Uga Halloowella, the iconic boutique hotel by Uga Resorts, has been honoured as Runner-Up in the ‘Food Hero’ category at the prestigious National Geographic Traveller Hotel Awards 2025, placed among the 30 best hotels in the world. The Awards recognise and celebrate new and renovated hotels across the world, that push the boundaries of design, culinary innovation and guest experiences. The awards are adjudicated by a panel of esteemed travel writers, who this year, honoured properties that embodied bold creativity, authentic storytelling and unparalleled dedication to excellence.
Marcelline Paul, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Uga Resorts shared his thoughts on the accolade, stating, “We are deeply honoured to receive such a recognition from National Geographic Traveller. An acknowledgement of this magnitude among the world’s best for our culinary vison, is a true reflection of our team’s passion and dedication. At Uga Halloowella, every dish is a celebration of local ingredients, traditions and the intricate connection between food and locality, which is a testament to the team’s attention to detail and hospitality.”
Food is more than a mere experience at Uga Halloowella, it is a journey through the rich heritage and vast flavours of the Sri Lankan hill country. Inspired by the fertile highlands of Hatton, and the diverse local culinary traditions, each dish is meticulously crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible. The menu reflects a fusion of local flavours and global techniques, which results in dishes are elegant and approachable.
Guests are invited to indulge in a variety of creations including the Ceylon tea and herb-crusted lamb loin served with pea purée, roasted root vegetables, potato pavé, and port wine sauce, a dish that celebrates artistry and simplicity. Another hallmark dish is the Halloowella signature poached eggs, paired with an English muffin, seeni sambol, spinach, curried crab cake, turmeric hollandaise, and crisp curry leaves, a dish that embodies the hotel’s balance of creativity and comfort.
Through the ’Sri Lankan Discover’ section of the menu visitors can discover and enjoy homegrown favourites such as Negombo pork curry with milk rice or classic hoppers served with East Coast sour fish curry Each dish tells a story of its own, from its locality, cultural origins and craftsmanship, and they are presented with warmth and meticulous attention to detail.
With this latest accolade, Uga Halloowella reaffirms its exceptional reputation as a destination where culinary excellence harmoniously coincides with heritage and heart, offering an unparalleled experience that truly captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
ENDS
Photo Captions:
Uga Halloowella