divided into three unique categories—Planter’s, Pekoe, and Lane—each exuding charm, elegance, and thoughtful design.
- Lane Suites (843–958 sq ft) are a nod to the bungalow’s original inhabitants, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, four-poster beds, expansive bathrooms with clawfoot tubs, and vistas that stretch across the highlands.
- Pekoe Suites, named after the famed Pekoe Trail that winds past the property, offer refined romance, garden access, and stunning views from every angle.
- Planter’s Suites blend rustic charm with plush comfort, offering a cosier setting without compromising on luxury.
No matter the suite, guests can expect Uga’s signature hospitality—discreet, personalised, and deeply warm.
Dining in the Highlands
The culinary journey at Uga Halloowella is as thoughtful as the accommodations. Fusing the flavours of the highlands with global culinary artistry, the hotel’s dining options are rooted in Sri Lankan tradition yet elevated to meet the expectations of today’s gourmand traveller.
The signature restaurant serves up everything from refined Sri Lankan classics like Negombo pork curry with milk rice to fusion dishes like Halloowella poached eggs with curried crab cake and turmeric hollandaise. The showstopper? A Ceylon-tea and herb-crusted lamb rack served with a lavender tea red wine reduction—a poetic homage to the region’s most prized export.
Beyond the dining room, guests can enjoy degustation dinners with wine pairings, secret sundowner cocktails, barbecues under the stars, or even cooking masterclasses that dive into the heart of Sri Lankan home cooking.
Experiences Rooted in the Land
Life at Uga Halloowella is designed for exploration and restoration in equal measure. Guests can wake with the sun for the “Dawn Glide” kayaking excursion on the still waters of Castlereagh Reservoir—an ethereal, meditative experience that captures the magic of Sri Lanka’s mornings.
More adventurous spirits can saddle up for “Rolling Through the Tea Hills”, a guided cycling tour that cuts through mist-covered plantations, offering a mix of adrenaline and scenery at every turn. Of course, no stay is complete without walking part of the Pekoe Trail, a now-renowned trekking route that tells the story of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage with every step.
The hotel’s daily Tea Experience is a hands-on journey into the art and soul of Ceylon tea. From the fields to the cup, guests are invited to see, touch, and taste the process that made Sri Lanka’s name famous worldwide. The experience ends with a traditional al-fresco afternoon tea—finger foods, sweet treats, and fresh-brewed local tea served garden-side with views over the reservoir.
A New Benchmark in Boutique Luxury
Uga Halloowella is more than a place to stay—it’s a portal into a bygone era, reimagined for the modern luxury traveller. Every detail, from the antique furnishings to the curated excursions, tells a story of legacy, land, and local pride.
With *nightly all-inclusive rates starting from $1,125 USD (£901)**, this six-suite retreat is poised to become one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive hideaways. But its charm isn’t in the price tag—it’s in the experience: personal, poetic, and profoundly peaceful.
For more information or to book your stay, visit www.ugaescapes.com.
Welcome to Uga Halloowella—where tea country whispers its secrets, and time stands still.
Leave a Reply