Aarunya — meaning “first rays of the sun” in Sanskrit — was born not merely as a retreat, but as a soulful homecoming. It began with a quiet dream shared between Architect Nath Rankothge, his father Lal Rankothge, an environmentalist, and Nath’s uncle, K.R.G. Wijesundara, a renowned Sri Lankan businessman and philanthropist. Though Nath and Lal had lived in Sydney since 1990, their hearts never strayed far from the lush hills and golden light of their homeland and on many trips to Sri Lanka they sought to connect and contribute meaningfully to their motherland. In 2012, they returned to Sri Lanka with a simple yet profound purpose: to give back to the land that raised them, and to its people with a focus on development and creation.
Their journey began with the creation of Nisala Villa in Lal’s village where he grew up, a holiday home designed by Nath and built by village tradesmen trained into artisans by Nath and Lal. But it was only the beginning. What followed was Aarunya — a sanctuary connected to sky, land and the people, where mist meets mountain, and soul meets silence. Built with care by the same artisans, guided by gratitude, and grounded in community, Aarunya is a living expression of their shared vision — to uplift, to honour, and to awaken a deeper connection between people and place. Since opening in 2018, it has become not just a destination, but a vessel for meaning — where every sunrise is a promise, and every stay a return to what truly matters.
At Aarunya, we envision luxury not as extravagance, but as presence — an elegance that emerges from simplicity, from stillness, and from a deep respect for nature. Our purpose is to create spaces that honour the land and sky, while offering profound experiences of comfort, beauty, and authenticity. Inspired by the gentle first light of dawn, we strive to welcome each guest into a world where time slows, hearts open, and the soul finds peace.
Our vision is to offer more than hospitality — we offer healing. A quiet reverence for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage underpins everything we do. Through thoughtful design, heartfelt service, and a spirit of giving, Aarunya stands as a beacon of conscious travel — a place where guests don’t just stay, but are stirred, soothed, and inspired.
Our mission is both simple and sacred: to create deeply personal, bespoke experiences rooted in the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality — experiences that move beyond expectations and into the realm of memory and meaning.
At Aarunya, every detail is a love letter to the island’s spirit — from curated journeys through spice gardens and misty hills, led by our naturalist-butlers, to ancient bathing rituals reimagined in our immersive bathhouse. Every touchpoint is intentionally designed to awaken the senses, quiet the mind, and honour the rhythms of village life. This is not just a retreat — it’s a return to what is real, grounded, and beautifully Sri Lankan.
From the moment Aarunya opened its doors in June 2018, design and sustainability have danced hand in hand in everything we do. Positioned to capture the breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range, each villa iteration was designed with place and sustainability in mind, embracing eco-friendly practices and engaging local village craftsmen and builders. Our newest Sol Sanctuary villa is a culmination of this philosophy — a spiritual dwelling where architecture dissolves into landscape, and guests are invited to breathe in the harmony of earth, sky, and soul.
At the heart of Aarunya is a team devoted not just to service, but to care — to the art of connection. Over the years, our sanctuary has become synonymous with authentic warmth, intuitive hospitality, and personalised experiences that reflect the soul of Sri Lanka.
Whether it’s a sunrise tea ceremony amidst the trees, a healing journey at Aarogya Wellness Centre & Spa, or an immersive dinner of reimagined Sri Lankan cuisine at our Aahaara Sri Lankan Restaurant, every moment is offered with intention and sincerity. This is hospitality not as performance, but as a way of being — generous, grounded, and deeply human.
Aarunya is more than a place to stay — it is a portal to a deeper way of seeing and being. We invite guests to immerse themselves in the stories of this land: to walk through spice trails, meet our gardeners from the local village, share in age-old rituals, and rediscover what it means to feel truly present.
As stewards of this land, we are guided by the principles of conscious travel. Every initiative — from sourcing local ingredients and handmade décor, to employing villagers and local artisans — is rooted in a commitment to uplift the people and protect the place we call home.
At Aarunya, sustainability is not an initiative — it is a responsibility. It is our quiet promise to the earth, and to the generations to come. As a proud Sri Lankan-owned and operated resort, we believe in creating impact that extends far beyond our walls.
Our CSR philosophy is woven into every action we take — whether it’s through environmental stewardship, educational partnerships, community upliftment, or conservation programs. We honour the ecosystems we inhabit, and work hand-in-hand with our neighbours to foster long-term well-being, resilience, and respect.
Aarunya is a place where beauty is not taken, but shared — a sanctuary where luxury is measured not just by comfort, but by consciousness.
Aarunya’s journey of heartfelt hospitality has been honoured by some of the world’s most prestigious institutions — from the World Travel Awards and World Luxury Hotel Awards, to the pages of Condé Nast Johansens. Yet, while these accolades affirm our pursuit of excellence, our truest reward lies elsewhere — in the quiet joy of a guest at sunrise, the warmth of a shared story by candlelight, and the memories etched into hearts long after the journey ends. For us, the most meaningful recognition is knowing we’ve created something unforgettable — a moment, a feeling, a home.