Uga Chena Huts, Yala, Sri Lanka

Overview

Set on the edge of the wild and wondrous Yala National Park, where jungle meets sea, Uga Chena Huts delivers a rare blend of safari thrills and beachside serenity. The resort’s 18 ultra-spacious luxury cabins, each with a private plunge pool and sprawling deck, are immersed in golden dunes, salty air and the horizon of the Indian Ocean. Interiors evoke the spirit of the wilderness – vaulted ceilings, teak-flooring, rustic-chic furnishings and full-length glass walls open onto dense vegetation or sweeping sea views.

Guests here rise early for dawn game drives with experienced rangers into Yala National Park’s famed leopard country, and return for lunch by the main pool, shaded by palms and fringed with fountains. A deep-blue plunge pool, beach cabanas and the soft sound of waves provide an inviting retreat between safari adventures. At sun-down, cocktails at the ocean-facing bar or private dining under the stars on the beach feel effortlessly indulgent.

The estate’s all-inclusive philosophy ensures everything is easy: gourmet Sri Lankan cuisine, fresh seafood, wines and sundowners are all part of the experience. For those who wish to do as little as imagine themselves in the wild, the spa offers luxurious treatments in private pavilions, while the resort’s conservation ethos and secluded location allow wildlife – from elephants to water buffalo and shore birds – to wander within view.