Uga Jungle Beach – Sri Lanka
The northern part of Sri Lanka still remains largely off the beaten track, and it’s here, on a remote stretch of beach, fringed with dense forest, that Jungle Beach offers a total escape from the every day. You’re totally immersed in the surrounding nature, with the trees being home to birds, butterflies and monkeys – the dawn chorus is quite something to wake up to. And the long and quiet beach that slopes gently into the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, is not a bad place to spend a day or two. Especially when the beach bar is so inviting. This is just the place for families after space and couples looking for seclusion.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
For its remoteness and sublime beach.Style:
Castaway luxe.Location:
At Kuchchaveli, in a 10 acre reserve on four kilomotres of beach, on the remote north east coast – 30 minutes from Trincomalee.Rooms:
49 large cabins with verandahs, sprinkled throughout the forest.Swimming:
A pool and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.Children:
Perfect for adventurous families.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Blending into their natural surroundings, the cabins are built from local materials, with contemporary interiors filled with Sri Lankan artefacts. French doors open out onto verandahs and views out over the lagoon or surrounding forest (Lagoon Cabins and Jungle Cabins), whilst the Beach Cabins have high vaulted ceilings, outside showers and a short walkway to the private beach. Each of these cabins can sleep a family of four. For more space and larger groups, the Jungle Cluster Cabin is a group of three cabins, complete with a private pool.
food
With the open-sided restaurant built into the jungle canopy, dining here is an experience in itself. And then there’s the food. The menu is exceptional and full of traditional Sri Lankan and international dishes, and naturally, delicious fresh seafood. The catch of the day at the beach bar is not to be missed. There’s private dining if you’re after something a bit more romantic (under a canopy of stars), and beach picnics can be made too. All the ingredients are sourced locally, supporting small-scale farmers, or grown in the organic garden in the grounds.
activities
Jungle Beach has everything you could possibly want for a few days of not doing a great deal. Wander or cycle the many trails throughout the forest and spend hours on the deserted beach, then head for a sundowner at the bar. However, you’ll also find that the area has a wealth of things to do and see.
Kuchchaveli and the colonioal town of Trincomalee, further down the coast with its fortress and natural harbour, have a long and interesting history, and the exceptionally friendly and helpful team can organise a variety of visits and tours. The waters are rich with marine life, and snorkelling and diving are popular along the coast. Further out, there’s chance to spot blue whales – the largest mammals in the world. There are colourful temples dotted around the countryside and in villages, where age old rituals are carried out daily. Hidden amongst the forests, you’ll find archaeological sites and buddhist stupas. From Jungle Beach, guests can kayak through the lagoons and fish the local way, and the chefs give regular cookery demonstrations, teaching you the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine. There’s also a Spa, which offers a wonderful mix of Eastern and Western therapies – if you’re not relaxed enough already.
family
If you’re looking for somewhere remote and away from the norm, this is your place. Whilst there are no specific facilities for children, with the jungle and beach to play in and on, who needs them? The team who work here are wonderful with children and you can be guaranteed a very memorable few days.
sustainability
Being committed to the environment, the people who work there and the local community, is something Uga Jungle Beach take very seriously. Water is treated as a precious resource, with all wastewater used for irrigation or recycled where possible, and power is from solar energy. The entire resort is plastic free, with its own water bottling plant and refill stations.
There are regular beach cleans, which guests are encouraged to take part in, and a wide range of community healthcare and education projects are supported.
Location
Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
At Kuchchaveli, in a 10 acre reserve on four kilomotres of beach, on the remote north east coast – 30 minutes from Trincomalee
