Uga Halloowella
Couples,
Families
High in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, Uga Halloowella sits above the still waters of Castlereagh Reservoir, with views stretching across tea estates for miles and miles.
Originally built in 1880 as a tea planter’s bungalow, the house has been sensitively restored, preserving its original proportions and atmosphere. It’s now part of the Uga collection, which means contemporary comforts and the slick service the boutique hotel group does so well.
With only a handful of suites, this elegant boutique hotel retains an intimate feel. Lawns run gently towards the surrounding tea fields, while the infinity pool looks out across the hills. Come evening, mist drifts through the valley, fires are lit, and the bungalow settles into the cosy calm these old planter homes were designed for.
It works particularly well as a base for exploring the highlands, and dining at Uga Hallowella is very much part of the experience. The kitchen draws on the flavours of Sri Lanka’s hill country, with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally where possible, and the menu moves easily between Sri Lankan classics and a handful of well-executed international dishes. The Halloowella take on eggs Benedict (poached eggs with seeni sambal, curried crab cake and turmeric hollandaise) is a good example of the chef’s flair.
A tea factory visit with guided tasting is also included during your stay. For something more active, there’s kayaking on the reservoir, cycling through the tea estates, climbing Adam’s Peak, or hiking Stage 7 of the Pekoe Trail.
The Rooms
Six individually designed suites are spread across the bungalow, each generous in size.
Interiors stay true to the estate’s colonial past, with polished wooden floors and antique-style furnishings like chandeliers and classic four-poster beds. Bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers, double vanities and freestanding claw-foot bathtubs.
Each suite includes a comfortable sitting area and opens out towards the surrounding lawns or tea-covered hills.
What You'll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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Uga Halloowella on the Map
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