Anyone who takes a look at the new Hilton hotel in Sri Lanka for the first time will be amazed. Because the Hilton Yala Resort doesn't correspond at all to the style, which one usually knows from Hilton. Instead of a large hotel building, a resort that is more reminiscent of a futuristic, luxurious safari lodge is waiting on the edge of the Yala National Park. The opening date is August 31, 2023.

© Hilton

Hilton Yala Resort
Palatupana, Yala 95000, Sri Lanka
Web: hilton.com
Tel: +94 472 555 555
Price: Doubles from € 580

Villas and wildlife

As early as 2017, Hilton signed contracts for a total of six hotels and resorts on Sri Lanka - in addition to houses in Colombo, Kandy and Negombo, also in Yala National Park. For the latter, the groundbreaking ceremony took place shortly afterwards. Then in September 2019, they presented Gitanjali Chakravarthy with the Women Leadership Award for being named the designated general manager of the planned hotel - the very first for an international hotel brand. And then Covid happened.

© Hilton

The original opening date of late 2020 was therefore postponed to 2023. Construction work progressed, 42 family-friendly rooms and suites were created in small villas spread around the site. Built with great attention to the natural environment, they blend organically with the lush natural surroundings. Guests can look forward to spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Earthy tones create a safari feeling, and each accommodation has its own balcony or terrace and stone bathtub. Some premium suites also have a private pool.

Highlight Elephant Trail

Lush nature embraces the new hotel in Sri Lanka. Tall palms and trees make the seemingly endless communal pool look like a lagoon. Accompanied by the singing of a wide variety of birds, you can swim your lanes here. But another animal will take the hearts of the guests by storm: the elephant. Or rather: the elephants. The Hilton Yala Resort is located just a five-minute drive from Yala National Park on an Elephant Trail. With a little luck, you can see the peaceful giants marching past the villas.

© Hilton

Bathing and diving fans also get their money's worth. The Hilton Yala Resort is located directly on the extensive sandy beach, including a coral reef right on the doorstep. For bird lovers, Bundala National Park offers the perfect place for ornithological observations. Cultural diversion, on the other hand, is available at the historic temples of Kataragama and Sithulpauwa, which are nearby. Game drives, bush walks, stargazing, fishing trips, and dune walks are just some of the other activities offered by this new Sri Lanka hotel.

The pampering program at Yala Resort

Several dining venues provide for culinary vacation pleasures. Among other things, guests can enjoy the freshest sea fish and excellent steaks in the Sandali. At Dhira, the flavors of Asia are on the menu. And for a time out with a view, the Vanya provides. Here, you stop for a tea or coffee during the day, while in the evening you order fine wines, cocktails and gins. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed at Lanthaaruma. In addition to an individual menu, it offers dinners at the most beautiful locations of the Yala Resort, for example on the beach.

© Hilton

Those who want to pamper their body not only from the inside, but also from the outside, go to the spa. Expert hands provide moments of peace and relaxation here. And those who still have some power left can use the modern gym. For children, there are separate activity programs to choose from. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, they go out into nature to track, for example.

Hilton Yala Resort
Palatupana, Yala 95000, Sri Lanka
Web: hilton.com
Tel: +94 472 555 555
Price: Doubles from € 580