Uga Chenna Huts
A luxurious eco-luxury resort nestled in the wildernesses of Yala, Uga Chena Huts is a feast to your senses. Spread over 7 acres with 14 large palm-thatched, dome shaped chalets it provides guests the comfort, privacy and service on-par with world-class resorts.
Bordering the Yala National Park, the road upto Uga Chena Huts converts from a tar road to gravel, building up the excitement and feeling that you are actually stepping into wilderness. A short-ride on an electric-buggy through the unfenced property takes you to the reception where you’re greeted by its friendly staff, and the stunning views of the open bar area and the sea.
The Chalets
The beautiful thatched, dome-shaped chalets in the property have been inspired from the traditional huts where farmers would keep watch over their chena lands to protect their crops from wild animals. The raised walk-way that runs through the property takes you to the chalets which are hidden among the bushes. The chalets are stunning with a luxurious interior and a private plunge pool. They are large spreading over 1300 square feet, is air-conditioned and includes a king-size bed, his-and-her sinks, a comfortable area to watch TV, and a stand-alone bath tub in addition to the shower.
The deck outside with the plunge pool which is more like a jacuzzi is ideal to take a dip and relax in the evenings. The mini bar in the room stocks up some great wine, beer, soft drinks and cookies which are included in the room rate, and is re-stocked every day. Tea/coffee making facilities are also available.
All chalets are the same in terms of size and amenities, except for two rooms which have a sea-view. You will need to inquire from the hotel on their availability at the time of making your reservation. Up to 3 people can be comfortably accommodated in a chalet.
For Honeymoon Couples
If you are looking for a luxury resort with privacy, good food and very good service we highly recommend Uga Chena Huts. The hotel will have your bed decorated upon arrival and arrange a bottle of champagne in the room, on request. You can also opt for a special dinner at the beach with a bonfire at no extra cost. We loved the experience of having dinner under the stars with the waves of the Indian ocean crashing at a distance, and the surroundings illuminated with lanterns.
All Inclusive Rates
The Uga Chena Huts rooms are sold at a premium rate but it is an all-inclusive rate. All meals, liqueur (non-premium) which includes a variety of wine, spirits, whiskies, cocktails and mocktails are all included in the room-rate. So this means that you can order and indulge yourself in food and drink without having to worry about how much it would cost! The rate also includes a safari to the Yala National Park and includes free laundry (with a limit on the number of pieces).
Dining at Uga Chena Huts
If there is one element apart from the chalets that makes this property stand out and lifts it a notch up, then it is definitely the food and drink served at the resort. Not only was the food delicious but they were beautifully plated. Each meal we got from Chef Sujith in the Basses Restaurant was a piece of art! You can select from a menu of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, which is different every day and rotates every four days. However, you can request the hotel for any special requirement including vegan/vegetarian options. There is also a BBQ with select meats in the nights – you may however, want to check in advance if the meat items of your preference is in the menu and if not, request for it in advance. The hotel has a strict ‘no room service policy’ unless guests are limited with any disabilities/illness.
You would also want to spend a couple of hours in the bar taking in the stunning views of the ocean, while sipping in to your favourite drink. The main bar serves some amazing cocktails and mocktails.
Things to Do
The room rates are inclusive of a safari to the Yala National Park. You can choose to visit block 1 which is just 15 minutes from the resort and has high leopard density, or blocks 4 or 5 which are less crowded and are good for bird watching and other animals. We had a comfortable Toyota Hilux safari vehicle all to ourselves, with experienced ranger Nuwan. He guided us expertly and we were excited to spot 2 leopards in close vicinity during the 3 hours inside the park. The hotel packed an amazing box of snacks including sandwiches, fresh fruit and drinks. You can opt for a bush walk instead of the safari or enjoy the wild life you find in and around the resort including elephants, wild boars, water buffaloes, monkeys and birds.
You can also take a dip in the hotel’s beautiful main pool hidden camouflaged among the trees or take a stroll down the beach – it is not for swimming.
COVID-19 Precautions
The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 32 guests, so this is an ideal location for those who want to avoid big crowds. The hotel operates under strict health and safety guidelines to ensure that all guests and staff are safe at all times.
Photography by Jehan Seedin
HONEYMOON SUITE REVIEW BY BRIDEANDGROOM WEDDING MAGAZINE
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