Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya | Sri Lanka Hotels

Introduction

Aliya Resort & Spa is a modern and minimalist hotel north of Sigiriya with breathtaking views of the ancient Pidurangala rock temple and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. 'Aliya', meaning elephant in Sinhala, is an apt name for a luxurious resort immersed in lush wilderness where wild elephants roam. Modern minimalism is softened by Sri Lanka’s simple and unhurried rural lifestyle. Enter through a series of steps into a vast, gleaming white lounge and instantly, the mesmerizing views of the infinity pool and the gigantic twin rocks – Pidurangala and Sigiriya – comes into focus. Aliya resort offers luxurious rooms or tents immersed in the wilderness; international as well as traditional Sri Lankan cuisine served at their wattle & daub restaurant overlooking the paddy fields. A Paddy Museum recounts the history of paddy cultivation on the island over 2,500 years. After a long day of sightseeing, relax with an Ayurvedic massage at the tranquil spa. Aliya Resort follows strict eco-friendly policies. Sister property of Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa in Pasikudah on the North East Coast.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in 96 deluxe rooms and suites and 18 comfortable wooden chalets. All rooms are spacious and open out to gardens views; some have views of Sigiriya rock. An elephant-inspired theme runs through the spacious bedrooms, which are equipped with a/c, overhead fans, a mini-bar, tea/coffee facility, an LCD TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and an electronic safe. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with bath tub and h/w rain shower.

Deluxe Rooms: The 66 Deluxe Rooms are housed in two-storey chalets (four bedrooms in each chalet) and have private balconies with garden views.

Deluxe Rooms with Attic: These 10 rooms are ideal for families and have an attic room furnished with two single beds.

Suites: The two luxurious suites are secluded and can accommodate up to four guests. Interiors consist of a living and dining area, a pantry, two bedrooms, a private plunge pool, a sauna and a home-theatre system. The ensuite bathrooms have twin vanities, a bath tub and a h/w rain shower.

Wooden Chalets: The 18 wooden chalets are located in the lush wilderness towards the front of the property and will be appreciated by nature lovers. Made out of abandoned/dismantled shipping pallets, this rustic experience comes with comforts. The chalet is well-designed and comes with an ensuite bathroom with a bath tub and h/w shower. The bedroom has custom-made queen-size bed, clothes rack, electronic safe, a/c and fan, TV and tea/coffee facility. The chalet opens out to a verandah with lounge chairs.

Facilities

Dine at the Alaka restaurant for international dishes; Makara for authentic Chinese cuisine; or Nagula, a wattle and daub Sri Lankan restaurant. Adjoining is the well-presented Paddy Museum that highlights traditional cultivation and harvesting methods. Other facilities include two bars, a nightclub, fully-equipped gym, indoor badminton court, and conference and business centre. An infinity swimming pool looks across to the magnificent Pidurangala and Sigiriya rocks. Relax and rejuvenate at the Ayur Vie Spa that offers traditional Ayurvedic massages and other treatments.

Why we like it

The sleek, modern design and large infinity pool with a view of Sigiriya Rock.

Sustainability

Theme Resorts & Spas, previous winners of the ‘Sustainability Rising Star’ award from ACES (Asia’s Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards),are dedicated to the use of renewable energy and comprehensive waste management systems, and have also ventured into wider avenues such as agro-tourism, which involves the active participation of staff members. Theme Resorts employees are actively encouraged to take part in the company’s sustainability initiatives, the latest being the Biodiversity Education Research Initiative which addresses longstanding environmental concerns in Sri Lanka i.e. the conservation of the island’s extraordinary biodiversity.