`Vil Uyana’ meaning wetland gardens, is a brand new `lifestyle hotel’ located close to Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 6th century A.D.  The hotel is envisaged as a natural extension to the efforts of ancient Sinhala kings who developed and irrigated this area  Individual chalets, luxuriously appointed within and blending seamlessly into the rural landscape, are located over 24-acres of lakes, marshes and paddy fields.  The surrounding wilderness provides a natural habitat for numerous species of birds and butterflies.

Click here view more photos

Accommodation
Accommodation is in the form of 25 individual villas on stilts situated in three distinct habitats: water, paddy field and forest.  These luxurious villas, connected by wooden walkways, have timber flooring, ceilings of rattan and bamboo, and sloping roofs thatched with coconut palm.  Furnished with luxurious king-size beds, each villa has a private deck with scenic views and an outdoor dining area.  Some have plunge pools on the deck and even private swimming pools.  The toilets are spacious and elegantly designed with a large sunken bathtub and rainwater showers with hot and cold water.  Other facilities include individually controlled air conditioning, telephone with international dialing facilities, mini bar, 29’’ flat screen TV, satellite TV channels, coffee/tea making facilities, Bose DVD/CD Home Entertainment system, electronic safe, and even your own sarong, pair of reed slippers and umbrella.

• Water Villas:  The three water villas (each 1,240 sq. ft) are built over a waterway filled with lotuses.  The villas have timber decks that jut out over the water.
  
• Paddy Field Villas:  Six villas (each 1,240 sq. ft) are built over paddy fields and have small plunge pools on the deck.
  
• Marsh Pavilions:  The six pavilions of 1,240 sq ft. each are situated over the marsh area.  Two of the villas have plunge pools on the decks.
  
• Forest Villas:  Bordering the wilderness are 10 luxurious forest villas (each 2,110 sq. ft.). Each of these two story villas has a 22 ft x 10 ft. private swimming pool.  The ground floor consists of an open cemented lounge area with plush floor cushions and recliners, overlooking the private swimming pool, indoor courtyard, bedroom and toilet.  The upstairs has a second spacious bedroom with king size bed, attached bathroom and balcony with scenic views.

Facilities
Vil Uyana has several dining options including two restaurant areas: Sulang café surrounded by water and Apsara fine dining restaurant with magnificent view of Sigiriya.  Other dining options include Spa dining at the Island Spa, Signature dining on the deck within the privacy of your own villa, Cellar dining at Vil Uyana’s well-stocked wine cellar, and Outdoor dining at the Kamatha by the paddy fields, where a typical village rice and curry meal is offered on a banana leaf.

Vil Uyana’s tranquil library is situated overlooking a lotus pond on one side and a waterway on the other.  The Island Spa & Wellness Center consists of a fully equipped airconditioned gym, a yoga pavilion and a wellness center headed by an Ayurveda Physician.  Aromatherapy and Ayurveda herbal oils are used for the wide array of relaxing massages, wraps and body works that are on offer.  The therapy rooms surrounded by water and open to the natural surroundings are ideal for relaxation.

Vil Uyana’s commitment to the country’s heritage, nature and wildlife is invaluable.  The in-house Naturalist, Nadeera, is always keen to share his knowledge and expertise with the guests. There is also a Research Centre on site for educational institutions.

Excursions
Vil Uyana is closely situated to many of the heritage sites in Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. A bicycle trail provides for an adventurous excursion.  Morning walks along the Sigiriya bird trail takes you through to the foothills of the Sigiriya rock and the Sigiriya tank.  The “Popham Arboretum” is another interesting excursion for those interested in gaining insight into the trees and foliage of the dry zone.