Ulagalla Resort

Ulagalla Resort inhabits a largely unspoiled 58-acre estate outside the city of Anuradhapura, capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province and home to some well-preserved and seriously ancient Buddhist shrines. To ensure that the land remains a suitable home for the peacocks and monkeys that roam freely through its fields and forests, Ulagalla keeps its footprint minimal, generating half its energy from an on-site solar farm and providing bicycles so guests can traverse the expansive grounds without leaving too much of a mark. In short, it’s an eco-resort that doesn’t takes the “eco” part lightly.

The twenty chalets work with the landscape to offer privacy without cutting guests off from the natural world. Decks with secluded plunge pools are standard, and the interior design wouldn’t seem out of place in an urban penthouse, jettisoning any Buddhist kitsch in favor of chic bathrooms, unobtrusive furniture, and a sense that the exposed wood and high ceilings are all in service of a spare, modernist aesthetic. It feels a bit like contemporary apartment-style living, except on safari rather than in the city.

The sunken spa provides a counterpoint to the sleek living spaces, offering traditional therapies in a literally cavernous underground chamber. Moving a few centuries forward in time, the Liya Wela restaurant is part of the estate’s colonial mansion, which also houses the bar and reception area. The city isn’t far, of course, but once you’ve availed yourself of the famous shrines, there are plenty of adventures to be had without leaving the grounds — simply ask the staff, and your horseback-riding or kayaking wish will be granted.

How to get there:
Ulagalla Resort is located approximately 100 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).