Jetwing Vil Uyana

Spread across 26 acres and overlooking a lagoon, marshland and rice paddies, Vil Uyana has one of Sri Lanka’s most peaceful nature settings.** **

• The property’s tranquility just a short drive from bustling, dusty Dambulla
• Exploring with an on-site naturalist who can spot and identify the resident wildlife, including more than 100 different kind of bird species
• The many thoughtful in-room details, including a straw beach bag, soft, colorful sarongs and citronella (to guard against mosquitoes)
• The resort’s commitment to eco living

Sri Lankan hotel group Jetwing generally manages large-size, mid-market properties, making Jetwing Vil Uyana an unexpected, lovely surprise. Folded into the luscious jungle of Sigiriya Park, home of the fabled rock fortress, Vil Uyana is an ambitious eco project, which opened in 2006 around a man-made wetland. The hotel was created on abandoned agricultural land, in the center of this culturally rich region of Sri Lanka whose ancient kings invented water irrigation systems in use to this day.

Vil Uyana’s key architect drew inspiration from these historic reservoir-building traditions while conceiving of this 27-acre property. The result is an eco resort unlike any other in Sri Lanka, with thirty-six simple but luxurious thatch-roof villas that are folded into a nature reserve complete with marsh- and wetlands, as well as a beautifully serene lake.

Guests are taken to their villas, all located on stilted walkways for optimal views, via an electric golf cart (most staff members cruise around the property on bicycles). Vil Uyana’s green initiatives are considerable and include conserving and re-using 90% of the property’s water, implementing energy-efficient lighting throughout and having key cards turn off not only the room lights but also the air conditioning. (This is, surprisingly, unproblematic: during a recent visit in grueling 90-plus degree heat, rooms cooled down quickly upon arrival thanks to the high-rafted ceilings of the thatched-roof structures.)

The layouts of the spacious villas are different depending on room category —they are named for their natural surroundings: forest, water, paddy, marsh, garden—but most are split-level extravaganzas featuring organic materials, like wood, woven bamboo, raffia and stone. The open-plan layout is spacious and comfortable, with and separate day beds and thoughtful in-room amenities, including tea and coffee makers and a minibar stocked with a selection of wine, beer and juices.

As comfortable as the villas are, most guests will spend their Vil Uyana time outside, especially at the accommodations that have private plunge pools. There’s nothing better than ending a hot day of sightseeing in some cool water, glass of white wine or Lion beer in hand, watching the sun turn the surrounding jungle a thousand shades of green and keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife. There are more than 100 bird species here, including peacocks and the techno-colored Kingfischer, as well as many monkeys and a resident crocodile in the lake (sightings are rare of this shy creature). At Vil Uyan, you often catch other guests stopping in their track to stare into the bushes, then point with excitement if they have spotted something; this is a place that allows everyone to experience the glorious natural setting with childlike wonder.

Many guests leave to explore the nearby Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Rock or to take the half-day trip to Polonnaruwa, But for those who relax on property, there’s an over-water spa and small gym, and the restaurant is a soaring space on the first floor of the main hub that also houses a boutique, the reception and a fabulous library, a perfect spot for whiling the afternoon away with a book. At the end of a day of sightseeing, most gather on the terrace overlooking the small infinity pool and watch as the lake absorbs the deepening colors of the setting sun.

Nature lovers wishing to be based near Sigiriya (a 20-minute drive) to Polonnaruwa (a 1.5 hour drive). This is the best hotel option in the Dambulla area, so while Vil Uyana is supremely romantic and better for couples (especially due to the spread-out nature of the villas and the jungle setting), it is also the place to book for families. Just be aware that there is no entertainment for children and that you should request a villa close to the main restaurant and reception hub.

Travelers with any mobility issues. Villas are spread out and the best ones require some walking (even if you call the golf cart). Also, those with a bug phobia won’t enjoy the eco concept here.

Two to three nights.

From Anuradhapura, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a 1.5-hour drive. From Kandy, the resort can be reached in 1.5 hours.