Uga Halloowella

Transporting visitors to a bygone era in Sri Lanka’s rich past, Uga Halloowella occupies a former tea estate established in 1880 by Major Elton Lane, a World War I fighter pilot for the RAF. Meticulously restored to its former aesthetic glory by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, this 5-star boutique hotel offers just six charming suites for a stay that promises supreme intimacy and exclusivity. The hotel’s superb all-inclusive offering includes gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the elegant dining room, while afternoon tea can be taken out on the splendour of the terrace, where lush lawns spill down to panoramic vistas of the undulating tea country, whose beauty and tranquillity has to be seen to be believed. The cuisine focuses on the island’s rich culinary tapestry while also delivering high-quality international dishes to ensure every palate is satisfied. The hotel’s cosy lounge area allows guests to relax and enjoy a drink beside the crackling fireplace, while the blissful spa invites guests to unwind and let a team of experienced therapists deliver a range of soothing wellbeing treatments. The hotel’s stunning infinity pool is arguably its most arresting feature, enabling guests to enjoy a refreshing soak while taking in the endless vistas over the unfolding hillsides – it even comes with a heated Jacuzzi for extra indulgence. Guests can also enjoy complimentary tours of a historic nearby tea factory plus tea tasting for an insight into this centuries-old practice, while other leisure options include cycling through the countryside, hiking some of the nearby peaks and kayaking on the Castlereagh Reservoir’s calm waters.