The Jetwing Group was started by Herbert Cooray in 1986. Now with 16 properties in Sri Lanka and (one in Auckland NZ) it is the largest independent Sri Lanka tourism brand in the country. As a company they pride themselves on offering eco-friendly, sustainable properties, and have won many awards for their efforts.
Vil Uyana is one of the most popular hotels in the group, and is often fully booked. It is a remote hotel found outside of Sigiriya, ideal for tourists keen to see the country’s main cultural sites. There is a main lodge which houses the restaurant, wine cellar, Graffiti Bar, library and pool, and also a separate spa and gym hidden amongst the foliage. We received a lovely voucher for a 15 minute head and neck massage on check-in, a perfect relaxing welcome.
Rooms are scattered among the grounds and buggies are used to get around. Our room was 142, a garden dwelling, but guests can also stay in marsh, paddy, water and forest dwellings. The bedroom was spacious but simply decorated. Perhaps the most elaborate part of the bedroom was the large outdoor bath and shower. The indulgent stone bath was surrounded by lily pad pools, and in the evening, bats and birds could be seen flying overhead.
The Vil Uyana grounds are filled with exciting and rare wildlife: monkeys, flying foxes, crocodiles, otters, fishing cats, civets, tiny squirrels, peacocks and other birds. It is also one of the best places to see the special Slender Loris species, and each night the hotel organises tours with a resident naturalist so guests can have sightings of this shy little creature.
Dinner, served in the main restaurant, is an atmospheric occasion. You can also request a special meal in the panoramic treehouse. We started our meal with a delicious warm homemade bread selection with butter and olive tapenade. Passion fruit sorbet was then served as a palate cleanser. For main course we opted for String Hoppers with coconut sambal, daal, and spicy potatoes, but guests could also choose to enjoy the tasting menu of the chef’s specialities.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and there is a large menu on offer with Sri Lankan and international dishes. We chose refreshing Sri Lankan green orange juice and a fruit selection with banana pancakes with maple syrup. We needed plenty of sustenance before the hike up Sigiriya Rock!
Sadly we only had one night at Vil Uyana, but even in this short time we could understand why guests fall in love with this special hotel.
More information and book a stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana here.