Uga Riva

Introduction

There is no grander, or more comfortable, way to start or end your Sri Lanka holiday than to surrender to the charms of a beautifully-restored, heritage-style manor house. Uga Riva bears comparisons with the small number of classic upmarket refuges that take the stress out of airport travel. It nestles in a five-acre coconut palm estate, about half-an-hour north of the international airport and, for nearly two centuries, was a much-loved family home of a prominent family of merchants. Mahatma Gandhi was a celebrated visitor in the 1920s and even planted a tree in the garden, added appeal for anybody with a keen sense of history. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the mansion which rests in a lush shaded garden of colourful flora and towering coconut trees. This ancestral home has also benefited from caring enhancements over the years by celebrated Sri Lankan artists. Pillared verandas, graceful arches and a traditional courtyard, encircling a serene pond, are all redolent of a former era whilst its contemporary comforts and entrancing swimming pool satisfy more modern expectations.

Accommodation

This luxurious manor house has seven rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and have queen-sized bed, a/c and overhead fan, sofas, tea and Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, smart TV with cable channels, desk, bottled water, in-room safe, rain shower, hairdryer, en suite bathroom, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, luggage rack, mosquito repellent, wardrobe.

Deluxe Rooms (39 sq m, sleeps 2): Wake up in a well-appointed room to birdsong and views of the tropical garden.

Superior Rooms (43 sq m, sleeps 3): At Uga Riva, Superior Rooms are a class above the deluxe category. They feature traditional four-poster beds and living areas.

Suite (87 sq m, sleeps 2-4): This Suite encapsulates the grandeur of this historic manor house, offering arguably unrivalled accommodation within half an hour of the airport. Also includes a furnished veranda for private dining with views across a secluded tropical garden. Loved by honeymooners and families alike.

Facilities

Uga Riva has a restaurant, bar and outdoor pool. The restaurant will alert the first-time traveller to Sri Lanka to the potential culinary joys that lie ahead. Chose from fusion menus and authentic Sri Lankan dishes prepared with high-quality local produce. There is a laundry service and 24-hour security.

Why we like it

One of a select band of upmarket and historic properties within a short drive of the international airport.

Location

Uga Riva is found in Kochchikade, a few minutes north-east of the airport beach resort of Negombo