Coming from Colombo,via the Millenium Elephant Foundation and Dambulla, it was with much anticipation that our driver turned down the very bumpy road to Vil Uyana. Met by crisply dressed staff with motorized buggy, we knew it would be great.

The resort is spread out with dirt paths and wooden walkways separating the villas, bodies of water and bush interspersed so you feel tucked away. Refreshing towelette and welcome drink in hand, the outdoor library, infinity edge pool and restaurant above set the scene....classy attention but simple design. We had a marsh villa opposite the gym/spa separated by a small lagoon (# 115) and this was great for sunsets and private. No plunge pool but really, the main pool was rarely used so made no difference. Wifi was iffy in the villa but good by the pool/restaurant/library. Very few bugs so don't worry about mosquitoes and plenty of wildlife to gobble anything up - frogs, large lizards, snakes, resident crocodiles in the lagoon, and many many birds including peacocks, eagles that were such a delight at sunrise.

Food and service was excellent throughout our 2 night stay.

Tip: go to the small dam behind the viewing ramp (via short bush-track) to view sunrise over the marshes - stunning and no-one around but you and the peacocks roosting in the trees!
I would definitely recommend 3 nights or more as you spend an afternoon/morning at Sigiriya, another trip is Dambulla, another could be Annuradhapura or Polonnaruwa or Ritigala...don't try to see too much to quickly - take it slow and enjoy the resort as well as the obvious sights !

We hired a driver from Colombo for our 8 day trip around and I can recommend highly Sujith Liyanage - very friendly, good english, punctual and he shared insightful advice that made the trip have a more 'local' flavour. You can reach him on sujith.liyanage@gmail.com or +94 717252722 or you can contact me for more details.