We have created a list with the best five star hotels in Yala, Sri Lanka. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Isa Weber & Adam Hansen. Updated February 2024.
Resort.Charming. Comfortable beds. Popular among couples. Wild Coast Tented Lodge All Inclusive is adjacent to the famous Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population. This luxury tented camp is situated where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Wild Coast Lodge’s design uses arched fabric structures that allows the tents to take on the shape and colour of the rocks and boulders that lay scattered nearby, whilst a clever layout in the shape of a leopard’s paw print alludes to the area’s most famous resident. While the main buildings, made of bamboo, blend in with the distinctive rock formations of Yala, the air-conditioned tents offer state-of-the art amenities. The open-air bamboo-clad Ten Tuskers bar and Dining Pavilion wrap around the resort’s free-form swimming pool. Guests can enjoy creative daily-changing menus of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the restaurant, as well as sundowner cocktails and picnics al fresco on the sand dunes, watching dusk settle over the Indian Ocean. Guests learn about the wildlife in the park and watch documentaries in the library. The property offers vehicles to tour the quietest corners of Yala National Park and expert naturalist guides talk guests through the incredible diversity. The Sanctuary Spa borders pristine ocean and dense bush and uses native Sri Lankan ingredients, Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon.Show full description
This might be one of the most ELEGANT AND STYLISH resorts in Yala.
Resort.Delightful property. Superb interior design. Popular among couples. Located in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Chena Huts is just 5-minute away from Yala National Park. Featuring free WiFi, a spa centre and an outdoor pool, Chena Huts offers fine views of the wilderness and seascape. It is designed to echo the local architecture harmonizing with the jungle environment. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and comprise of living room, bedroom, en suite bathroom and shaded private built-in plunge pool. The luxurious bathroom boast of free standing bathtubs and twin vanity consoles. You will find a 24-hour front desk offering express check in/check out services. This area is popular for hiking. Free private parking is available on site. Transfers to and from the park entrance to resort can be arranged. Morning and evening game drives in a customized safari game viewing vehicle is included (vehicle on sharing basis and includes park entry fees). Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner (included in the rate) at the Basses restaurant, where urban dining is featured along with water, fruit juices and other soft drinks, teas and coffees, selected wines, beers and spirits at the bar. Kataragama is 19 km from Chena Huts, while Tissamaharama is 14 km away. Colombo International Airport is 6-hour drive away.Show full description
This might be the most well designed and luxurious five-star hotel in Yala.
Resort.Newly opened, July 2023. Hilton Yala Resort has a fitness centre, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Yala. 21 km from Situlpawwa and 22 km from Tissa Wewa, the property provides a private beach area, as well as a bar. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. An à la carte, American or Asian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Bundala Bird Sanctuary is 37 km from the resort, while Kirinda Temple is 12 km from the property. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 49 km from Hilton Yala Resort.Show full description
Resort.Hip. Superb breakfast. Popular among women. Only a 5-minute drive from the famous Yala National Park is Cinnamon Wild Yala. It boasts chalets with private balconies and free Wi-Fi. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Nestled in the south of Sri Lanka, the property is a 6-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in Kirinda, a village well-known for its wildlife. Chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or jungle. They are decorated with local artcrafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities. Enjoying a prime location, Cinnamon Wild Yala's restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.Show full description
I would describe this as the coolest five-star hotel in Yala.
Boutique hotel.Relaxing atmosphere. Cosy rooms. Spread across 38 acres of land, Jetwing Yala features an outdoor pool, a business centre and luxurious rooms located on the borders of Yala National Park. Operating a 24-hour front desk, it provides free parking and offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Fitted with parquet flooring and four-poster beds, spacious air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a wardrobe, in-room safe, a flat-screen cable TV and sofa seating area. Iron, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are also included. The large en suite bathroom comes equipped with a hairdryer and hot/cold shower. At Jetwing Yala, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or approach the tour desk for sightseeing and travel arrangements. Luggage storage and laundry are available for convenience. The property houses a restaurant, The Dining Room, serving delectable Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine. The Living Room bar and pool bar offers a variety of cocktails and drinks to choose from. Thambapanni is an Asian fusion fine dining restaurant. Room service option is also available. Jetwing Yala is within 35 km from the new Mattala International Airport. Colombo City is approximately a 4-hour drive away. The property houses The Restaurant, serving delectable cuisine. The Beach bar and pool bar offer a variety of cocktails and drinks to choose from. Thambapanni is our Asian fusion fine dining restaurant. Additionally, the in-room service option is also available, to cater to your specialized needs.Show full description
I rate this as one of the most RELAXING boutique hotels in Yala.
Luxury Hotel. Located in the town of Tissamaharama, Elephant Reach is a 265 km drive, south from Colombo. The eco-friendly hotel offers an outdoor pool, restaurant and rooms with a DVD player. This nature resort is situated near the Yala National Park and is spread across 4 acres of land. Other nearby attractions includes the historic towns of Kataragama, Kirinda and Sithulpahuwa. Featuring wooden decor and flooring, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a 20-inch TV, minibar and tea/coffee maker. The spacious bathroom offers hot and cold water. Elephant Reach offers free private parking, a bar and laundry facilities. A children's play area is available. Tours and day trips can be arranged to various nature parks and attractions.Show full description
Luxury Tent. Located in the buffer zone of Yala National Park, WildTrails - Yala, Tented Safari Camp offers luxury tents with a private bathroom. Inclusive of all meals, an experience ranger and naturalist are available for guests. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is 27 km from the campsite. Kataragama is a 35-minute drive away. Surrounded by the jungle, each tent features a desk, seating area and private bathroom with shower, toilet and free toiletries. Rechargeable bedside lamps and free water bottles are provided. At WildTrails - Yala, Tented Safari Camp you will find a 24-hour front desk, barbecue facilities and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage. The campsite offers free parking.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list as up-to-date as possible. We last updated it in February 2024. If you know of a five-star hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!