Sri Lanka
Wild about Sri Lanka I
t’s never easy getting that wake-up call at 4.30am but it’s a little less of a struggle when there is the promise of a beautiful
sunrise and the prospect of seeing wildlife. As we met whispering in the darkness, some
were especially bleary-eyed after a night rendered sleepless by a loud storm. But as we walked out on to the wild beach fringing Chena Huts, one of the newest hotels in Sri Lanka, all was forgiven as we witnessed a rising sun staining the sky a glorious pink over crashing waves. We walked single file as instructed by ranger
Steuart Roelofsz, who was keeping a vigilant eye out for anything else that was up and awake as early as we were; sadly we didn’t spot anything, but for a city-girl like me, it was just a wonderful chance to be among nature and roam along this stunning beach and through the jungle. All perfect justification too for a hearty breakfast and refreshing shower; by 7am returning to Chena, it must already have been 25C. Opened in December, Chena Huts was built as
a luxury option for visitors to Yala national park – the country’s most visited and second largest – and one of the stops on our most recent ttgluxury Experience, which saw a group of six travel advisors flown by Oman Air to spend a week on this jewel-shaped island among the five hotels of Uga Escapes. Chena Huts has just 14 rooms, all individual
“Sri Lanka is my favourite place. I love the diversity, culture, dramatic contrast in scenery and the hospitality. I have been to many hotels, but Uga Escapes’ properties are up there with the best. “Ulagalla gives a wonderful warm
welcome, is a beautiful Small Luxury Hotels member and full of character. “Jungle Beach has a relaxed atmosphere
and a good vibe – a lovely well designed property for a relaxed stay, “Uga Bay is larger and modern compared
with the other Uga hotels in the portfolio, set on one of the best beaches I have seen in the country. “As for Chena Huts – wow! I was blown
away by its design and elegant, rustic charm. I also loved The Residence in Colombo, an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of a growing city.” Karen Williams, Travel Counsellor
“huts”, or cabins, with a unique eco-chic design reminiscent of an African safari camp but also rooted in local tradition. For years, people have farmed small clearings in the forest called “chena” and slept beside their crops in modest huts to protect them from hungry elephants. These huts were the inspiration for the unusual shape of this modern-day version, which appear as large domed cabins scattered among the jungle; inside, every luxury is considered. Incredibly spacious, each also has a raised terrace from which to watch deer roam past, birdlife, or even monkeys, and a private pool. Surrounded by wilderness, the cabins are on platforms connected by raised wooden walkways, so there is minimal impact on the environment. Inside, colonial touches mix with modern amenities, and the bed is the central focus designed with an intricate wooden frame. Audley Travel’s Rowena Butterworth was in
the country for the first time and says of Chena: “It’s an amazing property that undeniably has the
From cycling tours of ancient ruined cities to leopard-spotting safaris and sunrise beach treks to walks of old Colombo, agents on the recent ttgluxury Experience trip came back raving about this jewel-shaped island author: April Hutchinson
wow factor; it was genuinely such an honor to stay there. We had a lovely welcome by the staff, who were brilliant considering how recently the property had opened.” Of course, the reason for staying at Chena is
to go on safari in Yala, said to be home to around 50 leopards. Only authorised safari vehicles are allowed into the park, so all guests must use these drivers – but Chena has its own knowledgeable rangers that accompany guests. The vehicles picked us up for an early safari
and while leopards proved elusive, we sat and watched an elephant across a lily-spotted lake, saw a usually shy little sloth bear snuffling around in the undergrowth, endless pretty deer, water- wallowing buffalo, crocodiles and myriad birds, from brightly-coloured kingfishers to funny- looking toucans. With renewed interest in the destination, Yala
does sadly get very busy these days. But as Chris Radford, product manager and marketing co-ordinator at Real Holidays, says: “The game
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