Vil Uyana
Sigiriya, Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka
At a Glance
Few other hotels can boast a wild but friendly crocodile who comes for breakfast each morning
During the harvest season, the village farmers carefully tend to the paddy fields surrounding the hotel
Vil Uyana's tranquil library is filled with numerous titles including books on Sri Lanka and has the most relaxing position, with a lotus-filled pond on one side and a waterway on the other
Consider the property more of an exclusive rural holiday village than a hotel
Transportation within the hotel is through electronic buggy carts, which is recharged partly using wind power
Dwellings are dotted around the property, some with plunge pools and some without
Beautiful, traditional rooms with modern amenities, lots of hidden surprises and artistic twists add to the character of the property.
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The Maha monsoon blows from October to January, bringing rain to the North and East, while the dry season is from May to September. The North and East are comparatively dry, with around 1000mm of rain annually. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Out-of-season travel has its advantages – not only do the crowds go away but many airfares and accommodation prices drop right down. Nor does it rain all the time during the low season.
Insider's View
For ultimate romance opt for a forest or paddy dwelling with your own private pool
The rooms are surrounded by nature so don't be surprised if you come across some unusual animals and insects during your stay.
It's well worth renting bikes as the property is quite extensive so can take a while to walk around
Meet the naturalist at 7pm if you would like to try and see a loris
Look out for the friendly crocodile in the lagoon that surrounds the restaurant area!
There are 116 species of birds around the hotel grounds - see how many you can spot during your stay!
Wine lovers can ask to venture through the tiny door to their wine cellar to choose your bottle for the evening.
Children can share their animal sightings on the blackboard in the main entrance - see how many different creatures you can spot by the end of your trip!
Make sure to visit the Loris conservation site and join the night trail in search of this majestic creature and witness their large bulging eyes and tiny limbs.
For something really memorable, book the Tree House Dining - absolutely magical!
Why not mix it up one night and try having dinner in the tree house, it will give you a great view over the resort!
For a bit of extra space go for the Forest Dwelling
Take an afternoon dip in the pool while enjoying views of Sigiriya Rock
For a special stay with lots of space choose a Forest Dwelling which is spread over two floors with an indoor/outdoor bathroom
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday to Vil Uyana or take a look at our itineraries to Sri Lanka
Description
Vil Uyana offers spacious luxury dwellings, built over a wetlands area just a few kilometres from Sigiriya. The perfect destination as part of a wider Sri Lankan itinerary, this is a place to relax, unwind, pamper yourself and get back to nature.
Vil Uyana offers guests wonderful views of the abundant wildlife. Drawing on local, rural traditions, the sumptuous dwellings here are at one with the surrounding landscape.
The property is sprawled over a large area of land and as such you can use buddies or bikes to get around. In your room you have ultimate privacy but the hotel also caters for people who are keen to be in a communal vibe as well. The main restaurant is very welcoming and the staff are all on hand to help at any time of the day.
If you want to get even closer to nature, take an early morning stroll with one of the excellent resident naturalists who will bring the forest to life. Vil Uyana has a variety of dining locations including Sulang, Apsara, Graffiti, the Mandhiya Library, in-room dining or even paddy field dining. Sulang features casual dining while Apsara is the property’s fine dining restaurant. Mandhiya Library is the perfect place to relax with your favourite drink and enjoy the perfect surroundings.
The hotel will be happy to arrange cultural tours and activities in the local area and beyond. You can climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress located 5km away, visit Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s cultural cities, visit the village temple and learn about Buddhism from the head monk of the temple, visit the craft village and learn about traditional Sri Lankan crafts. You could also enjoy a picturesque cycling or walking trail and the Loris watching tour to catch a glimpse of these adorable little creatures is a must.
Accommodation
Vil Uyana offers 36 spacious dwellings on four different terrains. The paddy, marsh and water dwellings are all identical inside, while the forest dwellings are more spacious, set on two levels with the large bathrooms downstairs. Rooms feature air-conditioning, private balcony or terrace, with Bose entertainment system, shower and bath and there are private pools/plunge pools in certain dwellings.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Vil Uyana. However, there are no specific facilities available for them. Children will love the many cultural activities in the local area and beyond particularly the cycling, visits to the craft village, and the loris watching tour to catch a glimpse of the cute grey animal.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre, library, lounge, bar, restaurants, spa and outdoor swimming pool.
The Aspara is the resort's main restaurant offering Eastern and Western cuisine as well as the best of the local delicacies. You can enjoy your meal and take in the wonderful views across the lake of the Sigiriya rock. The Sulang is a casual restaurant serving light bites and the Graffiti Bar serves the best of spirits and other refreshments. There is also a wine cellar where guests can dine in privacy.
Activities
Vil Uyana offers complimentary bird watching and walking. The wetlands are home to some spectacular species of birds including lily trotters, jacanas, coots, white breasted water hens, herons, egrets, cormorants, the white bellied and grey headed fish eagles and four different species of kingfishers. The hotel has its own naturalist who can answer any questions guests might have, and takes a tour at 7pm to try and spot a loris. Activities at an additional cost include cookery lessons, tea tasting ceremonies, spa treatments, excursions and cycling.
Reviews
Sophie Jones (Staff)
This property is perfect for anyone that wants to be surrounded by nature. I loved our forest dwelling with masses of open space, plunge pool and large open plan bathroom. If you are a little nervous of little creepy crawlies choose a room with the bathroom inside the room itself
Scarlett Richard (Staff)
Vil Uyuna is unique hideaway ideally located in the Cultural Triangle. Set within a private reserve made up of wetlands, marshes, forest and lakes, guests are immersed in the wilderness where they can get up close to nature, see a variety of wildlife and enjoy total seclusion and calm. Rooms have been uniquely designed with thatched roofs, wooden floors and appear rustic from the outside but inside are really nicely furnished and are equipped with modern amenities.
Rikki Poynton (Staff)
An amazing rustic property with tonnes of character and an ideal location for exploring the cultural triangle. The private plunge pool rooms are in particular extra special.
Jessica Cator (Staff)
Vil Uyana is a truly special property. Despite the fact that the landscape is man made it has a wonderfully back to nature feel and has been created with perfect balance of luxury and authenticity. I particularly liked to Paddy Rooms, which have a private plunge pool and are based in paddy fields.
Clare Monro (Staff)
Vil Uyana is a fabulous, and very good value, hotel in the Ancient Cities region. Its dwellings are really unique and give a great feeling of privacy. I loved the food and the hotel has so much character. It's really worth opting for a Forest Dwelling as they give you so much more space. Vil Uyana is also excellently located for exploring the Cultural Triangle/Ancient Cities.
(Press)
The Jetwing Vil Uyana is 169km from Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. It is, however, effortlessly close to Lion Rock or Sigiriya, the Eight Wonder of the world and one of the most breathtaking historical sites on the island. The resort itself is beautiful: built on abandoned agricultural land, it comprises thatched villas rising above marches. Lamp-lit, raised, wooden paths lead to each dwelling. We stayed in a forest house, which was the size of your average London mews house. There is an infinity pool just behind the resort's main building, which houses the reception, restaurant, bar and an open-sided library. For those who simply want to relax, the hotel has a spa offering massages from around 3000 Sri Lankan rupees (around 16). The spa also offers Elemis treatments as well as a steam room and gym.
Susie Reynolds (Staff)
This setting is a nature lovers mecca. The spacious dwellings are well appointed with all mod cons, overlooking the waters, marshes, paddys or forests depending on what you have booked and from some, Sigirya can be seen in the distant (on a clear day). Having a crocodile for company for breakfast cannot be beaten and young children will delight in this. Comparatively speaking this is not a place for foodies but thats not what you come for, if you like spacious living, nature and a more than comfortable base from which to explore the local area this is the ideal spot.
Offers
Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka - Complimentary Candle Light Dinner
Book 3 nights or more at Vil Uyana and receive a complimentary candle light dinner on your last night, as well as a complimentary bottle of wine per room.Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Excludes 15 December - 10 January. Please speak to one of our specialists for more information.
| Book from | 22 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 |
| Travel from |
22 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 |
Experiences
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Anuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.
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Anuradhapura Cycling Tour
This bicycle tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings you to the stupas of Ruwanweliseya, Abayagirl, Jethavana and Samadhi Buddha statue.
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Dambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
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Dambulla Cave Temples
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, conveniently located between Sigiriya and Kandy making them easy to reach and explore.
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Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise
Take a spectacular hot air ballon ride at sunrise, with beautiful views of Sigiriya Rock and surrounding countryside.
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Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Yala National Park, the most famous National Park in Sri Lanka.
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Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
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Minneriya National Park
The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.
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Polonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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Polonnaruwa Half-Day tour
Visit Polonnaruwa, part of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka.
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Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Head into Wilpattu National Park for a morning or evening safari to marvel at the range of wildlife.
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Safari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
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Sigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.
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Temple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
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Tour of Trincomalee
A visit to Trincomalee, also known as Trinco, will generally include a visit to Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick for a historical overview. This tour will also take in some of the lovely beaches in the area, including Uppuveli and Nilaveli.
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Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the most famous heritage site in Sri Lanka.
Holiday Ideas
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Extraordinary Sri Lanka
Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Ancient Cities & Trincomalee
from £3200 pp inc flights & transfers for 11 nights
- Take in Sri Lanka from above as you enjoy a mangificent sunrise over the cultural triangle from a hot air balloon
- This itinerary really takes you off the beaten track, while still ensure you experience the staples of Sri Lanka - culture, adventure, wildlife and relaxation
- Wilpattu is one of the less commercial and crowded national parks so you will have a much more authentic experience
Location & directions
Sigiriya, Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka
Located in Sigiriya, within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka 153 km from the Colombo International Airport. 169 km from Colombo. 5 km from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
How to get there
10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes 4-hours to drive from Colombo and the international airport to Vil Uyana.
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