Uga Ghiri - New Hotel in Ella, Sri Lanka

A Dramatic Highland Setting

Set within the historic Sutherland Estate, in the heart of Ella, Uga Ghiri unfolds across ten acres of terraced hillside, offering sweeping panoramas of mist-laden tea plantations, distant mountain peaks, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge below. From this elevated vantage point, guests can watch trains curve gracefully across the viaduct, explore winding trails through lush greenery, or gaze toward Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock as golden morning light slowly reveals the contours of the landscape. Surrounded by waterfalls, pine groves, and cool mountain air, the setting feels both cinematic and deeply calming.

A Refined Hill Country Vision

Slated to open in June 2026, Uga Ghiri marks the eighth property from the renowned Uga Resorts, known for its immersive, place-driven approach to hospitality. Here, the brand reimagines the Sri Lankan highlands through a lens of quiet luxury, inviting guests to experience the rhythm of hill country life — where tea culture, heritage, and nature intertwine. The concept is rooted in slowness and authenticity, offering a retreat that feels both elevated and deeply grounded.

Colonial Soul, Contemporary Design

At the heart of the estate stands a beautifully restored colonial-era manor, a building that has witnessed more than a century of history. Reimagined as the social and culinary centerpiece, it blends period charm with modern elegance — high ceilings, heritage details, and intimate lounges creating a warm and refined atmosphere. Indoors or on the veranda, the manor becomes a place of gathering, where architecture frames both conversation and landscape. Surrounding it, the resort’s design language balances tradition and modernity, weaving together natural materials, soft textures, and open spaces that echo the surrounding environment.

Private Villas with Panoramic Views

Scattered across the hillside in a low-density layout, just 15 freestanding villas ensure an exceptional sense of privacy and immersion. Each villa, spanning approximately 1,200 square feet, is conceived as a private sanctuary — featuring expansive living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous outdoor decks with heated jacuzzis overlooking the valleys below. Interiors are understated yet tactile, combining natural materials with soft, elegant finishes. Larger configurations cater to families or extended stays, while maintaining the same sense of intimacy and connection to the landscape.

A Celebration of Sri Lankan Flavors

Dining at Uga Ghiri is an experience rooted in place. Centered around the manor, the restaurant offers an all-inclusive culinary journey that celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich terroir while incorporating global techniques. Seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce, and artisanal preparation define each dish, from vibrant breakfasts to refined dinners under the stars. Whether enjoyed indoors or al fresco overlooking the hills, every meal becomes a sensory extension of the landscape itself.

Wellness Amid Mist and Mountains

Wellbeing flows naturally within this environment. The spa draws inspiration from Balinese healing traditions, offering treatments designed to restore both body and mind. Facilities include sauna and steam rooms, while the infinity pool stretches toward the horizon, seemingly merging with the surrounding hills. Yoga, meditation, and mindful rituals unfold in open-air settings, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves in harmony with nature’s rhythm.

Cultural Immersion and Curated Experiences

Beyond the estate, Uga Ghiri opens the door to a rich tapestry of experiences. Guests can explore nearby landmarks such as Ravana Falls or immerse themselves in local traditions through tea-picking, cooking classes, and guided cultural encounters. Hiking, cycling, and biodiversity walks offer deeper engagement with the region, while conservation-focused activities invite guests to participate in preserving the landscape. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to create meaningful, lasting connections.

Where Time Slows and Nature Speaks

Uga Ghiri is more than a retreat — it is a poetic expression of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Here, luxury is found in stillness, in the scent of tea leaves after rain, in the quiet drama of mist rolling across the hills. It is a place where time softens, senses awaken, and every moment feels intentionally lived.

We love Uga Ghiri for:

– Opening in June 2026 in the heart of Sri Lanka’s highlands
– Just 15 private villas with jacuzzis and panoramic valley views
– A restored colonial manor as the social and culinary centerpiece
– All-inclusive dining blending Sri Lankan flavors and global cuisine
– Infinity pool and spa with Balinese-inspired wellness rituals
– Immersive experiences from tea trails to cultural and nature explorations