Sri Lanka
The Bar at Chena Huts by Uga Escapes
“Huts” is something of a misnomer for these luxe thatched-roof abodes on Sri Lanka’s savagely beautiful coastline. Wildlife from neighboring Yala National Park roams through the 14 villas and the vegetation that grows freely throughout the sprawling grounds. Situated by the pool and overlooking the crashing surf, the hotel’s intimate bar serves cocktails in an achingly atmospheric setting—though you have to checkin to enjoy it; the bar is only open to guests. ugaescapes.com/chenahuts; Rs148,500 per night, all-inclusive.
From left: Double the bubbles at Chena Huts; shaking up the safari.
Sri Lanka BY Diana Hubbell
Travellers’ Bar at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo
From left: Colonial charm
top row: courtesy of chena huts (2) m i d d l e r o w : c o u r t e s y o f Ga l l e Fa c e H o t e l c o l o m b o ( 2 ) b o t t o m r o w : c o u r t e s y o f o w l a n d t h e p u s s y c at ( 2 )
on the coast; try a julep.
When this grande dame finished a 30-month top-to-toe touch-up in 2016, so did its iconic seaside watering hole. While a fresh coat of paint may have given the Travellers’ Bar an injection of energy, it hasn’t taken away from the place’s graceful colonial aura. Toast the bygone days with a Basilicum, a pineappleinfused riff on a basil smash, or a Hugo, made with elderflower syrup and mint leaves from the hotel’s garden. gallefacehotel.com; cocktails Rs900–1,200.
Beach Shack at The Owl and the Pussycat
From above: The Beach Shack, on the ocean's edge; or ask to be served poolside.
Named for the 1871 Edward Lear poem, this quirky 17-room boutique packs plenty of whimsy into its palm-shaded grounds. Whether you’re dining at the Runcible Spoon or lounging by the pool, you’re never far from the ocean’s edge. Sipping one of the custom cocktails at The Beach Shack offers the loveliest view of all. Try the Gingered Owl, with a zingy blend of locally distilled arrack, fresh ginger, and fiery Sri Lankan village snake chilies. otphotel.com; cocktails Rs800–1,200.
tr a v el a ndle i s u re a s i a . co m / m a y 2 0 1 7
57
“Huts” is something of a misnomer for these luxe thatched-roof abodes on Sri Lanka’s savagely beautiful coastline. Wildlife from neighboring Yala National Park roams through the 14 villas and the vegetation that grows freely throughout the sprawling grounds. Situated by the pool and overlooking the crashing surf, the hotel’s intimate bar serves cocktails in an achingly atmospheric setting—though you have to checkin to enjoy it; the bar is only open to guests. ugaescapes.com/chenahuts; Rs148,500 per night, all-inclusive.
From left: Double the bubbles at Chena Huts; shaking up the safari.
Sri Lanka BY Diana Hubbell
Travellers’ Bar at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo
From left: Colonial charm
top row: courtesy of chena huts (2) m i d d l e r o w : c o u r t e s y o f Ga l l e Fa c e H o t e l c o l o m b o ( 2 ) b o t t o m r o w : c o u r t e s y o f o w l a n d t h e p u s s y c at ( 2 )
on the coast; try a julep.
When this grande dame finished a 30-month top-to-toe touch-up in 2016, so did its iconic seaside watering hole. While a fresh coat of paint may have given the Travellers’ Bar an injection of energy, it hasn’t taken away from the place’s graceful colonial aura. Toast the bygone days with a Basilicum, a pineappleinfused riff on a basil smash, or a Hugo, made with elderflower syrup and mint leaves from the hotel’s garden. gallefacehotel.com; cocktails Rs900–1,200.
Beach Shack at The Owl and the Pussycat
From above: The Beach Shack, on the ocean's edge; or ask to be served poolside.
Named for the 1871 Edward Lear poem, this quirky 17-room boutique packs plenty of whimsy into its palm-shaded grounds. Whether you’re dining at the Runcible Spoon or lounging by the pool, you’re never far from the ocean’s edge. Sipping one of the custom cocktails at The Beach Shack offers the loveliest view of all. Try the Gingered Owl, with a zingy blend of locally distilled arrack, fresh ginger, and fiery Sri Lankan village snake chilies. otphotel.com; cocktails Rs800–1,200.
tr a v el a ndle i s u re a s i a . co m / m a y 2 0 1 7
57
