“Back to Nature” in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka
The second stop on our round trip through Sri Lanka led us to the beautifully situated “Vil Uyana” . In this exotic resort, whose name means “pond garden”, one is really surrounded by water all around. The eco-resort embodies environmentally friendly luxury and is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of marshes and rice fields in some quite touristy Sri Lanka .
The combination of luxury and nature creates a unique and relaxing atmosphere that leaves a deep impression. And if you then also in the hands of the in-house Ayurveda doctor and the trained spa team, then the relaxation is perfect!
Luxury Eco Resort
The 28-hectare nature reserve with artificial lake, Ayurveda Spa , 2 restaurants and 36 freestanding villas is located to the west of the Sigiriya Rock, right in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and is a true paradise for nature lovers! Here one finds, with some luck, not only the shy Loris, but also 36 species of butterflies, 120 species of birds and 20 species of mammals.
The Singhalese kings created something really unique in the era of Parakramabahu I with their artificial lakes and the sophisticated irrigation system throughout the country. Even in the dry season there is enough water for the plants and the animals everywhere on the island.
With a Sri Lankan welcome ceremony and a cool drink, we were warmly welcomed by the dear staff.
pool
From the large infinity pool you can observe all kinds of birds or a crocodile.
The cozy library offers reading room with a magnificent view over the lake.
villas
The 36 freestanding, chalet-like wooden houses on stilts fit perfectly into the nature and lie loosely distributed in 5 different habitats – in the midst of marshes, rice fields, in the forest, in the garden or in the water.
Some villas in the swamp and all the villas in the rice fields have their own pool. The villas in the forest are two storey and have a private swimming pool on the first floor. The villas in the garden are hidden in nature and the water reservoirs offer a great view of the lake. All villas have fine wooden floors, bamboo and rattan ceilings, outdoor terraces, roofs covered with coconut trees and are decorated in beautiful natural tones. Some villas are also two storey, have a terrace over the lake or have their own swimming pool.
Swamp villa with pool
We lived in the marshes – in a chic villa with plunge pool. The villas are connected by long wooden bridges. Because they are so far apart, the villas also offer plenty of privacy.
Through a huge glass front and the outside terrace you have a wonderful natural experience and above all also plenty of space.
In addition to air conditioning and mini-bar, there is also a Bose sound system, coffee & tea maker, a sarong, slippers and bottled water.
The bathroom has a huge bathtub, a rain shower with a view to the outside and numerous care items including mosquito protection.
spa
The spa has its own Ayurveda doctor and offers many special Ayurveda treatments, massages, facial treatments, wraps, manicures and pedicures.
There is also a gym, a steam bath and a small pool.
Even before our first massage (Swedish), the doctor wanted to see us for a personal consultation. It was kind of impressive how he had “lit up” us and seemed to know a lot about us.
The Ayurvedic treatments we wanted of course also absolutely try! The doctor decides which treatment is best for each individual.
, SHIRODHARA ‘POURING Oll TREATMENT ON THE HEAD
Pregnancy and breast problems
The “Shirodhara” (forehead with oil) is really the most relaxing treatment we have ever received. For 45 minutes, warm oil is poured over the forehead in swinging movements – even the bird chirping – incredibly relaxing! You must try it! For us it was a really special experience!
The ayurvedic treatments always take place only in the morning and so they can unfold their healing effects fully, of course several treatments on several days are advantageous.
restaurants
Aspara
From the chic main restaurant “Apsara” you have a great view of the lake and at some distance even to the Sigiriya rock.
In the morning a healthy à la carte breakfast is served.
In the evening, you can choose between delicious Sri Lankan, Asian or Western dishes at the Fine Dining Restaurant.
Sulang
The Sulang Bar serves light snacks, afternoon tea and cocktails.
Graffiti Bar
Cocktails, beer and wines are served in the bar with wine cellar (next to the pool).
Signature Dining
In Vil Uyana you can eat almost anywhere, if you want. Whether on your own terrace, directly by the pool, in the spa, on a small secluded hill (Parker’s Peak) or even up in the tree house – here is much possible!
Tips for Trips
If you want, you can take (at certain times) post-warmbloods to observe the timid Loris .
The 200 m high Sigiriya rock , the 8th world-wide, is only about 5 km away and can be climbed in 2 to 3 hours over long stairs. Also worth a visit is the Cave Temple of Dambulla (UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Sri Lanka’s former capital – Polonnaruwa. The resort also offers many more excursions.
Kaudulla and Minneriya National Park
We did a tour with the jeep through the Kaudulla National Park and have seen about 200 elephants . This was really impressive, but unfortunately also the number of jeeps (almost more than elephants)!
Of course you can also observe many other animals besides the elephants.
Specials
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
At Christmas or New Year’s Eve (with fireworks) you can enjoy a great dinner here! (Extra Costs: Christmas USD 105 per person and New Year’s Eve USD 120 per person for booked half-board)
Honeymoon Special
5-course menu with a bottle of wine, fruit basket, homemade cookies
(minimum stay 3 nights, valid from 01.11.11 – 30.04, except 15. 12. – 10. 01.)
Conclusion
This resort was definitely one of our highlights in Sri Lanka! The different villas, the very good spa, the delicious food and the dear staff make the stay here to something special. And also the ayurvedic spa treatments were really super good! Try and try to stay longer!
Extra: For the transfer, we can not recommend Jetwing. The drivers often try to lure one into tourist traps. This is unfortunately common in Sri Lanka! We had quite luck with our driver.
But this Jetwing resort we can recommend without a doubt and warmly thanks to the dear and very social manager Kingsley Paul!
Rooms: 36 villas (4 water villas, 12 villas with pool in the rice fields, 5 villas in the swamp, 10 two-storey villas in the forest, 5 villas in the garden)
Flight duration: from 12 hours Flight from Germany (via Dubai) to Colombo Transfer: 169 km From Colombo and 153 km from Colombo Airport, 4 hours by car with driver Check-in / check-out: 12 hours Temp .: 8 – 27.8 degrees Temp: water 27 – 29 degrees Malaria: malaria- free Vaccinations: recommended Tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, measles Best travel time: mid-May – late September: east and north-east of the island (west and south-west monsoon “Yala”); October – mid-April: West and south-west coast (in the north and east northeast monsoon “Maha”); January to March: Bergland Time shift: 5.5 hours Price: from USD 259 / night (including breakfast) Specials: 3 for 2 Specials: great villas, beautiful nature, great spa Perfect for: couples, nature lovers, animal lovers, romantics, honeymooners
