Uga Resorts, the boutique Sri Lankan hotel group announced that its eighth property,
Uga Ghiri, is now open in Sri Lanka’s central highlands region.
Nestled within the grounds of Ella’s historic Sutherland Estate, Uga Ghiri comprises 15 standalone villas with a luxurious yet contemporary design alongside a meticulously restored colonial-era manor – which serves as the property’s main house and culinary destination – an infinity pool, and a state-of-the-art spa. A private haven surrounded by sweeping panoramas of Ella’s emerald tea plantations, rolling hills and world-famous Nine Arch Bridge, the all-inclusive property offers world-class dining, healing wellness treatments and endless activities both on property and in the surrounding central highlands.
Uga Ghiri’s design is a true marriage of the dramatic landscape of Sri Lanka’s central highlands and the heritage of the historic Sutherland Estate. Colombo-based
PWA Architects, with Philip Weeraratne and Gayan Karunaratne leading the architectural scope, were responsible for the design of the villas, restoration of the main house, landscape design, infinity pool and spa building. Taking the working tea plantation itself as their starting point, the architects adopted a deliberately restrained approach, positioning buildings around the existing contours of the land to maximise privacy and long mountain views while minimising disruption to the estate. Textured, earth-toned plaster walls are juxtaposed with steel and glass, while deep overhangs, shaded transitional spaces and carefully controlled glazing respond naturally to Ella’s cool, misty hill-country climate.
The architectural approach is deliberately rooted, restrained and immersive, allowing the surrounding landscape to take precedence over any single architectural statement. Buildings have been positioned to frame mountain views and maintain a light footprint on the existing terrain, while the arrival experience has been designed to unfold gradually through the tea estate, immersing guests in the sounds and scents of the surrounding landscape.
The interiors were conceived by Sri Lankan interior designer and spatial architect Yasasi Hettiarachchi, Founder of YH Interior Design Studio, whose scope encompassed the villa and bathroom interiors, complete interior design and conceptualisation of the main house, and the spa interiors. Rather than follow the traditional tea-bungalow aesthetic commonly associated with Sri Lanka’s hill country, Hettiarachchi sought to reinterpret the region’s history through a more contemporary lens. The main house evokes the grandeur and European elegance of a bygone era, balancing historical character with modern comfort, while the villas take a lighter approach inspired by Scandinavian design principles, using natural light and panoramic views to strengthen the connection between indoors and the surrounding landscape.
Throughout the interiors, this contemporary style is layered with distinctly Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Handloom and Beeralu textiles, cane weaving and traditional Laaksha lacquer work bring colour, texture and regional identity to the spaces, while locally produced furniture, artwork and decorative pieces celebrate Sri Lankan makers and craftspeople. Natural light and materials including timber, glass, steel and recycled fabrics also form an important part of the design approach.
Commenting on the new opening, Priyanjith Weerasooria, Founder of Uga Resorts and Deputy Chairman of FINCO Holdings said: “We are delighted to welcome guests to Uga Ghiri, the newest addition to our beautiful collection of boutique Sri Lankan hotels. An intimate, all-inclusive new resort with just 15 private villas in the heart of the extraordinarily beautiful central highlands region, the property invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature and immerse themselves in hill country life. From restorative wellness experiences and elevated dining to meaningful encounters with the surrounding landscape and communities, Uga Ghiri embodies our commitment to thoughtful luxury and to creating deeply authentic experiences rooted in Sri Lanka’s most remarkable destinations.”
Uga Ghiri unfolds across 11 acres of terraced hillside in the mountain hamlet of Ella, offering sweeping views across the tea-carpeted valleys and peaks beyond. An area of Sri Lanka’s famous central highland region that has captivated generations of travellers with its dramatic landscape and timeless charm, Ella sits at the crossroads of some of the island’s most celebrated attractions. Little Adam’s Peak is accessible by foot, while Ella Rock and Ravana Falls promise a rewarding adventure for those wishing to venture further afield. The surrounding countryside is a tapestry of working tea estates, where the art of Ceylon tea-making continues – its methods unchanged for centuries.
Guests of Uga Ghiri will enjoy a front-row view of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the world-famous brick-and-stone viaduct completed in 1919. From the property, guests can watch the daily rhythm of mountain trains gliding across the rails, framed by jungle canopy and an endless patchwork of green beyond.
The journey to Ella – whether via the famed train route from Kandy or by winding mountain passage – is as much an experience as the stay itself, during which travellers can soak up some of Sri Lanka’s most breath-taking terrain.
Uga Ghiri offers 15 luxurious standalone villas, each featuring a contemporary and elegant design blended with subtle nods to Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage. Comprising a bedroom, separate living area and en-suite bathroom with bathtub, walk-in shower and his-and-hers vanity, each villa offers 1,200 square feet of pure sanctuary. Expansive windows frame the dramatic landscape outside, where a private hot tub and outdoor deck for lounging beckon those in search of ultimate relaxation.
The artfully restored colonial-era manor serves as the resort’s main house, providing ample space for guests to unwind, including an impressive library and a drawing room complete with roaring fireplace for cooler nights. When it comes to dining, guests will enjoy Uga Ghiri’s signature elevated all-inclusive offering, with an indoor-outdoor restaurant providing a sophisticated setting in which to savour Sri Lanka’s abundant flavours. Uga Ghiri’s sleek bar is in Sutherland House, the main house of the property, adjacent to the drawing room and library, where guests can sip, savour and relax in style.
Beyond Sutherland House, a 15-metre infinity pool offers the perfect vantage point for soaking up the resplendent scenery outside, alongside a well-stocked pool bar serving guests’ favourite tipples all day long. Meanwhile, the Spa at Uga Ghiri provides a haven of restoration where ancient Balinese wellness traditions meet highland serenity. Two treatment rooms – one double, one single – frame sublime views of Ella’s dramatic peaks, while a sauna and steam room complete the journey towards complete tranquillity and renewal.
Uga Ghiri is the latest property in the Uga Resorts collection and joins
Uga Prāva in Galle, Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, Uga Chena Huts in Sri Lanka’s safari hotspot, Yala, Uga Riva, a heritage-style manor house hotel in Negombo, Uga Halloowella in Hatton along with Jungle Beach an Uga Experience in Trincomalee & The Bay an Uga Experience in Pasikuda.
