Single-story house with a large covered patio furnished with tables and chairs, surrounded by green lawn and framed by flowering branches under a clear blue sky.

Uga Ghiri

In the highlands around Ella, Sri Lanka suddenly seems to slow down. Mist drifts through the valleys, tea plantations lie like green lines on the mountainsides, and even the passing trains appear almost decelerated here. With Uga Ghiri, a retreat is being created in the midst of this landscape from summer 2026, interpreting the atmosphere of the region in a consciously calm and modern way. The hotel is situated above the historic Sutherland Estate and offers a wide view over the hills to the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Large windows and open spaces bring the landscape directly into the villas, making the stay feel closely connected to the surroundings. At the same time, Uga Ghiri feels considerably more contemporary than many classic tea country hotels, bringing a new, very stylish side to the highlands of Sri Lanka.

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Details

  • Country

    Sri Lanka

  • City

    Ella

  • Price

    from 195 € per person/night

  • Best travel time

    June - September & December - February

Culinary

At Uga Ghiri, you can look forward to a high-quality all-inclusive concept with a strong connection to the region. The centerpiece of the hotel is the restored Manor House, which houses the restaurant and bar overlooking the hills of Ella. Modern Sri Lankan dishes, international cuisine, and seasonal products from the island's highlands are served. The offerings are complemented by tea tastings, arrack tastings, and market-to-table cooking classes with local ingredients. Many meals take place on open verandas or with expansive views of the landscape, ensuring that nature remains constantly present, even in the culinary aspect.

Elegant indoor lounge area with a white sofa, armchairs, and a central coffee table beneath a large tree, surrounded by ornate black pillars and lantern-style lighting.
A stylish bar lounge featuring a pool table at the center, surrounded by wooden paneling, red cushioned stools, large windows, and a cozy seating area with bottles displayed on shelves.
Outdoor dining area with elegant beige cushioned sofas and tables under a glass roof supported by classical columns, surrounded by greenery and decorated with wall art and flower arrangements.
Elegant living room with a beige sofa, two armchairs, a dark glass coffee table on a textured rug, built-in white shelves with decor items, and a lit fireplace beneath a gold-framed mirror.

Activities

The region around Ella is one of the most diverse landscapes in Sri Lanka, combining nature, movement, and culture in a compact area. Hike to viewpoints like Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, explore tea plantations with local producers, or watch the passing trains at the Nine Arch Bridge directly from the hotel. Bike tours along the ridges, waterfalls like the Ravana Falls, and small temples in the mountains provide varied excursions. At the same time, the resort integrates exciting conservation projects into the stay with "Rewild the Hills," including biodiversity and reforestation initiatives in the region.

A circular infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery with multiple lounge chairs and umbrellas on a wooden deck adjacent to a modern house.
Curved stone arch railway bridge surrounded by dense lush green forest with people walking on it.
Modern spa building with large glass windows surrounded by dense greenery and flowering plants under a clear blue sky.
A train travels across a historic stone arch bridge surrounded by lush green hills and dense forest under a clear sky.

Villas

Uga Ghiri has only 15 freestanding villas, which are generously spread across the grounds. Each villa offers around 120 square meters of living space with a separate living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private outdoor jacuzzis with mountain views. The design combines modern aesthetics with subtle Sri Lankan elements and natural materials. The villas are complemented by spacious bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs, walk-in showers, and private terraces for quiet evenings in the highlands.

Modern bedroom with a view of nature through large glass doors leading to a sitting area with a sofa, a coffee table, and decorative wall art.
Wooden circular hot tub whirlpool on terrace with grassy lawn and mountain landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Modern bathroom with a double sink vanity featuring two oval mirrors, a view of greenery and mountains through a large window, and a white freestanding bathtub in the foreground.
A modern bedroom with a large bed centered on a beige rug, flanked by two bedside tables with lamps, a ceiling fan above, and a glass-walled bathroom visible to the side.

Location

Uga Ghiri is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka near Ella on a historic tea estate with expansive views over the surrounding mountains. From Colombo, you can reach Ella by car or train via the famous railway line through the highlands in about five to six hours, depending on the route. The elevated position and the spacious surroundings give the stay a special tranquility.

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Contact person

A smiling woman with wavy hair standing outdoors with camels in the background.
Luca Krohn

Head of Oman/ Travel Designer

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