FIRST IN: Uga Halloowella review, Sri Lanka
This feature was originally published in TTG Luxury
Driving through Sri Lanka’s never-ending tea plantations, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in another country altogether. The pace slows, the traffic thins and the landscape turns a deep verdant green with row after row of tea bushes as far as the eye can see.
One of the region’s main hubs is Hatton, which is now home to Uga’s latest luxury property, the six suite, all-inclusive Uga Halloowella, which opened in January 2025. I was one of the first journalists to review Sri Lanka’s newest hotel and couldn’t wait to get settled in.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the glistening Castlereagh Reservoir and set within a peaceful 101-hectare tea estate, it was once the home of Major Elton Lane, a World War I fighter pilot for the British Royal Air Force. Now reimagined by this homegrown hospitality brand, the colonial-era bungalow sits 1,444m above sea level with jaw dropping views, offering guests a luxurious stay in an intimate, homely setting.
On arrival staff greeted me with a traditional Sri Lankan offering and fresh bushy garland crafted out of tea leaves from the surrounding estate. Thoughts of my five hour journey from Colombo faded as my butler - who’d look after me for the duration of my stay - mixed me a strong G&T and delivered it to me on a silver tray on the sunny outdoor terrace.
My home for two nights was the Lane Suite, a beautifully furnished bedroom with separate seating, desk and reading area, huge four poster bed, plush handmade curtains, wood burner, large bathroom with roll-top bath, double sinks and rainforest shower, walk-in wardrobe and private terrace. The Pekoe Suites and Planter’s Suites are equally luxurious and offer guests plenty of space.
This sophisticated property has been meticulously restored with stunning no-expense-spared interiors in the communal living areas and guest bedrooms. The attention to detail and high-end finishings are admirable, the setting sublime. Later that evening sitting in the cosy lounge with its wood panels, comfy sofas and roaring log fire (it gets chilly in the hills), I felt like I’d been transported to Scotland.
Food first
The food is delicious and the concept of an all-inclusive rate works well, with plentiful choices. Uga’s resident chef creates delightful Sri Lankan cuisine alongside western favourites to great effect – the Sri Lankan High Tea is a must and is offered to all guests once during a stay.
The main dining room has been decorated with hand-painted murals on the walls but it felt as if this space was still evolving – candles on the tables after dark would add to the atmosphere during dinner, maybe alongside some of the beautiful tea leaf garlands as table decorations.
Outside I enjoyed nightly pre-dinner drinks on the terrace as I watched the sun set over the reservoir. The infinity pool was perfect for a swim after a day of exploring and there’s a small outdoor spa area where guests can indulge in a range of treatments.
The hotel is 146km from Colombo, a journey which took around five hours by car, but guests can also choose to arrive by train, helicopter or seaplane. Uga Halloowella is perfectly located to explore the region’s best attractions, including Sri Lanka’s excellent Pekoe Trail. Walking stage seven of the trail with my engaging female guide was a highlight of my trip, as we explored the tea plantations, discovered the towns and villages that keep them going and crossed paths with workers who pick the tea and work the fields.
For guests looking for a unique stay in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, Uga Halloowella is the perfect choice. Combine it with a train ride through the tea plantations to Kandy, ranked as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. A magical stay on one of my favourite islands.
How to book it
Nightly rates at Uga Halloowella start from $1,125 on an all-inclusive basis.
Carrier offers seven nights from £8,475 per person, including three nights at Uga Halloowella in a Peoke Suite on all-inclusive basis, three nights at Uga Chena Huts in a luxury cabin with pool on all-inclusive basis, and one night at Uga Riva Negombo in a superior room with breakfast.
Also includes flights with Emirates from Heathrow to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, VIP departure service, transfers and safaris and activities.