In March 2024, Sri Lanka’s newest luxury resort, Kotiyagala Luxury Villas, will open its doors within the country’s renown Yala National Park, home to a striking collection of flora and fauna. From the ownership of ENR Holdings and sustainable design by Sri Lanka’s award-winning architect Mano Ponniah, this 12-villa all-pool oasis, nestled between Yala’s forest and the Indian Ocean, will offer striking villa accommodations, a roofed lounge boasting far reaching views, a locally-inspired signature restaurant and bar, a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa and a well-equipped fitness center.
Kotiyagala (loosely translated to “leopard’s rock”) Luxury Villas will feature contemporary Sri Lankan design emphasizing quiet elegance balanced with a natural ambience that celebrates the property’s proximity to wildlife, whereby guests will have the opportunity to view the park’s 44 native species of mammals, 215 bird species, and the plethora of additional animal species that call Yala home. Visitors will find jungle-inspired hues and textures throughout the resort, with burnished copper, natural granite and multiple custom sculptures, including the lobby’s bird nest chandelier marking the property entrance and a depiction of its namesake leopard mounting an attack on its prey on the resort’s expansive open-air deck. Each 1, 2- and 3- bedroom villa features a private deck with a freshwater infinity pool overlooking the surrounding landscape as well as a four-poster bed, rain shower and Villeroy & Boch bathroom fittings.
Villas and the property’s timber pathway connecting resort buildings (the world’s longest elevated pathway at a hotel, stretching an impressive 400 meters in length) are elevated above the canopy level of the surrounding forest, designed to minimize guest intrusion on the environment as part of an overarching objective to craft a sustainable travel experience. While guests are welcome to view wildlife that chooses to approach the resort’s pathways, loud music/disturbances and feeding are discouraged to safeguard the local ecosystem. The resort prioritized environmentally-friendly materials in construction and furnishings as well as optimized natural light in all buildings, embracing a responsible design approach. A comprehensive recycling program and minimal usage of single use plastics extends this philosophy to resort operations, which also includes a sophisticated water management process. The resort is also powered entirely by solar panels located on property to harness Yala’s abundance of sunlight.
Upon opening, Kotiyagala Luxury Villas will debut its signature restaurant The Dunes, which will serve as the heart of the resort’s exquisite dining offerings. Inspired by the captivating sand dunes located on property, The Dunes will offer a fusion of Western and local cuisine on its menu, with highlights including Jaffna Curry Crabs as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes and Ayurvedic meal plan options. Sri Lankan farm-to-table produce will be featured throughout the menu (inclusive of seafood, spices and vegetables), and guests can savor signature cocktails such as Sri Lankan Arrack and fresh ginger beer. Seasonally, guests can also enjoy luxury private dining on the resort’s deck, the beach, within their private villa pools or partake in a unique “breakfast in the jungle” experience.
On property, guests will have access to an exclusive array of amenities including the Ayurveda Spa, a tranquil sanctuary based around the age-old Indian healing traditions of Ayurveda and pulling inspiration from traditional Sri Lankan practices and local spa products. Inside the spa, The Storm Room will offer a unique sensory retreat featuring a blacked-out chamber with a soothing jacuzzi, splashing water, strobe lighting and sound effects mimicking the immersive sensation of a storm, and the Ice Room will boast an enclave with an invigorating ice-water pool to offer escape from Yala’s tropical climate.
Kotiyagala Luxury Villas boasts an array of exclusive programming designed to cater to diverse interests. For wildlife enthusiasts, the offerings include safaris that span from immersive bird-watching tours or night treks to the traditional safari tour through the Yala National Park. Cultural excursions beckon those with a penchant for history and exploration, featuring visits to the emerald hills of Ella for tea plucking and making, complete with a scenic train ride through the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, cascading waterfalls, and even trips to the renowned Galle Fort in close proximity to the hotel. For those curious about the biodiversity of Yala National Park, onsite naturalists stand ready to provide both educational information and guided excursions, enhancing the overall experience at Kotiyagala Luxury Villas.
The culinary and mixology classes at the hotel provide a unique opportunity for guests to delve into the world of gastronomy, mastering house special dishes and drinks. Photography enthusiasts can partake in high-end camera rentals and excursions led by seasoned wildlife photographers. The engagement with local artisans is another highlight, allowing guests to collaboratively craft bespoke Sri Lankan gemstone jewelry, showcasing the region's rich craftsmanship. Beyond the confines of the property, guests have the chance to immerse themselves in local community projects, fostering meaningful connections with their surrounding towns.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to our enchanting resort born out of a passion to share the fantastic beauty of Sri Lanka and Yala National Park - from our elusive leopards to gentle sloth bears and graceful deer. Our mission is providing the ultimate in luxury while treading as lightly as possible on the gorgeous natural resources that make our region so special. We’re excited to open our doors to travelers from across the globe who are as enthralled with the locale as we are,” remarks Shastha Bulathsinhala, Founder of Kotiyagala Luxury Villas.
Reservations at Kotiyagala Luxury Villas will become available on the resort website on December 4, 2023.
www.kotiyagala.com I Instagram: @kotiyagala.yala
