Paddling gently through the lotus covered lagoon just before sunrise was made all the more magical with the appearance of a beautiful kingfisher getting ready for the day ahead.
A fabulously peaceful start in one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive towns. Tangalle in the southern part of the country is renowned for its soft sands and vibrant beach life.
Visitors are drawn by its laid-back lifestyle and in July a new boutique hotel opened its door. The view from the Uga Prāva is spectacular. In front is Silent Beach, with golden sands, palm trees and a relaxed atmosphere, along with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The hotel is hidden behind a big white gate. Once inside, the beach vibe is ever present with a huge white reception area where smiling staff are ready to invite guests to light a traditional wish candle to ensure a good start to the visit.
Nature is very much present at the Uga Prāva, named after the Sanskrit word for coral, which serves as a metaphor for the hotel’s identity and ethos, a holistic experience which blends sophistication with a deep respect for the environment.
The hotel is the seventh in the chain from the Sri Lankan owned properties and oozes class, with seven exclusive suites, with a minimalist design, private access to the beach, a signature restaurant and bar, along with a fabulous infinity pool which looks out to sea.
Everything spells “slow down” and relax and the hotel’s lush and secluded gardens encourages just that. Throw in a mild climate, sandy beaches and some of the world’s best surfing conditions and the hotel is a must.
All the suites face the ocean and are decorated in delicate colours to reflect the nearby coral reefs. With clean lines, neutral colours and natural materials, all complemented by the stunning views.
With super king beds, sumptuous soft linens, woven rattan and natural stone textures, the suites are well sized, come with the modern amenities of en suite, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, plus handy ironing equipment, a large television and the all-important robes, slippers and safe.
The sea is also ever present in the names of the suites from hermit, inspired by the local crabs, to horizon and coral and all are designed to cater for the needs of individuals, couples and families.
Fine dining is big at the Uga Prāva and the signature restaurant is designed to allow for indoor and outdoor dining with a fabulous tropical ambiance.
Top class chefs craft cuisine which reflects Sri Lanka’s bountiful ocean and rich agricultural landscape, with a menu emphasising fresh and locally sourced ingredients with dishes inspired from a vibrant ecosystem of coral.
Breakfasts are a delight, with everything from kola kanda herbal porridge followed by a choice of curry and milk rice, coconut roti or hoppers.
Lunch is saved for an array of salads, sandwiches, light bites and small plates, with highlights featuring a vegetarian Sri Lankan mezze platter, seafood poke bowls and sizzling fajitas.
Dinner is when five-course feasts featuring stand out dishes such as freshly caught mahi-mahi carpaccio with pol sambol, lagoon prawn curry thermidor with string hopper biryani and an extremely indulgent cinnamon, cardamom and ginger chocolate lava cake are served.
Wellness is very much at the heart of the Uga Prāva, with the hotel’s spa offering yoga and mediation sessions, holistic massages and body scrubs and facials.
As is tradition in Sri Lanka, the hotels are all about experiences and the Uga Prāva is a great base for kayaking through the mango forests of the Rekawa Lagoon, spotting the plethora of wildlife on offer.
Outdoors, there are snorkelling, cycling and surfing opportunities, as well as dolphin and whale watching experiences and the historic fortified city of Galle, scene of the tragic tsunami in 2004.
All signposts point back to the sea and some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning scenery!
The Details
Uga Prāva, No 75D, 93/95, Beach Road, Unakuruwa, Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
Tel: + 94 112 117 100
Website: www.ugaresorts.com/prava
Email: inquiries@ugaresorts.com
The hotel is situated 215 km from Bandaranaike International Airport and 5 km from Tangalle, the nearest town. Travel by chauffeur driven vehicles.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Boutique Hotel
Number of Rooms: Seven suites
Price Band: Nightly rates start from £395 ($462) for a double room on a half board (breakfast, dinner and select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) basis.
Insider Tip: Uga Resorts have seven properties across Sri Lanka, Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, Uga Jungle Beach in Trincomalee, Uga Bay in Pasikuda, Uga Chena Huts in Sri Lanka’s safari hotspot, Yala, Uga Riva, a heritage-style manor house hotel in Negombo and Uga Halloowella in Hatton.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Uga Prāva
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