Ulagalla Resort

Introduction

Ulagalla is one of Sri Lanka's finest properties. This expansive holiday retreat spreads over 58 acres of lush woodland, paddy fields and the Ulagalla Reservoir in the rural village of Tirappane near Anuradhapura. Here is a resort that offers high levels of privacy. It was once the abode of a village chieftain. The original walawwa (ancestral mansion),which was built in 1885, still remains and has been renovated maintaining its traditional architectural features, and now houses the resort’s reception area. Accommodation is in luxurious villas scattered across the estate and overlooking paddy fields and reservoirs. Each villas has its own plunge pool and provides complete privacy amidst an utterly tranquil setting. Relax on your private deck and take in the scenic surroundings. The more adventurous might wish to go bird watching, morning nature walks, archery kayaking or even horseback riding within the estate. Ulagalla Resort follows strict eco-friendly policies and runs a solar energy farm which supplies over 50% of the resort’s energy requirements.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in well-designed villas spread across the estate and constructed of environmentally friendly materials. There are Deluxe Ulagalla Villas, Ulagalla Pool Villas and the Nikawewa Pool Villa. Each of the villas consists of an ensuite bedroom, dressing room, and living area opening out to a broad private terrace with a plunge pool. The stylish interiors are furnished with king-size four-poster beds. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fan, mini-bar, tea/coffee facility, IDD telephone, 42 inch LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player, music and DVD library, electronic safe, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers. The ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers. There are also two bicycles for each villa to explore the estate.

Ulagalla Pool Villas (850 sq.ft): These 19 one-bedroom villas are spread across the sprawling estate and overlook the paddy fields and reservoirs.

Deluxe Ulagalla Villas (2100 sq.ft): With a spacious living room in addition to the plush bedroom, the generous outdoor decks in each of the 5 Deluxe Ulagalla Villas are great to spend an evening in. This villa option is perfect for couples or small families.

Nikawewa Pool Villa (1800 sq.ft): This two-bedroom villa is perfect for families or friends travelling together. The Nikawewa Pool Villa has a spacious outdoor deck for taking in panoramic views of the surrounding paddy fields. There is an ensuite Master Suite and a double room that can accommodate up to four guests.

Facilities

Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and a mix of international cuisine is served here prepared with fresh vegetables and rice from their own estate. You can choose to have your meals at Ulagalla’s fine dining restaurant, in the gardens under a starlit sky; on the terrace overlooking the reservoir or in your own villa. Ulagalla has a well-stocked underground wine cellar. The in-house spa specialises in rejuvenating massages and treatments. Other resort facilities include a 30 metre swimming pool by the main walawwa, fitness centre, indoor games, billiards, laundry service and wheelchair access. Ulagalla Resort welcomes families with children and has special children’s menus, baby cots and high chairs, and babysitting service with prior notice. Experiences include village bicycle rides, full-moon day (poya) visit to the Veheragalla Buddhist temple for meditation, yoga, Sri Lankan cookery classes, jungle kayaking, guided nature trails and bird watching accompanied by the in-house naturalist; horse riding (the resort has its own riding stables) and kite making for kids.

Why We Like It

Sheer bliss at this expansive luxury hotel with stylish villas, an open-air spa and a sense of romance everywhere you look.

Location

Ulagalla is 20km away from the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura off the A9 from Dambulla and is an ideal base from which to explore the Cultural Triangle sites. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about four hours.