Hilton Yala Celebrates Triple Victory at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards

Hilton Yala Celebrates Triple Victory at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards

Hilton Yala recognised as Best Luxury Safari Retreat and Best Luxury Wildlife Resort in Asia, alongside Best Luxury Sustainable Resort in South West Asia.

YALA, SRI LANKA – October 2026 – Hilton Yala Resort has secured three prestigious accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s distinctive luxury wildlife destinations. The resort was recognised as Best Luxury Safari Retreat – Asia, Best Luxury Wildlife Resort – Asia, and Best Luxury Sustainable Resort – South West Asia, celebrating its approach to immersive wildlife experiences, refined hospitality and responsible tourism.

Nestled within the wilderness bordering the renowned Yala National Park, Hilton Yala Resort offers an experience where contemporary luxury meets the extraordinary natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern landscape. Surrounded by rich biodiversity and remarkable wildlife, the resort provides travellers with an opportunity to explore one of the country’s most celebrated natural destinations while enjoying exceptional comfort, service and exclusivity.

The recognition as Best Luxury Safari Retreat – Asia and Best Luxury Wildlife Resort – Asia highlights the resort’s distinctive approach to wildlife tourism, where each experience is shaped by knowledge, authenticity and a genuine appreciation for the natural world.

Central to this offering is Hilton Yala Resort’s resident ranger team, comprising professionals qualified through the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and CyberTracker. Led by Sajith Withanage, Head Ranger, the team brings internationally recognised guiding and tracking expertise to the resort’s safari and experiential activities. Through wildlife interpretation, animal tracking and nature-led exploration, guests are encouraged to look beyond traditional wildlife sightings and develop a deeper understanding of Yala’s remarkable ecosystems.

Complementing its wildlife experiences, Hilton Yala Resort brings together thoughtfully designed accommodation, private pool villas, distinctive culinary experiences and wellness offerings inspired by the surrounding landscape. Each element of the guest journey is designed to create a balance between adventure, relaxation and a meaningful connection with nature.

The resort’s third accolade, Best Luxury Sustainable Resort – South West Asia, recognises its commitment to a more considered approach to luxury hospitality. Operating alongside one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant landscapes, Hilton Yala Resort places importance on responsible tourism, environmental awareness and creating experiences that encourage guests to appreciate and respect the destination.

Commenting on the achievement, Sanoj Perera, Director of Marketing & Communication at Hilton Yala Resort, said:

“Receiving three recognitions at the World Luxury Hotel Awards is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Hilton Yala Resort. What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that they recognise the very essence of what we have been working to create — a destination where exceptional hospitality and authentic wildlife experiences come together. Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest natural treasures, and we have always believed that its story deserves to be told on the international stage. These accolades are a reflection of the passion and expertise of our entire team, particularly our rangers, who bring the wilderness to life for our guests. More importantly, they inspire us to continue elevating the experience while remaining mindful of our responsibility towards the environment and the destination we represent.”

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise excellence across the global luxury hospitality industry, celebrating hotels and resorts that demonstrate exceptional standards in service, facilities and guest experiences. The awards provide an international platform for recognising distinctive hospitality offerings across destinations and categories.

Looking Ahead: Elevating Safari Experiences and Strengthening Conservation Efforts

Building on these achievements, Hilton Yala Resort is committed to further elevating its safari experiences, with a continued focus on exceptional guiding expertise, responsible wildlife encounters and a deeper appreciation of the natural environment.

With its FGASA and CyberTracker-qualified ranger team, the resort aims to introduce more immersive and personalised wildlife experiences, placing greater emphasis on animal behaviour, wildlife tracking, ecological interpretation and the extraordinary biodiversity of Yala National Park. Continued investment in ranger training and professional development will further enhance the quality and depth of these experiences, allowing guests to discover the wilderness beyond traditional game drives.

Environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation will remain central to the resort’s future direction. Hilton Yala Resort intends to strengthen its conservation-focused activities through greater environmental awareness, responsible safari practices and initiatives that support the protection of local biodiversity and natural habitats. Particular emphasis will be placed on encouraging guests to understand the importance of conservation and the role responsible tourism plays in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

Looking ahead, guests can anticipate more enriching nature-led activities, educational wildlife encounters and thoughtfully curated experiences that bring them closer to the wilderness while fostering a greater respect for the environment.

Together, the three World Luxury Hotel Awards represent more than international recognition. They reaffirm Hilton Yala Resort’s commitment to continually raising the standards of luxury wildlife tourism while contributing towards a more sustainable future for the destination.

As the resort continues to evolve, its ambition remains clear: to set new benchmarks for luxury safari experiences in Sri Lanka, where exceptional hospitality, wildlife expertise and meaningful conservation efforts come together to create experiences worth travelling for.

For more information and reservations, guests may contact Hilton Yala Resort via email at KDWYA_Safari@hilton.com, WhatsApp on +94 74 3911 892, or visit hiltonyala.com.

Hilton Yala Resort is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hilton Yala Resort or call +94 47 255 5555. 

Read more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the globe, connecting people, cultures and communities. Offering striking design and vibrant communal spaces—from buzzing lobbies to lively bars, best-in-class restaurants, and iconic event venues— Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the place to see and be seen in the world’s most sought-after destinations. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is where the world comes together, and travelers are masterfully hosted with expertise and care.  Experience a legendary stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.  

About Hilton Yala Resort

Hilton Yala Resort is a luxurious 5-star full-service resort located on the southern edge of Sri Lanka, adjacent to the iconic Yala National Park and overlooking the Indian Ocean. With 42 stylish guest accommodations—including rooms, suites and private pool-villas—the resort marries sophisticated design with the immersive wilderness of the surrounding landscape.  

Managed by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and owned by Wild Beach Resorts (Pvt) Ltd, Hilton Yala offers three dining venues, a spa, a fitness centre and a programme of curated experiences including guided safaris, bush walks and coastal excursions.

Designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind, the resort features expansive greenery, large windows that frame the natural surroundings, and a setting that encourages guests to engage with Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage.

Whether travellers seek adventure, wildlife encounters or serene luxury, Hilton Yala Resort provides a distinctive getaway where nature meets refined hospitality.

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