Jetwing Yala 

Where the wild things are

With its spectacular coastal setting, the chic and eco-friendly Jetwing Yala is the epitome of contemporary barefoot luxury.

At Jetwing Yala, living in balance with nature is the guiding principle. This icon of sustainable development occupies 38 acres of stunning coastal scrubland, with dunes on the doorstep, turtle nests on the beach (in season) and the sparkling ocean just beyond. The minimalist architecture is designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, with open sides, large windows and natural materials such as wood and palm thatch creating a harmonious effect. Given its proximity to Yala National Park’s resident leopards, its imaginative culinary offering and its stylish facilities, this quietly eco-conscious hideaway merits a spot on every discerning traveller’s itinerary. We recommend spending at least two nights here as part of your tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary; this will give you enough time for a safari experience in the national park.  

Why we love Jetwing Yala

  • Yala National Park’s amazing wildlife, including Sri Lanka’s Big Three of elephants, leopards and sloth bears, is on the doorstep

  • There’s a romantic back-to-nature feel about the location, a coastal wilderness dotted with cleverly low-key buildings

  • The appealing range of signature dining options includes barbecues by the beach and candlelit cocktails in the dunes 

  • It’s a poster child for sustainable luxury, from its turtle hatchery and bird walks to its solar panels and local food sourcing

4.5 stars
Nov - Jun
Colombo 10½ hours
On the coast, approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the entrance of Yala National Park
Approx. 4.5 hours by expressway from the airport

This resort has earned internationally recognised certification that conform to standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Rooms

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Sustainability
  • Good to Know

In the two restaurants and three bars, mealtimes come with sea breezes and magnificent ocean views – and even more so if you opt for a signature dining experience on the dunes.

The Restaurant
At the sprawling main restaurant, there’s a vast outdoor terrace where you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner against a scenic backdrop. The only stress will come from deciding what to eat from the various buffets, live cooking stations, set menus and à la carte options.

Thambapanni\  Serving delicious Asian fusion cuisine, Thambapanni is a chic lunch-and-dinner-only restaurant in a prime spot overlooking the sea.

The Bar
Open from 11am to 11pm, the cosy bar has a superb raised position so you can enjoy coastal vistas along with the coffee or cocktail.

Beach Bar
This barely there bar, little more than a palm-thatched roof on two poles, provides drinks just a few paces from the ocean.

Pool Bar
You hardly need to move from your poolside lounger to sample something from the à la carte menu or just a refreshingly cold drink.

There’s a wonderful castaway vibe to the simple beach bar, especially if you’re sitting there sipping coconut water fresh from the shell.

What's included

Breakfast at The Dining Room.

Upgrade options

Half Board (for Deluxe Room guests) • Breakfast and dinner at The Dining Room
Full Board (for Deluxe Room guests) • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Dining Room.

The wellness-boosting treatments in the small spa – featuring ethical products, of course – are a tonic for the soul. Opt for one of the soothing massage rituals, performed by expertly trained Balinese therapists.

The state-of-the-art gym, open from early until evening time, has glass walls making every workout a visual treat. Otherwise, you can play volleyball on the beach, go dune sliding or, for a gentle workout with an eco edge, you could opt for a ramble through the grounds with the resident bird expert.

Trips to explore the shipwrecks on Great Basses Reef just south of the resort, for qualified divers only, can be arranged.

Head to the beach area where Aussie-trained lifeguards oversee a range of watery activities such as jet skiing, snorkelling, kayaking, body surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing.

Jetwing Yala is home to the largest solar installation of any of the island’s hotels, which supplies over 35% of its daily electricity needs. In this remote part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, there’s a reverse osmosis plant to turn seawater into fresh water for all uses. As an example of its commitment to local sourcing, it buys fresh buffalo milk from local farmers to make its Sri Lankan curd. In partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, they’ve set up an on-site turtle hatchery.

Compulsory Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala dinners, supplements apply.

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