Winter Sun Seekers can Enjoy Additional Savings and Complimentary Experiences with a Special Twin-Centre Offer across Uga’s Sri Lankan Portfolio and Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

  Sun seekers can enjoy the ultimate Indian Ocean adventure this season with a special offer combining the very best of Uga, Sri Lanka with the jaw-dropping beauty of the Maldives at Gili Lankanfushi. With the two countries connected via a short 45-minute flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Male, Maldives, the itinerary offers an unparalleled combination of culture, wildlife and blissful beaches, ensuring a winter sun escape like no other.   Guests booking the ultimate Indian Ocean offer will receive special discounts and extras including 10% off rates and complimentary resort activities at Uga properties, and 5% off rates and a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment per person at Gili Lankanfushi.   The itinerary begins with a night at Uga Riva in Negombo, the perfect spot for recharging batteries after a long-haul flight and soaking up the local culture with tuk tuk tours of the seaside town, traditional Sri Lankan dining and more. From here, guests will journey to Uga Ulagalla in Anuradhapura, part of Sri Lanka’s famous Cultural Triangle with its stunning national parks and landmarks including Sigiriya rock fortress, where they will enjoy a dose of culture and conservation set within a stunning 58-acre estate.   Next on the itinerary is a stay at the brand new Uga Halloowella, opening in early 2025 in Hatton in Sri Lanka’s historic tea trails region, where hilltop rejuvenation and highland adventures await. The Sri Lankan portion of the trip will conclude with a true wilderness paradise at Uga Chena Huts in Yala, nestled deep within the jungle. Providing a bucket-list worthy opportunity to be immersed in nature while enjoying the very best of Sri Lankan hospitality, endless adventure awaits on the doorstep of every cabin, from game drives in Yala National Park to bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and stargazing.   From Sri Lanka, travellers will journey on by plane to Gili Lankanfushi, the Maldives original luxury eco-resort for the quintessential castaway experience in their very own overwater villa. From snorkelling and scuba-diving in the Indian Ocean to world-class dining, spa and wellness experiences and plentiful activities – and relaxation – both on and off the water, there’s no better place to conclude an unforgettable Indian Ocean adventure.   The itinerary, bookable directly at Uga and Gili or via one’s preferred DMC or preferred Travel Agency will include:  

• One night at Uga Riva, Negombo
• Three nights at Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura
• Three nights at Uga Halloowella, Hatton *For trips from 2025 onwards
• Two nights at Uga Chena Huts, Yala
• Three nights + at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

  Uga Riva, Negombo     Nestled in a coconut plantation near Negombo's pristine shores, Uga Riva is a 180-year-old manor house re-launched for travellers seeking an indulgent sanctuary. Situated just 10 minutes from central Negombo and a mere 30-minute drive from Colombo International Airport, Uga Riva serves as the perfect spot for commencing or concluding a Sri Lankan journey. Conveniently positioned for travellers recovering from island explorations or adjusting to jetlag, guests can immediately relax into the serene tranquillity of the five-acre grounds, enjoying a leisurely break by the pool before retiring to the luxurious comfort of Uga Riva's well-appointed rooms.   From leisurely breakfasts to romantic dinners, dining at Riva guarantees a truly distinctive and sensory culinary journey. As one of the few upscale dining establishments in Negombo, Uga Riva offers delectable cuisine infused with the rich flavours of the island.   The historic property has played host to many prominent figures including Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the property during his visit to Ceylon in 1927 and planted a tree opposite the house.   Nightly rates at Uga Riva start from $237 (£177*), based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/riva/   Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura     The award-winning Uga Ulagalla is a 25 villa five-star resort set within an expansive 58-acre estate near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, in Sri Lanka’s famous Cultural Triangle. Surrounded by natural woodland, a 150-year-old manor house serves as the resort’s pièce de resistance, having once been the ancestral seat of Anuradhapura nobility.   Serving as a sumptuous base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Uga Ulagalla can arrange an array of adventures for guests. From witnessing one of the largest elephant gatherings in the world at Minneriya National Park and leopard and sloth-spotting at Wilpattu National Park to excursions to Sigiriya rock fortress, discovery wildlife drives and the ancient monastery at Ritigala, there are endless opportunities for adventure. Back at the resort, guests can indulge in nature walks, enjoy horse-riding, kayaking and archery, or partake in a Sri Lankan cooking class, while little ones will adore the opportunity to participate in the junior ranger programme.   In 2020, Uga opened its first Elephant Research Centre at Uga Ulagalla. Established in an effort to conserve the elephant population in Sri Lanka while also helping to resolve the human elephant conflict potential in and around the Anuradhapura area, Guests of Uga Ulagalla can visit the centre to learn about Sri Lankan elephants and the research work of the ERC.   Nightly rates at Uga Ulagalla start from $481 (£360*), based on two adults sharing an Ulagalla Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/ulagalla/   Uga Halloowella, Hatton     Uga Halloowella, the sixth property from the boutique Sri Lankan hotel group Uga, will open in January 2025. Perched on a hilltop within a 252-acre tea estate in Sri Lanka’s historic central tea trails region, Uga Halloowella will offer six luxurious suites alongside impeccable indoor and al-fresco dining experiences, expansive lawns, and an expansive infinity pool.   Located 146km from Colombo, Uga Halloowella is accessible via helicopter or by scenic drive and is on the doorstep of some of the region’s must-visit attractions, including the famous Pekoe Trail.   Nestled within the cool climes and quiet hills of Hatton and overlooking the stunning Castlereagh Reservoir, the colonial-era bungalow sits 1,444m above sea level on the sprawling former estate of Major Elton Lane, a World War I fighter pilot for the British Royal Air Force.   Endless adventure surrounds the property, which is ideally located to explore the authentic spirit of the highlands. A range of carefully curated experiences, including kayaking in the cool waters of Castlereagh Reservoir, guided tea country hikes, educational visits to a historic tea factory and the chance to uncover Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity by bike, provide an unparalleled opportunity to escape the stresses of urban life and embrace a slower-paced way of life.   Nightly rates at Uga Halloowella will start from $1,125 (£841*) on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit www.ugaescapes.com   Uga Chena Huts, Yala     Uga Chena Huts is a true wilderness paradise nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park. Comprised of just 18 thatch-roofed cabins – each with its own private deck and 14ft pool – within grounds of over seven acres, the property provides a bucket-list worthy opportunity to be immersed in nature while enjoying the very best of Sri Lankan hospitality.   Overlooking a beach where sea-turtles come to lay eggs by moonlight and elephants wander down from the nearby forest to play in the surf, Chena Huts is fringed on one landward side by tropical jungle and on the other by a saline lake where ibises, painted storks and eben flamingos may be seen, wading in the shallows. Guests can enjoy world-class dining at the property’s Basses restaurant, sundowners at the poolside bar and spoiling spa treatments from the comfort of their residence. Endless adventure awaits on the doorstep of one’s cabin, from game drives in Yala National Park to bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and stargazing.   Nightly rates at Uga Chena Huts start from $1,237 (£925*), based on two adults sharing a Luxury Pool Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book, visit https://www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/   Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives     Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, 'no news, no shoes' philosophy.   A variety of new additions for 2024 on the island include a new menu and refurbishment at Gili Lankanfushi’s iconic Overwater Bar and the chance to sample Executive Chef Hari Govinderaj’s plant-to-plate menu and chef’s table experience in the Gili Garden, to wellness experiences including moonbathing and elemental spa pairings. Guests can also now enjoy visits to the brand-new eco-centre and participate in the island’s sustainability initiatives, while keen and aspiring surfers can learn to surf and hang ten with world class surfing lessons, experiencing some of the best waves in the Maldives.   Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,070/$1,440, based on two adults sharing a Villa with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

  Sri Lanka showcased their latest destination branding to reinforce their tourism recovery and set themselves apart from competitors.   The new destination campaign, encapsulated by the tagline ‘You’ll Come Back For More,’ is directed at the 33% of individuals who are repeat visitors to Sri Lanka.   The campaign assures tourists that their visit will leave a lasting impression, compelling them to return. The Sri Lanka Promotion Bureau announced its intentions to officially launch the global campaign in February or March 2024, to attract five million tourists by 2030. The Hon.Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism and Lands of the Government of Sri Lanka, further disclosed that Adventure Tourism would play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s strategy, with an influencer campaign already planned in addition to attracting new hotel brands, increasing fam trips, improving connectivity and strategic partnerships.   Despite starting the year with ongoing economic difficulties, Sri Lanka reached one million arrivals in September. It is anticipated that the country will reach 1.5 million tourists by the end of the year, up from 719,000 in 2022, and compared to Sri Lanka’s best year in 2018 when 2.3 million travellers visited. Sri Lanka announced a substantial comeback following the aftermath of Covid-19 and the country’s economic crisis. For 2024, Harin Fernando announced that they aim to reach 2.5 million visitors, and for 2030 Sri Lanka’s final goal is to reach four million tourists.   “The Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s paramount focus is to create a robust country brand through a comprehensive rebranding exercise, highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique assets. To achieve this, we will prioritise the key source markets through year-round digital and PR campaigns, with a particular emphasis on the UK”, commented the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, “Ongoing promotions will introduce new initiatives to maintain a competitive edge for the destination”, he added.   The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Chalaka Gajabahu, shared that they are currently attracting interest from major hotel groups. Exciting developments such as the ITC Colombo One Hotel and Residences, as well as the Hilton Yala Resort are underway. Sri Lanka is aiming to establish a high-end category of hotels in addition to catering for their smaller bookings.   During 2023, Sri Lanka hosted three familiarisation (fam) trips for UK agents. Harin Fernando announced plans to expand this initiative, stating that Sri Lanka will organise six trips next year, in addition to those arranged by private companies. Fernando expressed the expectation of welcoming at least 200 agents on fam trips in the coming year. The goal is to provide them with cultural experiences and showcase everything Sri Lanka has to offer, attracting new visitors as well as those who choose to frequently visit Sri Lanka.   Increased connectivity is integral to raising visitation numbers. Sri Lankan Airlines is preparing to expand its routes to connect more UK cities, facilitating convenient travel. This is alongside strategic partnerships with Emirates, Qatar Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. To further boost visitor numbers, Harin Fernando is in talks with TUI and British Airways, aiming to persuade them to add charter flights to Sri Lanka and provide alternatives to direct flights from the UK offered by Sri Lankan Airlines.   The destination’s position as a top travel choice has been further solidified by collaborations and partnerships with travel associations such as ITAA and ABTA in 2023. The country also maintains its relationship with ANTOR. All of these enhance ties with media outlets and the UK travel trade.