Chena Huts

Experience an authentic sense of the exotic, surrounded by outstanding tropical luxury (and flamingos!) in the Sri Lankan jungle.

Set in Sri Lanka's exotic deep south, way off the beaten tourist track and bordered by the breathtaking Yala National Park, the all-inclusive Chena Huts spa resort has a distinct ‘lost in paradise' feel.

While you might think of a ‘hut' as a simple and rustic escape, Chena Huts are in fact a beautiful selection of secluded and detached cabins, full of luxury and showcasing the most magnificent wilderness and seascape views. (‘Chena' is a word that refers to small jungle clearings farmed by the ancient people of Yala).

Located amongst ocean dunes and trees, with a tropical jungle on one side and a saline lake on the other, the scenery really is exceptional.  Watch painted storks and flamingos paddle in the lake, as you cradle a cocktail from your shaded deck - what a way to begin your holiday.

The fourteen climate-controlled cabins are privately spaced in a seven acres each, and measure an impressive 1130 sq ft inside (the largest in the area). Designed to blend with their tropical jungle surroundings, they include a ‘luxury safari' theme that features African-style art and natural materials throughout.

Relax on comfortable log-crafted furnishings in your relaxing living area, or outside on your deck...which includes a built-in private plunge pool.  Mix your favourite drink from the fully equipped mini-bar, or indulge in a bubble-fest in the freestanding bathtub.  The choice is yours!

Wake up from a sound night's sleep to be greeted by those amazing views, an ideal backdrop for morning coffee as you plan the day ahead.

You'll want to visit the on-site Basses restaurant, of course.  Nautical-themed (‘Basses' is a name that comes from the nearby reefs and lighthouse), you can enjoy sumptuous dishes in the restaurant itself, or on the beach under the stars.

The opulent spa is another must-visit, in which you can spoil yourself with the ancient healing powers of Ayurvedha, as well as a wide selection of replenishing treatments that will leave you feeling like a brand-new version of yourself.

If you feel like exploring further afield, then Yala National Park is truly stunning, bursting with exotic wildlife and rich in biodiversity.  Here you can feast your eyes upon over 44 resident species that include leopards, flamingos, flying snakes and fan-throated lizards.  Why not experience them all up close, on a morning or evening safari drive?

Meanwhile, you can watch dolphins and whales from the Great and Little Basses reefs, an historic location where the wreckage from Portuguese galleons lie on the sea bed.

Oh, and you can also immerse yourselves in the cultural side of Yala, with a guided visit that takes in the sacred Katharagama forest shrine and Kindira temple.

There is so much to experience with a break at Chena Huts, all of it so relaxing and heavenly that you may feel this is the closest you'll ever get to paradise on Earth.

Things to note

Yala National Park is closed annually during September & October due to the prevailing dry season in the region. However, excursions and game drives to alternative destinations and satellite parks in the area are offered.