A boutique hotel with panache 

Located further up the coast from the North Eastern naval bastion of Trincomalee in the sleepy village of Kuchchaveli lies Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes. It is a boutique hotel with panache. Flanked by a saltpan and an abundance of green foliage on one side and an ocean that can be mistaken for a glass sheet on the other, Jungle Beach is a destination in itself. Lounge in the privacy of a minimalist room, shower au naturel under an outdoor rain shower, dine under a canopy of stars and sip an innovative cocktail using local ingredients and enjoy the luxe ambiance of this hotel. 

48 cabins with beach, jungle or lagoon views form the mainstay of the hotel. A cluster of three villas have the added benefit of sharing a private pool and families and groups of friends holidaying together are perfectly suited to occupy the cluster. The rooms crafted from indigenous materials are harmoniously fused with the natural surroundings and are modern in design. Tucked within luscious foliage, the cabins offer privacy and seclusion. King sized beds, high end entertainment systems and private decks add luxury to the rooms. 

Jungle Beach scores full marks on their range of culinary offerings. Carefully curated menus offer a range of Eastern and Western cuisine. No surprises that seafood features prominently on the menu given that Trincomalee has a thriving fish market. The breakfast here starts with porridge, yoghurt, a selection of divine pastries and hot toast with the most divine rhubarb spread. This is then followed by a choice of Sri Lankan breakfast which includes the staples of hoppers and milk rice with a selection of curries. This is washed down with a glass of lip smacking UGA juice. The Sri Lankan lunch is not to be missed. Laid out on a wooden tray over three feet long with authentic Sri Lankan curries and the largest crabs I have seen, the lunch scored highly in taste and presentation. Dinner choices are also varied and for those who want a difference there is a varied selection of pastas, salads and seafood dishes. For those who seek to imbibe in cocktails and mocktails there is a lovely bar overlooking the pool and lotus pond along with a beachside bar which serves an innovative selection of drinks using local spirits and garnishes to create authentic cocktails. 

The large curvaceous pool is under a canopy of trees which offers shade with rays of sunlight streaming in through the foliage. Flat screen TV’s, mini bar, complimentary WiFi, rain showers and a spa offering Swedish and Balinese massages add to the amenities. The hotel has the services of two naturalists who offer an insight into the sixty something variety of birds that visit the property in addition to spotted deer, monkeys and lorises. A cycle ride through the village and paddy fields to a lake is recommended as the route is picturesque and if you are lucky you will see elephants at the lake. Whale watching, boat rides to nearby Pigeon Island, snorkelling and city tours to Trincomalee are all offered by the hotel. 

The worth of the hotel is complemented by the staff who are friendly and always at hand to attend to your requests. From recommending drinks from the cocktail menu to organising a candlelit dinner on the beach under the stars the staff can pull it off effortlessly and always with a smile. The chef’s ability to turn out food that is wholesome, delicious and visually appealing is commendable and I am so glad I discovered the bathroom scales on the day I was leaving! Overall Jungle Beach is a great getaway for a weekend break or just a self-indulgent holiday by yourself or with someone special. 

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana