Uga Jungle Beach, Trincomalee

At Uga Jungle Beach, guests are welcomed in the tree-top reception area, where they can check in amidst the exotic birds and wildlife in the gardens below. From there, they will be taken to their rooms, all decorated elegantly with bright pops of colour, sleek polished concrete, traditional thatched roofs and spacious bathrooms. The rooms themselves are split into ‘Jungle’, ‘Lagoon’ and ‘Beach’ categories, according to their location on the property. An excellent option for families or large groups would be the ‘Cluster cabins’ – these are a ‘cluster’ of three private rooms that all share a single private pool.

The least expensive rooms, the 'Lagoon' rooms, arguably have the best view—over the quiet road and the forest to the peaceful lagoon beyond. Very light sleepers may be disturbed by the occasional vehicle and might prefer the 'Beach' room. Note that in keeping with the natural ethos (very few trees were harmed in the making of this hotel!), the vegetation around the 'Beach' rooms means only two have any sea view at all.  

The bar and restaurant are open-air and next to the resort’s swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Trees grow up, around, and inside the restaurant. A good range of Sri Lankan and Western food is served, with particular emphasis on the excellent seafood on offer in this part of the country.

The beach itself is beautiful, and it is shared with only a few local fishermen from the neighbouring village. With a designated fun and sports area, as well as a quiet relaxation area, this beach is ideal for energetic families as well as quiet couples looking for relaxation.

Trincomalee town, with its old Dutch Fort, and Pigeon Island, with its snorkelling or diving, are both popular day trips not far from Jungle Beach. Very close by, the ancient Buddhist temple of Girihadu-Seya is worth a visit, and there is incredible wildlife and scenery in this part of the country waiting to be discovered. The hotel also has bikes free for guests to borrow and explore the local villages.