Saraii Village believes that travel is not just about seeing the new, but about feeling and breathing in a rustic experience that touches your soul. As one of the most eco-conscious hotels in Sri Lanka, we invite the conscientious traveler seeking something off the beaten path, and encourage our visitors to embrace the Saraii philosophy of respecting the serene environment that surrounds them.

The sensation of fine wine and good food in your private nest under the stars is all part of Saraii’s magic spell. Hidden beneath a canopy of trees deep in the heart of Weerawila, Saraii Village is a private estate featuring a series of mud chalets designed to imitate the open air concept of rural homes in the locale. However, the highlights of the property and a firm favorite with guests of all ages, are the magical tree houses, built especially for the wild at heart.

Becoming Saraii
The only thing that is not authentically local about Saraii Village is its name. Meaning ‘The Essence’ in Hebrew, this unique immersive concept allows visitors to experience authentic Sri Lankan life to the fullest. Saraii is the brainchild of its founder Charitha – or Chari as she prefers to be known. A dynamic Fullbright scholar armed with knowledge on Global Social Sustainable Enterprise, Chari’s passionate determination to explore sustainable tourism and share the intricacies of her motherland with the world, led her to overcome many challenges and create what has become one of the most discerning eco hotel concepts in the country. Rooted in her background in organic farming and agro forestry, today Chari’s driven vision continues to enchant visitors who enter Saraii Village seeking a holiday, but leave completely transformed with the magical heartbeat of Sri Lanka pounding in their veins.

Walking Our Talk
The rest of the world calls it sustainability; we call it a way of life. Saraii Village was built on the philosophy of eco-compatibility, a concept that is at the heart of everyday rural Sri Lankan life. From the time of the ancients, the locals have lived in symbiotic harmony with the earth that nurtures and nourishes them. These traditional age-old practices are honoured and carried out by Saraii, combined with modern resources and technology in our efforts to improve and enhance life.

Our infrastructure is built for thermal regulation, with walls that literally breathe to keep the interior cool in the dry Southern heat.

To remain energy efficient, LED and Solar Path lighting are used throughout the complex.

Sustainable farming methods prevent soil pollution and erosion and encourage poison-free fresh produce with every single harvest.

All visitors who enter Saraii are encouraged to join our efforts in conserving the environment, by:

Switching off unused fans and lights in your tree houses/ chalets
Re-using and recycling linen and towels
Using our solar lights at every opportunity
Walking or cycling instead of burning fuel on village tours
Separating your trash so that we avoid plastic in our compost
Around Saraii
The quaint little neighborhoods dotted around Saraii are a visitor’s delight; their residents as full of quirks and stories as the locality itself. They make it their personal mission to charm you with famous Sri Lankan hospitality and ensure you will feel like part of the family as they welcome you wholeheartedly into their homes and lives.

From jovial fishermen and loud, charismatic street vendors to gentle ladies selling curious artisanal handicrafts, the villagers each come with their own memorable personality that carves a special place in your heart. It would be a shame to end your holiday without one-on-one encounters with industrious home entrepreneurs who are happy to serve you their products –delicious silky buffalo curd – and friendly farmers waiting to share their stories with you.

Shop
One of the best souvenirs you are guaranteed to take away from your visit to Saraii village is the treasure trove of wonderful memories you make with us. However, for more tangible mementos and gifts for family and friends back home, we invite you to visit the Saraii boutique for all your shopping.

Like the rest of the hotel, Saraii’s shop runs on the principle of fostering entrepreneurship and features a range of beautiful artisan island crafts and trinkets manufactured at the surrounding villages, that make the perfect souvenir. You may also indulge in local-sourced luxury items from vendors such as Sari Connection, Island Crafts and Bath Bliss, to take home a little bit of Sri Lanka with you.

Tree House

Step away from boring reality and step into the fantasy of living wild and worry-free, surrounded by the natural world.

The latest addition to our treetop experiences, our spacious tree house suites are Saraii’s most popular room choices. Designed to accommodate up to 8 guests, each tree house suite is perfectly suited for a romantic getaway or for a group of friends, and features two floors with an extra-large bed and inbuilt bathroom upstairs, plus a large spacious lounge downstairs. Step out on the deck at night to enjoy your bespoke view of the glittering clear night sky above you or a bird’s eye view below and breathe in the memories that only Saraii can create.

Mud Chalet Suite

Put yourselves in the shoes of the locals and enjoy an authentic village living experience. Saraii’s unique Mud Chalet Suites are designed to be as close to the real indigenous homes in the rural locale. Each of the two suites has its own individual charm and character – one facing the rising sun and surrounded by gardens of organic fruit and vegetables. The other nestles cosily in the corner of our little forest; the original structure that inspired Saraii’s name.

Sri Lankan village homes are typically crafted on the foundation of sustainability and Saraii’s architecture borrows a page from that book. Complete with mud walls that literally breathe and help maintain a cool interior during the heat of the day, and with the luxury of privacy and space with enormous beds just waiting for you to sink into them, our mud chalets are the perfect solution for the visitor wanting to stay on ground.

Superior Tree House

All it takes is a climb up the ladder to discover why our Superior Tree House is a firm favourite amongst guests of all ages. Built on a sturdy old Palu tree, it sits majestically at 25 feet above ground like something out of a storybook. Amongst Saraii’s oldest tree houses, it features 2 floors to shelter up to 4 people in the most magical of ambiences, providing a sense of both safety and an escape for your inner child. Perfect for families with kids or small groups, it is beloved for its breath-taking view of the surroundings and the thrilling feeling of the tree swaying gently in strong winds.

Superior Mud Chalet

Sitting prettily under our tree houses suites are a pair of charming little Superior Mud Chalets that prove that good things come in small packages. To be booked as an extended room combo with the tree house for larger groups, or as a separate cosy hideaway for couples, these colourful little units are full of character. Even the simplest of corners have been treated to Saraii’s special touch. Well-appointed with creative niches and fittings, each chalet is lovingly crafted and features artistic nooks that add detailed authenticity.

Saraii Experiences

Customize your Saraii stay by either choosing from any of our guided tours designed to deliver the most authentic experience you can have with the local communities, or opting for a wild time at any of the responsible safari rides on offer at the country’s best parks.

The Saraii Experience is all about leaving everything you know behind and diving head first into a new world that fills your mind and soul with a new awakening. For those who seek an off-the-beaten path alternative to stereotypical holiday activities, Saraii offers a treasure of exciting discoveries within the locality. Whether its winding down to restful bliss or heightening the adrenaline, there is always a new eco-adventure awaiting exploration at the property ranked amongst Tripadvisor’s Top 10 best treetop hotels in the world.