Hilton has introduced its newest jewel in Sri Lanka’s crown, Yala National Park. Nestled just beyond the bounds of Sri Lanka’s famed Yala National Park and enveloped by verdant landscapes, Hilton Yala Resort offers an elevated retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation, coupled with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Designed to seamlessly blend with Yala’s natural allure, the resort’s architecture reflects the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings. The 42 rooms, suites, and villas showcase contemporary interiors adorned in neutral tones, accented by safari chic details and local artworks, subtly capturing the essence of the locale. Expansive windows frame the resort’s natural surroundings, providing a glimpse into a habitat teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Ground floor accommodations feature private pools ranging from eight to 16 square meters, while rooms on the level above boast private hot tubs, offering guests a serene space to unwind.
An Unmatched Safari Experience
Hilton Yala Resort doesn’t confine its guest experiences within its boundaries. It offers an elevated and environmentally responsible safari experience led by locally trained rangers. These wildlife experts guide guests through customisable, twice-daily game drives in Yala National Park, delivering enlightening educational sessions to foster a stronger sense of awareness and appreciation for the region’s wildlife and ecosystem.
At the core of Hilton Yala Resort’s ethos lies its commitment to the protection of Yala’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The resort collaborates with local partners to preserve local habitats and biodiversity as part of their destination stewardship efforts. An on-site animal research program, supported by the Hilton Global Foundation equips rangers with the latest wildlife information and technology to monitor and protect indigenous species. Collaborations with organisations like the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) Small Cat Advisory, Leopard Diary, and the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) further contribute to local conservation efforts.
In alignment with these stewardship objectives, Hilton has initiated a ranger academy program to enhance the talent pool of qualified rangers in Sri Lanka, offering meaningful employment and conservation opportunities for the local community. The program, conducted by a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa-certified trainer, aims to support career advancement goals and further strengthen Hilton’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Local Flavors to Global Delights
Hilton Yala Resort promises a gastronomic journey with three outstanding restaurants. Head Chef Jerome Tissera takes the lead, showcasing contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine with predominantly locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savour the flavours of contemporary Asia at Dhira, indulge in Western cuisine at Sandali, or enjoy evening cocktails with panoramic views at Vanya. For an unforgettable dining experience, guests can venture into the wild at Lanthaaruma. Set between the lush jungle and the Indian Ocean, this bespoke dining experience offers a fully customised menu of the freshest ingredients, complemented by sommelier-selected wines. Hilton Yala Resort seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and culinary excellence to create a unique and unforgettable getaway experience for every guest.
How To Reach Yala National Park
Yala National Park is conveniently situated 176 km away from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Upon arrival at the airport, you can opt to hire a car and journey to Yala, choosing your route either via Kandy or Galle for a scenic drive.
For those who prefer train travel, Yala can be reached via Sri Lanka’s extensive railway network. Board a train from Peradeniya near Kandy and disembark at Bandarawela near Yala. From there, the remaining distance to Yala can be covered by bus or cab.
Source : OutlookTraveller
