Look no further for your adventurous (and luxurious) honeymoon than Chena Huts, a real-life jungle land resort deep in the heart of Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Located along the country’s south coast, you’ll find 7 pristine acres of wilderness, a private beach, lagoon, heated pool and much, much more. On languorous morning beach walks you can expect to see herds of elephants romping about, flamingos in the lagoon and you may even catch a pack of monkeys making themselves at home in your own private plunge pool. Needless to say, you’ll realize fairly quickly you’re sure as heck not in Kansas anymore. Ideal as a getaway for two, we say book this baby fast as you can for a deep dive into the best of jungle living—and don’t forget your binocs and bug spray.
Photography by Jessica Wright and Chena Huts
Photography: Jessica Wright
Swanky “Shacks”
Using the word “hut” to describe the lavish private pavilions is a bit of an understatement, to say the least. Though the exteriors of the 14 bungalows may appear modest with their shaggily thatched mop-tops, the interiors are anything but. You and your other half will be blissed out with your super king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling French patio doors, gargantuan freestanding bathtub, rattan daybed and, of course, your personal dipping pool and lounge chairs on the patio. Oh, and did we mention you’ve got climate control? A small but necessary detail when you’re dealing with the no-joke jungle temps.
Photography: Chena Huts | Jessica Wright
Wildlife Watch
You’ll be grateful to rely on the resort’s restaurant and bar for many of your meals and libations, as the location of Chena Huts is rather remote by design. Thankfully, Basses Restaurant (named after the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, which is visible from the terrace) would be hard to beat with its beachside locale on a raised platform. In addition to serving up exceptional eats, there’s an in-house spa for treatments including body-buffing, massages and facials, for two, of course. For those prepared to adventure beyond the resort’s boundaries, included in your stay are a guided morning (we’re talking early morning) and evening game drive which are the perfect way to get up close and personal with all the sublime wildlife—safely. Be sure to pack your big-time zoom lens for capturing the tree-lounging leopards and sky-soaring eagles.
Photography: Jessica Wright
Sloth Bears and Crocodiles, Oh My
Lest you confuse this wild wonderland with something quite tame, let us remind you that you’re in the middle of a National Park where exceptionally untamed animals (like leopards, elephants, sloth bears and more) roam free among the jungle and grassy plains. Much of the resort is built on platforms, and you’ll navigate your way along raised pathways surrounded by dense undergrowth and mangroves. You’ll be watched over by gamekeepers from sentry towers, and small snack-size children are discouraged from coming here at all—there are crocodiles and buffalo milling about the lagoon, after all. Furthermore, you’ll want to take full advantage of the heated pool and your plunge pool on the property as the Indian Ocean shoreline is a bit too rough to be trusted. Plan to leave those rowdy riptides well alone for the resident elephants and turtles to handle.
Photography: Chena Huts
Love Chena Huts and need even more adventure? Check out 25 Bachelorette Party Ideas for the Adventure Seeking Bridal Party →
