SRI LANKA | Uga Resorts will open its latest boutique and luxury retreat in the highlands of Ella in the hinterlands of Sri Lanka this July.
Uga Resorts continues its thoughtful portfolio growth across Sri Lanka with the announcement of Uga Ghiri, a new boutique retreat set to open in July 2026 in the highlands of Ella.
Set on the historic grounds of the former Sutherland Estate, Uga Ghiri marks the brand’s third property launch in just 18 months, following the recent openings of Uga Halloowella and Uga Prāva.
This milestone reflects Uga Resorts’ ongoing commitment to creating distinctive, design-led properties that are deeply connected to place, heritage and landscape. With each new opening, the portfolio continues to evolve, offering guests a more intimate way to experience Sri Lanka’s diverse regions.
Occupying 10 acres of terraced hillside in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Uga Ghiri offers panoramic views across tea-blanketed valleys and distant peaks, including uninterrupted vistas of Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge. Completed in 1919 and built entirely of brick and stone, the bridge is one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks, with guests able to watch the daily passage of mountain trains.
“Uga Ghiri represents a natural next step in the evolution of Uga Resorts. As our third opening within 18 months, it underscores the momentum of the brand and our commitment to developing properties that are deeply connected to their surroundings,” said Marcelline Paul, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Uga Resorts.
“Ella holds a unique position within Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, and Uga Ghiri allows us to celebrate that setting while offering guests a refined and peaceful retreat.”
At the centre of the estate stands a restored manor, now serving as Uga Ghiri’s main house. Characterised by high ceilings and preserved architectural details, the manor provides a space that balances historic charm with contemporary hospitality.
Uga Ghiri will feature 15 standalone villas, each designed as a private retreat. Spanning approximately 1,200 square feet, the villas combine contemporary design with subtle Sri Lankan influences that reflect the island’s heritage. Every villa includes expansive windows framing the Hill Country views, along with a private jacuzzi.
The spa at Uga Ghiri combines ancient Balinese wellness traditions with the calm of the highlands, featuring two treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room, all overlooking Ella’s peaks.
At the estate, guests can enjoy a range of immersive experiences, including artisanal tea experiences, hands-on Sri Lankan cooking sessions, and guided tastings of Ceylon arrack. Beyond the property, guests can explore the Hill Country through cycling routes from the Namunukula Ridge, visits to historic temples and Rewild the Hills, a conservation walk focused on local biodiversity and habitat restoration.
