Luxury Hotel · Sri Lanka
Uga Chena Huts
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At a glance
Uga Chena Huts sits on Sri Lanka’s deep south coast, bordered on one side by Yala National Park and on the other by the Indian Ocean. The name comes from “chena,” the word for the small jungle clearings farmed by the ancient people of Yala.
Eighteen all-inclusive cabins are spread across seven acres of dunes and trees, each with a private plunge pool, and the wildlife that moves through the grounds includes elephants on the beach, flamingos and painted storks in the lagoon, and crocodiles in the water beyond.
Two game drives a day into Yala National Park are included in the rate, led by experienced rangers with knowledge of the park and its satellite areas.
This is one of the most concentrated leopard habitats in the world, and the drives also bring sightings of Asian elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, sambars and a wide range of birdlife.
Highlights
- All-inclusive wilderness retreat
- Proximity to Yala National Park
- Private huts with harmonious design
- Ideal for wildlife and nature enthusiasts
Accommodation
Luxury Cabin
Each of the 18 cabins measures 1,600 square feet in total, with 1,130 square feet of climate-controlled interior living space.
Inside there is a living room, bedroom, freestanding bathtub and twin vanity consoles, with interiors that take their cues from the surrounding landscape through log furniture and natural materials. Outside, a shaded deck leads to a private 5-metre plunge pool.
The cabins are spaced apart and connected to the main areas via an elevated walkway that winds through the vegetation, and the dome-shaped design draws on the farmer’s huts that historically worked this land. Cabins sleep up to three, with an extra bed available on request.
Further information
Food & Drink
Basses Restaurant sits on a raised platform on the beach, with views across the ocean while you eat.
The kitchen works with locally sourced and seasonal produce, putting Sri Lankan fish curries and coconut sambals alongside European dishes.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the rate, along with soft drinks, teas and coffees and selected wines, beers and spirits at the bar.
Leading off the restaurant is a sunken, ocean-facing bar with deep seating for guests.
Spa & Wellness
The spa at Chena Huts sits beside the main pool and has two thatched treatment rooms offering massages, body treatments and facials. The heated outdoor pool is set within the jungle greenery and positioned to feel like part of the landscape.
Beyond the spa and pool, activities available from the property include beach walks, cultural drives to Tissamaharama and the surrounding temples, birdwatching in the bird sanctuaries nearby, cooking classes, curd-making sessions and a Junior Ranger Programme.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tear-shaped island sitting off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, separated from the mainland by the Palk Strait. It is small enough to cross by road in a few hours, yet varied enough to feel like several different countries within a single trip. The island has a population of around twenty-two million and a history of continuous civilization stretching back over two thousand years.
Our Experts
Sri Lanka is truly one of the most special places I've been lucky enough to visit. There's so much heritage and culture to discover on this small island nation - and the vistas are absolutely breathtaking.
Sri Lanka is the ideal place to pair with a trip to the Maldives, offering a dose of cultural stimulation following a sumptuous Maldivian escape. There's also a bounty of luxury properties in Sri Lanka.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.