Hotel Jetwing Vil Uyana review, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

In the early 2000s a wasteland of 28 acres was ambitiously transformed into wetlands of paddy fields, marshes, forests, gardens and lakes by Hotel Jetwing Vil Uyana.

This environment teems with wildlife, from langur monkeys and wild peacocks to the elusive fishing cat and grey slender loris. You might even spot the occasional wild elephant walking through the grounds – or a crocodile wallowing in the marshes.

From the arrival at Jetwing Vil Uyana, water surrounds you:  a gorgeous lily pond, an infinity pool and a large, serene lake, surrounded by lush vegetation.    

Jetwing Hotels have been a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.  The Vil Uyana is their flagship hotel and for over two decades it has been dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting the local community. It was here the first Jetwing Youth Development Project was established, with free training for school leavers from disadvantaged local farming families, and recently a scheme for women over 40 trained at the hotel and taken into employment to give them a chance of a career.

Who for

Couples, singles or families (but older children rather than toddlers) who love nature, tranquillity, local traditions and cuisine. The locality is also ideal for culture buffs, being a short distance from some of the famous sights of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’.

Accommodation

Paddy Field dwelling

The 36 secluded dwellings blend seamlessly into their surrounds. Rooms combine mod cons with rustic Sinhalese style, featuring thatched roofs, teak floors, woven reeds and bamboo. Accommodation varies from Garden Dwellings with private lounge areas, to Paddy ones with plunge pools and timber decks, to the most luxurious Forest Dwellings with two spacious levels and a private pool.   

My charming Paddy Dwelling stands on stilts and is reached across the water by a raised walkway. After a welcome dip in the plunge pool, I relax on the deck, overlooking lush paddy seen through the reeds, and listen to the birdsong. 

Raised walkway in the wetlands

The room is spacious, stylish and split-level, with all amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel: air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, safe, iron and ironing board, a safe and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is a vast luxury bathtub, a separate toilet and a powerful rain shower. Nice touches are the sunhats provided and a torch for night walks. 

Food and Drink 

Dining at the lakeside Apsara, the main restaurant, is an utter delight, with its views over serene lake surrounds. In the distance, you can just spot the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The restaurant is set in an open pavilion with a huge mural of an elephant battle.

You can choose from authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, Asian or Western fare. Culinary offerings include a whole range of curries served with white or red rice and accompanied with seasonal vegetable curries and spices. Most ingredients are sourced within the island, from local suppliers or Jetwing’s own organic farms.

Dining Sri Lankan style

Signature dining experiences include dinner for two at the spa, a BBQ on the lakeside lawn, in a tree house or local cuisine sitting on straw mats in the paddy-fields. Light refreshments can be served in the Sulang Café, while at the Graffiti Bar, beside a pond with lotus flowers, you can enjoy cocktails over art inspired by the iconic Sigiriya Damsels.

Facilities

The infinity pool, below the restaurant and beside the public areas, has mesmerizing lake views. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments in the Balinese Ayu Spa or work out in the gym. Both are set on a little island with lovely lakeside settings. The spa offers a dozen different massages, beauty and body treatments, spa packages and even a kids’ spa menu. In the main hotel a charming library by the lily pond has a selection of books on Sri Lankan history, wildlife and architecture.

There are cycles to hire and a wine cellar where you can choose your bottle. On Saturday evenings guests can take a lesson in classical Sri Lankan cuisine with the executive chef and a local villager.

The resident naturalist takes early morning wildlife tours and nightly loris trails with a probable close-up encounter with this elusive primate of the night. The hotel set up a Loris Conservation Project and this is considered the most reliable place in Sri Lanka to spot them. Over 20 have been born here and there was great excitement at the time of my stay as the first twins arrived. 

How much?

A double room for one night including breakfast costs from £300.  Room only, half board terms and discounts on longer stays are available.  CHECK HERE 

What’s nearby?

Within easy reach are the World Heritage Sites of the iconic Sigirya Rock Fortress (8km), with 1200 steps to the top, and Dambulla’s ancient cave temples (15km).  The ancient monastery of Pidurangala is 10km away.

If you are here during the dry season, when other sources of water have dried up, it is well worth the hour’s journey to see the great wildlife spectacle of hundreds of elephants gathering at Minneriya National Park.  The best time is July to October, with the largest gatherings in July and August.

Verdict: 

A unique eco-hotel in a glorious, peaceful setting, abundant with wildlife and close to some of Sri Lanka’s most famous cultural sights. 

Also read: Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Fact File

Sri Lankan Airlines flies direct to Colombo from London Heathrow.

Further information from Sri Lanka Tourism at Sri Lanka Travel 

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