Jetwing Surf and Safari among Sri Lanka’s Top Safari Hotels by Condé Nast Traveller and Lonely Planet

Jetwing Surf and Safari, the eco-luxury retreat in Pottuvil on Sri Lanka’s magnetic East Coast, has been recognised by global travel authorities Condé Nast Traveller and Lonely Planet as one of the country’s best safari hotels. 

Set along the pristine shores near Arugam Bay, the resort features 20 seashell-inspired beachfront cabanas, designed with sustainability in mind, offering a rustic yet luxurious coastal escape.

While celebrated for its proximity to world-class surf breaks such as Arugam Bay and Pottuvil Point, Jetwing Surf and Safari, A Luxury Reserve, invites travellers to discover much more. The resort’s curated experiences open a window to the region’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and archaeological marvels that make the enchanting east a compelling year-round destination.

Just an hour from the resort lies Kumana National Park, a serene wilderness forming the eastern sector of Yala. Far less crowded, yet equally captivating as the Yala National Park, Kumana is a paradise for nature lovers. Spanning over 35,000 hectares, Kumana is an underappreciated gem, rich in biodiversity and ecological variety. Its landscape unfolds across dry-zone scrublands, monsoon forests, lagoons, mangroves, rocky outcrops, and villus. Its centerpiece is Kumana Villu, a wetland basin that attracts thousands of migratory and native birds, including Black-necked Storks, Lesser Adjutants, Eurasian Spoonbills, Great Thick-knees, pelicans, painted storks, and herons, creating a breathtaking spectacle throughout the year. Kumana is also rapidly gaining recognition as one of the world’s emerging leopard strongholds, with recent studies placing it among the highest leopard population densities globally. Its diverse terrain and abundant prey, ranging from spotted deer to wild buffalo, make it ideal for big‑cat sightings while offering excellent opportunities to encounter elephants, jackals, mugger crocodiles, and a variety of reptiles and small mammals.

Besides the wildlife, the park shelters remarkable archaeological heritage, most notably the ancient Kudumbigala Monastery located just outside its boundaries.  Scattered ruins, drip‑ledged caves, and remnants of ancient carvings reveal the site’s long spiritual history, adding a compelling cultural layer to Kumana’s wild landscape. This rare blend of tranquil landscapes and vibrant wildlife cements its position as a must-visit for those seeking the raw beauty of Sri Lanka’s wild heart.

Beyond the traditional game drives, Jetwing Surf and Safari is reimagining the safari experience. Guests can embark on a tuk-tuk safari straight from the resort, winding through rustic village roads to the Rottaikulam Tank at the edge of Lahugala National Park. Wildlife often roams beyond park boundaries here, offering rare, crowd-free opportunities to observe elephants and other species in their natural habitat. For a different perspective, the Lagoon Safari offers a quiet sail across the still waters of Pottuvil Lagoon guided by local fishermen, revealing mangrove ecosystems and the wildlife that roam freely around the region. 

Jetwing Hotels Director of Marketing and Development Hashan Cooray said: “These recognitions are not just wins for Jetwing Surf and Safari, but for the entire eastern belt of Sri Lanka. It helps debunk the myth that this region is only about surfing, while in reality, this part of the island offers so much more. From incredible wildlife to history and archaeology, it truly is a year-round destination that deserves much more attention.”

For travelers seeking more than surf and sun, Sri Lanka’s East Coast offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and discovery. From the enthralling wildlife of Kumana National Park to ancient monasteries and archaeological treasures, this region delivers experiences that rival any on the island. And there is no better place to begin your journey than Jetwing Surf and Safari, proudly recognised by leaders in global travel media as one of Sri Lanka’s finest safari hotels.