EKHO Belihuloya opens as the brand’s sixth hotel, strengthening its adventure portfolio

EKHO Hotels & Resorts has expanded its growing portfolio with the opening of EKHO Belihuloya, a 16-room hotel set amidst the cool, scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

The opening marks the sixth hotel to operate under the EKHO brand and introduces a renewed hospitality experience to one of the island’s emerging nature and adventure destinations.

Belihuloya has long been known to generations of travellers as a picturesque stop along journeys through the hill country.

Surrounded by mountains, waterways, waterfalls and lush vegetation, the area offers a distinctly slower pace and an opportunity to experience a more tranquil side of Sri Lanka.

Today, its natural setting and access to outdoor experiences are giving travellers new reasons to spend more time in the region rather than simply pass through it.

Positioned as a base from which to explore the destination, EKHO Belihuloya brings together nature, adventure and contemporary comfort.

Guests can use the hotel as a starting point for discovering the landscapes and outdoor experiences surrounding Belihuloya before returning to the relaxed setting of the property.

The hotel features 16 fully refurbished guestrooms, designed to offer a refreshed and comfortable stay while drawing inspiration from the natural character of its surroundings.

While the accommodation has undergone a complete transformation, elements of the original Belihuloya Rest House have been retained within the public spaces, maintaining a connection to the familiar property remembered by generations of travellers.

The flowing waterway alongside the hotel continues to remain one of its defining features, creating a distinctive setting for guests to relax, dine and enjoy the atmosphere of Belihuloya.

The opening also introduces a new strategic direction within the EKHO portfolio, with EKHO Belihuloya positioned under the EKHO Adventure Cluster.

The Adventure Cluster brings together destinations where the surrounding landscape and outdoor experiences form an integral part of the stay.

Through this positioning, EKHO aims to encourage travellers to experience each location beyond the hotel itself, using its properties as gateways to explore the character, activities and natural environments of their respective destinations.

The historic Kithulgala Rest House is currently undergoing its own transformation and is expected to reopen under the EKHO brand, further expanding the Adventure Cluster.

Known for its strong association with outdoor recreation, river-based activities and nature, Kithulgala will complement Belihuloya in strengthening EKHO’s offering for travellers seeking more experiential and active holidays.

“Belihuloya offers an opportunity to experience a very different side of Sri Lanka.

With EKHO Belihuloya, our intention is to provide guests with a comfortable base from which they can explore the destination while still retaining the character and sense of place associated with the original Rest House.

The introduction of the Adventure Cluster also allows us to bring together properties that are closely connected to nature and outdoor experiences,” said Adrian Jansz, Vice President – Sales & Marketing.

With EKHO Belihuloya becoming the sixth hotel in the EKHO Hotels & Resorts portfolio, It also forms part of Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC’s wider approach to giving renewed purpose to selected historic rest house properties, balancing their longstanding identity with the expectations of today’s traveller.