The creation of a new ultra-luxury boutique tier by Sri Lanka’s Uga Resorts aims to provide greater clarity for guests and trade partners.
The segmenting of its portfolio into two distinct tiers will roll out in the next few months, Uga Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing Marcelline Paul told LATTE. Properties that will sit in the new top tier will include Uga Chena Huts, Uga Ulagalla, Uga Haloowella, Uga Riva, Uga Prava and newcomer Uga Ghiri which will open in June 2026.
“These properties offer exceptionally private suites, elevated dining experiences and immersive encounters with wildlife and local culture,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the premium lifestyle tier will feature larger properties that are up to 60 keys. The Bay and Jungle Beach an Uga Experience will sit within this category. “These resorts cater to modern luxury travellers seeking relaxed beach or active lifestyle experiences within refined settings,” he said.
Paul stressed that the brand’s core values will remain consistent across all properties with both tiers equally critical to its future growth. But he pointed out that the restructure will allow Uga to “address different traveller motivations more effectively”.
“The segmentation helps distinguish between intimate, experiential luxury and contemporary, lifestyle-focused hospitality, ensuring each property category speaks directly to its target audience,” he said.
Paul also shared further details of Uga Ghiri, which will take its overall portfolio to eight properties when it opens in June 2026.
Located in Sri Lanka’s highlands on an historic 10-acre Sutherland tea estate, Uga Ghiri will overlook Nine Arches Bridge.
“It will be the first true luxury resort in Ella, featuring 15 high-end villas of 1,400 square feet each with outdoor jacuzzis,” he said. “The villas will offer views of either the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or the rolling tea plantations, complemented by an infinity pool and unique dining outlets.”
The new property will cater to growing demand for “off-the-beaten-path experiences”, according to Paul, with its relaxed atmosphere, hiking trails and colonial heritage expected to make it a popular option for discerning travellers.
Meanwhile, Paul underscored the importance of the Australian market for Uga Resorts thanks to the local love of experiential travel and boutique luxury.
“Prior to the pandemic, Australia ranked as the third largest source market for Uga Resorts,” he said. “Following the disruption of COVID-19, the Australian market is demonstrating significant recovery, with Uga Resorts experiencing a remarkable 72% growth from this market over the past year.
“This resurgence aligns with broader trends showing strong performance in the luxury sector across the region and Australian travellers’ preference for purpose-driven experiences, including spa retreats and culinary tourism.”
A broad engagement strategy targeting strengthened trade partnerships is therefore being implemented, alongside visits and marketing campaigns, Paul confirmed.
