Jetwing Vil Uyana among world’s 60 most incredible hotels

Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka’s leading eco-luxury resort, has been included in the esteemed 2024 Fodor’s Finest Hotels List. 

This exclusive recognition, curated by Fodor’s editors and their extensive global network of independent writers, shines a spotlight on 60 of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, with Jetwing Vil Uyana standing as the sole Sri Lankan resort on this prestigious list. 

Drawing inspiration from the Barnes Wetland on the outskirts of London, Jetwing Vil Uyana’s remarkable journey began in the early 2000s. The mission was to transform 28 acres of abandoned paddy land into a thriving wetland teeming with life. This visionary project, led by the extraordinary environmental architect Sunela Jayawardene and supported by the expert team at Jetwing Hotels, aimed to establish itself as a pioneering regenerative tourism initiative on the island. 

The name “Vil Uyana” translates to “garden of lakes,” and this remarkable resort certainly lives up to its name. Offering five distinct types of dwellings—garden, marsh, water, paddy, and forest—Jetwing Vil Uyana, located mere minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, provides guests with a unique and intimate connection to its absolutely tranquil surroundings. Each of the 36 meticulously designed luxury dwellings features personalised butler service, with most of them boasting private plunge pools. 

Seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability, the resort was intricately designed ground up to be a flourishing sanctuary. From the resort’s innovative architectural design, which harnesses natural light and ventilation, to the natural material including thatched roofing and bamboo wall panelling, used in its creation, help minimise its environmental footprint. Furthermore, Jetwing Vil Uyana’s man-made lakes are entirely replenished by rainwater, avoiding any reliance on local water sources and benefiting the regional water table. 

The resort’s transformation into a man-made wetland habitat and reforested land has led to a significant resurgence of diverse flora and fauna. Among the thriving biodiversity at the resort, the story of the elusive Northern Grey Slender Loris stands out as a highlight. Discovered on-site in 2010, in an area initially earmarked for expansion, the presence of these fascinating creatures prompted the management to make a conscientious decision to forego the development plans, instead declaring the area a dedicated Loris research and conservation site.  

Jetwing’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental preservation to community empowerment. The Jetwing Youth Development Project, which educates local youth to provide them with industry knowledge, as well as the award-winning employment initiative Second Careers, which provides work opportunities for middle-aged women to achieve financial independence, stand as prime examples of community upliftment.  

This man-made wetland sanctuary was also recognised as one of the 15 best eco-hotels in the world earlier this year by Condé Nast Traveller, among other local and international accolades, reaffirming its position as the finest eco-luxury resort in the island. Jetwing Vil Uyana continues to set the benchmark in sustainable tourism, offering immersive and unforgettable experiences replete with the best of Jetwing’s authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.