Uga Riva in Sri Lanka’s Negombo is a beautiful 180 year old colonial manor turned boutique hotel nestled at the centre of a five acre coconut plantation.
Boasting just seven luxurious rooms ranging from superior to suite, the house once belonged to a wealthy Sri Lankan family who welcomed Mahatma Ghandi to stay at the property, among their many highly esteemed guests.
Our sprawling and stylish superior room offered up a cool peaceful sanctuary away from the blistering Colombo heat with both a traditional ceiling fan and ice cold air con.
With space for two suitcases, large wardrobe, queen sized four poster bed with elegantly hung mosquito nets, the bathroom boasted a huge walk-in shower, sink and vanity area. The beautiful tiles helped to keep the bathroom cool, while the delightful smelling complimentary toiletries added to the overall luxury, along with fluffy bathrobes and slippers to throw on after a refreshing rainfall shower.
Arriving at Uga Riva, we felt like royalty. Brought through to the stunning lobby while our luggage was taken to our rooms, the check in and lounge area features a beautiful ornate water feature and pool – the perfect sanctuary in which to enjoy our fresh juice and cold towels. High ceilings, rich wooden floors and handcrafted local details are the vibe here and there’s a real sense of history throughout the incredible property.
Located just 30 minutes from Colombo Airport, Uga Riva’s location makes it a perfect stop off at the beginning or end or your holiday. Negombo itself is most definitely worth a visit while you’re in Sri Lanka and even though this major city is a lively resort with a strong fishing community and plenty of bars, restaurants and beaches, Uga Riva is hidden away from it all.
Adding to the Uga Riva air of exclusivity, our dining table occupied a solitary spot on the terrace right outside our room. Being waited on at the steps to your hotel room surrounded by greenery and birdsong is really something quite special, as was the food.
Every dish on the perfectly curated menu has been thoughtfully chosen. Deeply rooted in Negombo’s coastal heritage, the menus celebrate the region’s natural bounty effortlessly.
Gigantic prawns have literally just been plucked from the sea and are served coated in a coconut crumb courtesy of the abundance of coconut trees across the acres of lush green tropical gardens.
The Negombo six pot curry experience is a must-order. It’s a feast of several plates and different curry sauces – each with a delicious rich depth of flavour, served with chunks of fresh meat and seafood, rice and breads.
At breakfast, pineapple and mango juice comes from the garden and is freshly squeezed. The bread and pastries arrive warm, shaka shuka is a delightful combo of eggs and tomato with just a hint of spice and coffee is poured hot and strong.
In the centre of Uga Riva’s tropical gardens is the statement pool. Surrounded by palm trees, it’s the ultimate form of relaxation – the water a perfect temperature to cool off before drying off on the sun loungers in the Sri Lankan heat. We loved the hidden seating areas, the swinging tree hammocks and the peaceful exploration through the gardens, plants and trees. Absolute heaven.
With a commitment to sustainability, a dedicated team ensure that all of Uga’s properties (including Uga Riva) meet the Global Sustainable Tourism guidelines. Training and hiring local staff where possible, growing their own produce, reducing water waste, wildlife conservation and the use of solar panels as well as a ban on single-use plastic are all widely used initiatives.
Uga Riva really captures the magic of Sri Lanka’s west coast. A true hidden gem in every sense of the word, this is colonial beauty reimagined for the modern traveller — a boutique stay where design, cuisine, and calm collide, leaving you completely under its tropical spell and wishing to return.
You can fly direct from London Heathrow to Colombo airport and take a 30 minute taxi to Uga Riva. Nightly rates start from £186 based on two adults sharing a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis. Book your stay here.