Sustainable Elegant Escapes: Discovering Sri Lanka’s Luxurious Jetwing Hotels
Rooted in Sri Lanka’s heritage of warm hospitality and deep respect for nature, Jetwing Hotels has long been a symbol of luxury, authenticity, and sustainability. As a Sri Lankan family-owned hotel chain, Jetwing curates experiences that celebrate the island’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Two of its most distinguished properties—Jetwing Vil Uyana, a secluded sanctuary set within a private wetland near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Jetwing Kandy Gallery, an intimate riverside retreat in the heart of the island’s last royal kingdom—epitomise the brand’s signature blend of elegance and authenticity. From breathtaking landscapes to immersive local experiences, these hotels offer more than just luxury; they are gateways to the soul of Sri Lanka, crafted with the warmth and passion that define Jetwing’s legacy.
JETWING VIL UYANA
Jetwing Vil Uyana is a destination in itself, offering a unique blend of indulgence and immersion in nature. Tucked away in a private sanctuary, a mere 20 minutes from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, this eco-luxury retreat feels like a world of its own. Unlike a typical resort, it is designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a sense of harmony between luxury and the natural world in a sustainable manner. The property is built around five distinct ecosystems—garden, marsh, paddy, water, and forest—each carefully restored to encourage biodiversity while providing an unforgettable setting for your stay.
Villas
Hidden within the thick greenery, our Forest Dwelling villa felt wonderfully secluded, allowing us to completely disconnect from the outside world. It had its own private pool, with its still waters reflecting the dense canopy of trees surrounding us, making It the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Sigiriya. Inside, the villa radiated understated elegance, combining rustic charm with modern comforts. High ceilings, woven rattan accents, and earthy tones created a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the king-sized bed, spacious lounge area, and luxurious open-plan bathroom added to the sense of contemporary living. The bathroom was particularly impressive, featuring a deep, freestanding bathtub and a separate walk-in rain shower. Every detail had been thoughtfully curated, from the locally branded bath products to the carefully placed reading nook by the window, perfect for unwinding with a book in hand.
Dining
To start or end your day, dining at Jetwing Vil Uyana is another experience in itself. The hotel’s main restaurant, set against the backdrop of swaying paddy fields, serves a mix of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and international dishes, prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The typical Sri Lanka thali was a personal favourite of mine! And to end the night you can step into the property’s wine cellar or adjacent bar for a nightcap. We were there during the Champion’s Cup and the staff played the cricket match in the bar for us which was a great experience!
Activities
Beyond the villas, Jetwing Vil Uyana offers a range of immersive experiences that highlight the beauty and biodiversity of the region. One of the highlights that should not be missed is the nature walk led by the hotel’s in-house naturalist, who will introduce you to the many species of birds, butterflies, and even the elusive loris that call the property home. For those looking to explore further, guided excursions to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala, and Minneriya National Park can be easily arranged, making it an ideal base for discovering Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
What truly sets Jetwing Vil Uyana apart is its commitment to sustainability. Every aspect of the hotel has been designed with conservation in mind, from the use of sustainable building materials to initiatives that support local communities and wildlife preservation. The property itself has played a vital role in restoring the region’s natural ecosystems, transforming abandoned land into a thriving sanctuary for native species.
Website: https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingviluyana/
Reservations: resv.viluyana@jetwinghotels.com
JETWING KANDY GALLERY
Perched along the banks of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, Jetwing Kandy Gallery is a refined retreat that blends contemporary luxury with Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Located just outside the bustling city of Kandy, this intimate boutique hotel offers a serene escape while remaining within easy reach of the city’s historic sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Unlike larger resorts, Jetwing Kandy Gallery is designed to feel exclusive and personal, making it the perfect choice for those seeking both elegance and tranquillity in Sri Lanka’s last royal kingdom.
Rooms
Each of the spacious rooms and suites at Jetwing Kandy Gallery has been designed to offer both comfort and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. Our suite was a haven of relaxation, featuring a private balcony that opened up to panoramic river views. Whether sipping a morning cup of Ceylon tea or watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, the balcony quickly became our favourite spot to unwind.
Inside, the suite was an elegant mix of contemporary design and local craftsmanship, with plush furnishings, natural wooden textures, and carefully curated Sri Lankan artwork adorning the walls. The king-sized bed, fitted with luxurious linens, ensured restful nights, while the free-standing bathtub and rain shower added a touch of indulgence to our stay. True to Jetwing’s philosophy, the amenities were both thoughtful and sustainable.
Dining
Dining at Jetwing Kandy Gallery is nothing short of exceptional. The hotel takes pride in offering an à la carte menu that celebrates the flavours of Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you opt for half board, you will have an extensive choice of four courses which change daily to avoid repetition. The service is also impeccable, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing us to enjoy a moment in privacy.
For a memorable evening the hotel can arrange a private riverside dining experience, where a beautifully set table will be arranged by the water’s edge. With lanterns casting a warm glow and the gentle sounds of the river in the background, you can enjoy a multi-course meal featuring Jetwing’s signature take on traditional Kandyan cuisine.
Activities
While the hotel itself is a haven of relaxation, its prime location makes it an excellent base for exploring Kandy and the surrounding region. We spent a day visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious sites, where you can witness a mesmerising Buddhist prayer. If you’re looking for more immersive experiences, the hotel offers curated cultural activities, including traditional Kandyan dance performances, Sri Lankan cooking classes, and guided nature walks along the Mahaweli River. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of Kandy’s rich heritage and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
As with all Jetwing properties, sustainability is at the heart of Jetwing Kandy Gallery. The hotel is designed to operate with minimal environmental impact, utilising solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable sourcing practices. The commitment to supporting local communities is evident in the use of locally crafted furniture, artwork, and produce, ensuring that every aspect of the hotel reflects the spirit of Sri Lanka.
Website: https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkandygallery/
Reservations: resv.kandy@jetwinghotels.com
In a nutshell
It’s rare to find a hotel chain that caters to the ever-changing environment surrounding us, yet Jetwing Hotels is a name synonymous with luxury, sustainability, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality, and both Jetwing Vil Uyana and Jetwing Kandy Gallery exemplify these values in their own unique ways.
What sets Jetwing Hotels apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Across all its properties, including other iconic retreats like Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle and Jetwing Yala on the island’s southern coast, the brand prioritises eco-friendly practices, from solar energy and rainwater harvesting to wildlife conservation and community-driven initiatives. Staying at a Jetwing hotel isn’t just about luxury, it’s about experiencing Sri Lanka in a way that is both authentic and responsible.
Author details:
Name: Ruchika Verma
Ruchika is a London-based freelance travel writer with a passion for exploring the world in style. Having visited over 70 countries, she specialises in curating and sharing unforgettable luxury travel experiences. When she’s not discovering the finest hotels and embarking on world adventures, she works as a renewable energy lawyer at one of the world’s leading renewable energy infrastructure companies. Follow her journeys on Instagram @wandering_ruchika and explore more of her travels at wanderingruchika.com
