Safari vehicle beneath a spreading tree at sunset in Yala

6 Briefs

The Safari & Gem Atelier

A private wilderness residency combining Yala's extraordinary wildlife with an exclusive Ceylon gemstone masterclass.

Most suited for
Gem collectors & wildlife enthusiasts
Duration
6 Days | 5 Nights

The feeling of this journey

The Safari & Gem Atelier

Six days in Yala, with private safaris, a Ceylon gemstone masterclass and jungle dining at a secluded wilderness retreat.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityNational Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka

The roadmap

Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s cocoon-shaped tent and private pool amid coastal vegetation

Moments along the way

Trip highlights

A leopard resting on a rock, illustrating Yala’s wildlife

Yala · Private wilderness

Private Yala Wildlife Safari

Venture into Yala National Park aboard a privately arranged safari vehicle with an experienced naturalist, exploring diverse landscapes in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears and Sri Lanka's remarkable wildlife.

Colourful faceted gemstones illustrating a private Ceylon gemstone masterclass

Yala · Private acquisitions

Ceylon Gem Masterclass & Private Trade

Discover the fascinating origins of Ceylon gemstones through an exclusive masterclass, hands-on evaluation and a discreet private viewing of carefully selected gemstones.

A naturalist guiding a guest in wildlife observation with binoculars

Yala · Exclusive wilderness experience

Wilderness Discovery & Private Jungle Dining

Discover the intricate beauty of Sri Lanka's wilderness through guided nature experiences and intimate wildlife observation, culminating in an exclusive, customised farewell dinner beneath the stars in a secluded jungle setting.

3 highlights

Your route through Ceylon

The Safari & Gem Atelier

Six days of wildlife discovery, gemstone appreciation and refined wilderness luxury.

Day 1

VIP Arrival & Wilderness Retreat

Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s cocoon-shaped tent and private pool amid coastal vegetation

Luxury SUV Transfer

Airport reception followed by a private chauffeured luxury SUV journey through Sri Lanka's scenic southern landscapes to the wilderness of Yala.

Luxury Safari Lodge Welcome

Settle into your secluded accommodation at Wild Coast Tented Lodge or Uga Chena Huts, surrounded by natural vegetation and the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka's southern coast.

Evening at Leisure

Unwind within the tranquil lodge surroundings, enjoying the sounds of nature, the peaceful wilderness atmosphere and a relaxed introduction to your upcoming safari experiences.

Day 2

Yala National Park & Wildlife Discovery

A leopard resting on a rock, illustrating Yala’s wildlife

Private Morning Safari

Depart early aboard a privately arranged safari vehicle with an experienced naturalist, exploring Yala National Park's diverse landscapes in search of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer and other native wildlife.

Wildlife Interpretation & Photography

Gain fascinating insights into animal behaviour, natural habitats and conservation through personalised guidance, with opportunities to photograph wildlife in its natural environment.

Afternoon at Leisure

Return to your luxury wilderness retreat for a relaxed afternoon, enjoying the swimming pool, secluded surroundings and an unhurried evening close to nature.

Day 3

Ceylon Gem Masterclass & Private Trade

Colourful faceted gemstones illustrating a private Ceylon gemstone masterclass

Masterclass & Touch Experience

An exclusive private session exploring Ceylon gemstone origins, rare colour variations and hands-on evaluation using professional jeweller's loupes.

Private Gemstone Viewing

A discreet, appointment-only presentation of carefully selected gemstones, with opportunities to examine their distinctive characteristics and discuss individual collecting interests.

Personalised Gem Consultation

Engage in one-to-one discussions about gemstone selection, quality, certification and potential bespoke jewellery commissions, within the privacy of your luxury wilderness retreat.

Day 4

Wilderness Exploration & Safari Adventure

Safari vehicle beneath a spreading tree at sunset in Yala

Private Afternoon Safari

Venture into Yala National Park for another privately guided wildlife experience, exploring its varied habitats and seeking opportunities to observe animals during the cooler afternoon hours.

Nature & Birdlife Discovery

Discover the park's rich biodiversity with an experienced naturalist, observing native and migratory birds, waterholes and the intricate relationships within Yala's wilderness ecosystem.

Sunset Wilderness Experience

Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening, enjoying the changing colours of the landscape and the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 5

Wild Encounters & Private Jungle Dining

A private dinner setting on the edge of the wilderness at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Guided Wilderness Walk

Begin the morning with a carefully guided nature experience around the lodge's designated wilderness trails, discovering animal tracks, native vegetation and the fascinating details of the surrounding ecosystem.

Private Lodge Leisure

Spend the afternoon at your own pace, with opportunities for spa treatments, poolside relaxation or quiet moments immersed in the natural beauty of Yala.

Exclusive Jungle Farewell Dinner

Conclude your wilderness residency with an intimate, privately arranged dining experience in a secluded, lodge-managed setting surrounded by nature. Beneath the stars, enjoy a specially curated multi-course menu tailored to your personal tastes and preferences, with an elegant private table setting that captures the magic of the Sri Lankan wilderness.

Departure · Day 6

Seamless Departure

Uga Chena Huts’ illuminated lodge buildings beneath a purple evening sky

Morning Leisure

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast at your wilderness retreat, taking in the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on the wildlife encounters, gemstone discoveries and memorable experiences of your journey.

Luxury SUV Transfer

Private chauffeured luxury SUV transport from Yala to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward departure.

At your table

Dining, personally curated

Menus can be customized to your tastes, dietary preferences and preferred cuisines, in consultation with your private chef.

A freshly prepared colourful salad at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

01The menu

A Menu Composed for You

A specially curated multi-course farewell menu reflects your personal tastes and preferences, bringing a refined finish to your wilderness residency.

A private dinner setting on the edge of the wilderness at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

02The setting

An Evening Beneath the Stars

Your private farewell dinner is arranged in a secluded, lodge-managed setting surrounded by nature, with an elegant table reserved exclusively for your party.

Safari vehicle beneath a spreading tree at sunset in Yala

Make this yours

A favourite kind of stay? A particular interest in gems? Tell us what matters to you, and we’ll build the journey around it.

Bespoke Sri Lanka Residencies & Private Gemstone Expeditions starting from $5,000 per guest.

Book tour

What’s included

The residency brings together a private retreat, gemstone discovery and time to restore. From your arrival to your final evening, the experiences below form the heart of your 6 days.

Your residency includes:

  • Five nights at your selected wilderness retreat
  • Private airport transfers by chauffeured luxury SUV
  • Private morning and afternoon Yala safaris with an experienced naturalist
  • Guided nature and birdlife discovery around designated lodge trails
  • Exclusive Ceylon gemstone masterclass, private viewing and consultation
  • Private farewell dining with a menu tailored to your preferences

What’s not included

Purchases and personal choices beyond the residency are accounted for separately, giving you the freedom to decide what to add.

  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Gemstone purchases and bespoke jewellery commissions
  • Optional spa treatments, personal expenses and gratuities
  • Experiences outside the agreed residency

Pricing

Packages start from $5,000 per guest.

Pricing depends on your dates, accommodation, room category and chosen experiences. The price and final inclusions are confirmed before your residency.

Places to slow down

Considered stays

Secluded wilderness sanctuaries, exceptional safari experiences and refined hospitality on the edge of Yala National Park.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s cocoon-shaped tent and private pool amid coastal vegetation

Yala · Luxury wilderness retreat

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Global rating

9.7/10

A wilderness retreat where Yala’s jungle meets the ocean, with distinctive cocoon-shaped suites, private safari experiences and attentive hospitality.

Room categories

  • Cocoon Suite at Wild Coast Tented Lodge with a four-poster bed and vaulted canvas ceiling
    Cocoon Suite
    55 m²

    An elegantly designed tented suite featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, panoramic jungle views, refined safari-inspired interiors, a freestanding copper bathtub and a private outdoor viewing deck.

  • Aerial view of a Cocoon Pool Suite with its private plunge pool at Wild Coast Tented Lodge
    Cocoon Pool Suite
    55 m²

    A secluded luxury suite featuring spacious interiors, double-height glass facades, a private plunge pool and an outdoor deck surrounded by the natural beauty of Yala's wilderness.

  • Aerial view of Wild Coast’s Family Cocoon Pool Suite and adjoining Urchin tent
    Family Cocoon Pool Suite
    75 m²

    A spacious family retreat featuring a luxurious main Cocoon suite, an adjoining twin-bedded Urchin tent connected by a walkway, and a private plunge pool, offering additional space and privacy for families.

Explore the suites
Uga Chena Huts’ illuminated lodge buildings beneath a purple evening sky

Yala · Exclusive safari sanctuary

Uga Chena Huts

Global rating

9.6/10

A secluded retreat near Yala, with private pool cabins, refined dining and wildlife experiences set amid the region’s natural wilderness.

Room categories

  • Luxury Pool Cabin bedroom at Uga Chena Huts with a king bed and private deck
    Luxury Pool Cabin
    Approximately 149 m²

    An exceptionally spacious private cabin featuring a king-size bed, separate living area, elegant safari-inspired interiors, a luxurious bathroom with freestanding bathtub, outdoor shower, secluded deck and private plunge pool overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

Explore the suites

FAQ

FrequentlyAsked Questions

Where the business of gems meets the pleasure of Ceylon

Shall we begin?