For years, the misty peaks of Ella have whispered a promise of something greater. While the world has fallen in love with its emerald tea carpets and the cinematic curves of the Nine Arch Bridge, the discerning traveler has been waiting for a sanctuary that matches the majesty of the landscape with the pinnacle of conscious luxury.
In June 2026, that wait ends.
Perched on a clifftop where eagles soar and the air is scented with wild cypress, Uga Ghiri is set to open its doors. It isn’t just a hotel; it is a high-altitude sanctuary designed for those who seek to disappear into nature without sacrificing a single element of refinement.
🏰 A Manor Reborn: Where History Meets the Horizon
At the heart of this 10-acre estate sits a meticulously restored colonial-era manor from the early 1900s. It serves as a bridge between the grand heritage of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and a bold, contemporary future.
Inside this “Great House,” you’ll find a library for quiet contemplation, a drawing room warmed by a roaring fireplace for those crisp highland nights, and an old-world bar that serves artisanal Ceylon Arrack—the perfect companion for a sunset over the Ella Gap.
🌿 The Villas: Your Private “Cloud Nine”
Privacy is the ultimate luxury, and Uga Ghiri honors this with just 15 standalone villas. Each 1,200-square-foot sanctuary is a masterclass in “Wild Wellness” design:
- The View: Expansive glass walls frame the Nine Arch Bridge—a world-renowned engineering marvel—directly below you.
- The Indulgence: Each villa features a private heated jacuzzi on an outdoor deck, allowing you to soak under the stars while the mountain mist rolls past.
- The Atmosphere: Minimalist lines meet subtle Sri Lankan artistic accents, creating a space that feels less like a room and more like a private observatory.
🧘 Wellness in the Highlands: Senses, Refined
At Uga Ghiri, wellness isn’t a scheduled activity; it is a state of being. The Spa at Uga Ghiri is poised to become the region’s premier healing hub, blending ancient Balinese traditions with the serenity of the Wonder of Asia.
Imagine a sauna and steam room that overlook dramatic peaks, followed by a treatment that uses locally sourced tea-seed oils and Himalayan-inspired herbs. It is “Cloud Nine” wellness, designed to reset a nervous system tired by the noise of the modern world.
🍲 Gourmet & Grounded: The Culinary Journey
The “All-Inclusive” experience at Uga Ghiri is a departure from the ordinary.
- Market-to-Table: Join the chefs at the local market before learning the art of Sri Lankan spice in a masterclass.
- Artisanal Tea: From the surrounding Sutherland Estate, experience the journey of tea from “leaf to cup” in its most refined form.
- The Setting: Dine in the grand old-world style of the manor, or choose a private “Sundowner” experience on the estate grounds where the only sounds are the wind and the spirited call of the Sri Lanka Junglefowl.
🦋 A Legacy of Restoration: Rewild the Hills
True wellness extends to the earth we walk upon. Uga Ghiri’s commitment to sustainability is woven into its “Rewild the Hills” initiative. Guests are invited to join conservation walks, contributing to butterfly, firefly, dragonfly and bees breeding programs that protect the fragile biodiversity of this mountain hamlet.
🇱🇰 Why June 2026 Changes Everything
Sri Lanka has always been A Land Like No Other, but the arrival of Uga Ghiri elevates Ella into the global luxury circuit. It offers the rare opportunity to see the island’s most famous landmarks from a vantage point of absolute stillness.
This is So Sri Lanka—raw, majestic, and deeply restorative.
The clouds are parting. The clifftop is waiting. You Will Come Back For More.
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