Ulagalla ResortReviewed by Emma Boyle

Ulagalla is a triumph of eco friendly design that manages to blend genuine environmental practices with luxurious, fully-facilitated interiors meaning that comfort is not forgotten. Accredited with a silver LEED certification from the US Green Building Council, this brand new resort south of Anuradhapura encompasses 58 acres of working paddy fields, organic vegetable plots and ornamental gardens that play host to 25 chalets, a sensitively-restored ancient wallauwa (manor house), a 30m swimming pool, a gym and a sensual sunken spa. The resort’s generosity of space coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings – not one tree was felled during construction whilst a mere 1,000 were planted – gives it a village atmosphere that along with concerted efforts of the hospitable staff team make you feel at home the moment you arrive.

With so much space on offer, Ulagalla’s beautifully furnished chalets boast private, peaceful surroundings where outlooks over lotus-topped reservoirs, jungly woodland or lush green paddy fields are celebrated though floor-to-ceiling glass walls, picture windows and private fully-furnished sun decks fitted with individual jacuzzi plunge pools, dining tables and double sun loungers. Public areas of the resort – a first-floor restaurant, fully-equipped bar and reception area – are all located in the main house, a 150-year-old fully-restored mansion once home to the village chieftain that offers contemporary elegance without detracting from its traditional, rural design. Linking all areas of the resort is an eco-friendly transport system in the form of on-call golf buggies and pedal bicycles, two of which are provided for guests in each chalet.

The resort’s state of the art eco-initiatives are imperceptible to the eye proving that green builds can still be luxurious; each chalet has been constructed from Durra which is 100 percent recyclable and ten times stronger than dry wall; air conditioning systems utilise environmentally friendly gas whilst LED light bulbs reduce the carbon footprint of the resort by 80 percent. There’s also a solar energy farm onsite that powers up to fifty percent of the resort’s energy requirements, and it’s the biggest of its kind in Sri Lanka. Organic fruit and vegetables, combined with rice from the paddy fields, are used in the resort’s kitchen whilst all waste is also recycled. The activities offered at Ulagalla – archery, horse riding, kayaking and nature walks – have also been chosen for their minimal impact on the environment.

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Each of Ulagalla’s self-contained chalets offers plentiful luxury in the form of abundant space, a wealth of modern facilities and all the plush comforts of home. Designed to blend into the verdant surroundings, each chalet, measuring 800 square foot in extent, is stilted and enhanced by floor to ceiling glass windows so as to provide the best views of the jungly, nature-filled surroundings. Each chalet also features a private sun deck for relaxing and dining, as well as its own plunge pool with jacuzzi directly accessible from either the bedroom or lounge. One block of chalets are fitted with ramps for disabled access.

Chalet
Chalets come with a separate bedroom and lounge, accessed to either side of an entrance hall. Bedrooms are either doubles or twins, and feature four poster beds, built-in wardrobes with safes, direct dial telephones, state of the art lighting, hair dryers and ensuite bathrooms with shower, twin washbasins and toiletries. Lounges are furnished with an L-shaped sofa and matching easy chair topped with silk cushions, as well as a dining table for two, a mini bar and a large-screen TV with satellite channels and a built-in movie system. Both rooms are remotely air conditioned and also come with ceiling fans. Tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes and a pair of mountain bicycles are also provided in each chalet for guests’ convenience.

The Nikawewa
Scenically situated right beside the reservoir, this two-bedroom chalet is ideal for a family or a small group of friends. Boasting beautiful views, The Nikawewa comes with two double bedrooms both of which have ensuite semi-outdoor bathrooms with tubs, and open onto private patios and a shared swimming pool that merges with the water of the reservoir beyond. There is also a shared living and dining area with large screen TV, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. A live-in butler is designed to take care of all guests needs whilst four bicycles are provided for convenience.

– Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, and all its wonders

- Travel to Mihintale, a holy site and ancient settlement, the home of Sri Lankan Buddhism

- Visit Polonnaruwa, the second capital and bicycle around the ruins

- Witness one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world in Minneriya National Park between July and September

Ulagalla is a dream come true for children. There is a wonderfully spacious family villa called Nikawewa with its own private pool, and a range of activities on offer from archery, to horse riding by the lake, cycling, swimming in a pool which is lit up by changing coloured lights at night and walking along nature trails. The electric golf buggies that are used to get around the resort are also popular with the younger generation! A visit to the Archaeological Museums in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is a good way for children to learn about Sri Lanka’s ancient history through the artefacts that have been discovered.

Great food is a big deal at Ulagalla and every effort is made to ensure that your dining experience is unparalleled, whether you choose to eat in the old wallauwa’s upstairs Liyawela Restaurant, cooled by custom-designed electronic punkah fans; in the privacy of your own chalet; or in one of many signature dining spots in the garden, such as the observation deck where magnificent views over the paddy fields and reservoir to the pointy (ula), rocky (galla) mountains in the distance is one of the most desired. And, it’s not only exceptional food that can be brought to your preferred location but drinks too as mobile bars can also be set up in your signature location of choice.

At Ulagalla, there are no set meal times or fixed locations for dining; you can choose to eat whenever you wish from morning until night with 24 hour room service available listing a number of snack meals, sweets and hot drinks alongside superb breakfast, lunch and dinner choices where you can choose from an a la carte or a multi-course set menu. The range of dishes emphatically embrace European, Mediterranean and Asian flavours to include gourmet soups and salads, mains featuring succulent meats, seafood and fish, pastas and risottos that are served up with delectable accompaniments from the hotel’s own organic herb and vegetable garden. Desserts are devilishly good (and numerous) with even those in the set menus offering a generous selection of choice.

BBQs can be arranged with sufficient notice either on the sun deck of your own chalet or from another of the resort’s signature dining locations for a supplement whilst special celebrations – including wedding banquets – can be accommodated with ease. The resort boasts an underground, glass roofed cellar – once used for safely stowing valuables – for storing the resort’s fine wine collection in temperature-controlled splendour. Take your pick from an international selection of wines or choose from a number of premium brand spirits, cognacs and liquors from the resort’s main bar.