Sipping It All In
First Stop: Uga Halloowella - an opulent five* boutique hotel
Soaking in the warm infinity pool and raising a tea cup to the carpet of zig zag luscious green landscape is a magical moment. It’s truly wonderful to watch the smiling wiry ladies stride up from their homes in the bottom of the valley to the high ledges of the tea plantations as they prepare for another day of work, rain or shine.
Welcome to Sri Lanka’s “Little England” full of history, stunning scenery and the most amazing hard workers, who help produce the finest cup of tea. Just 146 kilometres from the capital Colombo and above the picturesque town of Hatton in the centre of the country, tea has been produced since the 18th centuries, thanks to the area’s cool climate, characterised by misty mornings and gentle breezes, making the perfect environment.
In the centre of a 252 acre estate lies the fabulous Uga Halloowella, a five star boutique hotel, which in its hey day was home to World War I fighter pilot, turned tea planter, Major Elton Lane. The bungalow was built to maximise the views of the surrounding green scenery and the mighty Castlereagh Reservoir, which is perched 1,444 metres above sea level. Architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Sri Lanka’s most famous design guru, Geoffrey Bawa was responsible for the refit.
And boy what a fabulous job! Daswatte was determined to infuse the hotel with traditional culture and bring back the beauty of the area which before colonialism by the British, was once the unpassable forests of Mayarata burnt down to make way for the tea plantations. Independence in 1948 switched Celyon to Sri Lanka and the Uga hotel chain owners were as determined as Daswatte to make sure local history was honoured in the hotel refit.
And the result is the most picture perfect accommodation which is simply beautiful from the moment a guest receives the traditional Sri Lankan welcome of anointing the forehead to bring health and prosperity in the simply furnished reception. A small and intimate rose courtyard leads to the main dining hall which features hand painted walls with a bright green jungle theme and complemented by warm timber and large oval windows which have that 1920’s art deco feel.
Local artist Chammika Jayawardena was commissioned to transform the dining room into a conservatory using only native plants and trees. Coconut palms and banana trees, arrowheads and snake plants fill the space. Leopards laze in the painted trees, while parakeets soar towards the ceiling. The entire space feels like a miniature version of the forest this place once was.
Uga Halloowella, a luxurious 5-star retreat in Hatton, Sri Lanka, where opulent suites, breathtaking scenery, and serene tranquility come together amid rolling tea estates.
The Accommodation
The bedrooms themselves are unique and tastefully decorated with the front facing large bay windows providing some stunning views of the tea plantation. The suites all have individual character, with sitting rooms full of traditional furniture, baths with views and huge four poster beds and original fireplaces.
The accommodation is only surpassed by the fabulous food on offer. Again, inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and vibrant flavours and colours, the freshest of seasonal produce is reflected through a harmonious fusion of authentic local tastes and refined global techniques, mixing local with international. Stand out dishes include Halloowella signature poached eggs with English muffin, curried crab cake, Seeni Sambol and turmeric hollandaise and Ceylon-tea and herb-crusted lamb rack with pea purée and a lavender tea red wine reduction. A ‘Sri Lankan Discovery’ menu celebrates all that is truly local, serving up traditional dishes such as Negombo pork curry with milk rice and East Coast sour fish curry with hoppers
Outside there’s a classy terrace to enjoy and the gardens are a joy to sit in and admire the tea plantations, indulge in an outdoor spa session and plan trips around the area, The “Dawn Glide” sunrise kayaking on the cool waters of Castlereagh Reservoir is a perfect way to see the morning mist lift and the sun rise with the birds calling.
Bikes or on foot is the way to enjoy the tea hills and the famous 300 kilometre Pekoe Trail that runs through the Central Highlands. It’s the perfect way to see the impressive landscape, beginning in the charming town of Kotagala and winding past local landmarks and cultural sights including the stunning Singamalai Lake, Chrysler’s Farm tea factory, Castlereagh Reservoir, Hindu kovils and Christian churches.
It’s all about the tea though and a fabulous insight into the ancient tradition of plucking and producing comes via a guided tour of the estate and factory, where an expert will guide guests through the process of creating Ceylon tea and allowing a taster of the best too.
Junior Loves: Major Elton’s suite has the most stunning views and facilities.
Junior Fact File
Price: Nightly rates start from £901 ($1,125) on an all-inclusive basis.
Sleeps: Six suites
Getting There: Uga Halloowella in Hatton, Sri Lanka, from the UK, fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, a journey of approximately 10.5 hours. From there, the hotel is about a 4–5 hour drive, or you can opt for a scenic helicopter transfer. The property is set 136 km from the airport in Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country.
By the Beach
Stop 2: Uga Prāva - an intimate 5* boutique hotel
Laid back lifestyle and outdoor heaven is what the beach town of Tangalle is all about. In the southern part of the country, it is renowned for its soft sands and vibrant life. In 2025, Uga Prāva a new boutique hotel opened its door and the view from is spectacular. In front is Silent Beach, with golden sands, palm trees and a relaxed atmosphere, along with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Nature is very much present at the Uga Prāva, named after the Sanskrit word for coral, which serves as a metaphor for the hotel’s identity and ethos, a holistic experience which blends sophistication with a deep respect for the environment.
The hotel has seven exclusive suites, with a minimalist design, private access to the beach, a signature restaurant and bar, along with a fabulous infinity pool which looks out to sea. Everything spells “slow down” and relax and the hotel’s lush and secluded gardens encourages just that. Throw in a mild climate, sandy beaches and some of the world’s best surfing conditions and the hotel is a must.
Uga Prāva, a small-scale boutique hotel where design, nature, and tranquility come together on the along the serene shores of Tangalle.
The Accommodation
All the suites face the ocean and are decorated in delicate colours to reflect the nearby coral reefs. With clean lines, neutral colours and natural materials, they are complemented by the stunning views.
With super king beds, sumptuous soft linens, woven rattan and natural stone textures, the suites are well sized, come with the modern amenities of en suite, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, plus handy ironing equipment, a large television and the all-important robes, slippers and safe.
Fine dining is big at the Uga Prāva and the signature restaurant is designed to allow for indoor and outdoor dining with a fabulous tropical ambiance. Top class chefs craft cuisine which reflects Sri Lanka’s bountiful ocean and rich agricultural landscape, with a menu emphasising fresh and locally sourced ingredients with dishes inspired from a vibrant ecosystem of coral.
Breakfasts are a delight, with everything from kola kanda herbal porridge followed by a choice of curry and milk rice, coconut roti or hoppers. Lunch is saved for an array of salads, sandwiches, light bites and small plates, with highlights featuring a vegetarian Sri Lankan mezze platter, seafood poke bowls and sizzling fajitas. Dinner is when five-course feasts featuring stand out dishes such as freshly caught mahi-mahi carpaccio with pol sambol, lagoon prawn curry thermidor with string hopper biryani and an extremely indulgent cinnamon, cardamom and ginger chocolate lava cake are served. Wellness is very much at the heart of the Uga Prāva, with the hotel’s spa offering yoga and mediation sessions, holistic massages and body scrubs and facials.
As is tradition in Sri Lanka, the hotels are all about experiences and the Uga Prāva is a great base for kayaking through the mango forests of the Rekawa Lagoon, spotting the plethora of wildlife on offer. Outdoors, there are snorkelling, cycling and surfing opportunities, as well as dolphin and whale watching experiences and the historic fortified city of Galle, scene of the tragic tsunami in 2004.
Junior Loves: All suites face the sea, what more could you want?
Junior Fact File
Price: Nightly rates start from £395 ($462) for a double room on a half board (breakfast, dinner and select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) basis.
Sleeps: Seven suites
Getting there: Uga Prāva in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, from the UK, fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From the airport, a private car transfer will take around 3.5 to 4 hours. Private air transfers can also be arranged on request.
