Laya Safari

4.0 star property
Escape to an idyllic paradise where crystal-clear waters meet powdery white sands. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments or raise your energy levels on the volleyball court.

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Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Front of property
Front of property - evening/night
View from property
Beach bar
Property amenity
VIP Access

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathrobes
  • 614 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 656 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

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About the area

Map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama

What's nearby

  • Yala National Park - 8 min drive
  • Kirinda Temple - 18 min drive
  • Palatupana Beach - 18 min drive
  • Kirinda Beach - 23 min drive
  • Tissa Lake - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪restaurant@jetwingyala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Bar at Jetwing Yala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Roof Top Bar @ Cinnamon Wild Yala - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Main Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • Laya Safari - Restaurant

About this property

Laya Safari

Upscale family-friendly hotel near Yala National Park
A beach bar, a poolside bar, and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Laya Safari. With a white sand beach, beach massages, and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. For some rest and relaxation, visit the outdoor treatment areas. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like beach volleyball. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with free cabanas, sun loungers, and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and express check-out
  • An elevator, barbecue grills, and beach towels
Room features
All guestrooms at Laya Safari offer comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to perks like separate sitting areas and bathrobes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Down comforters and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies or patios, separate sitting areas, and electric kettles

All-inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at Laya Safari are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Land activities

Fitness facilities

Entertainment

Onsite live performances

Languages

English, Russian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Private wine tours

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Outdoor treatment areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 15 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 1, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 60
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 3 to 11 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 60
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 3 to 11 years old)

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit

We should mention

Reservations are required for spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Laya Safari Hotel Kirinda
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Kirinda
Laya Safari
Laya Safari Hotel Palatupana
Laya Safari Hotel Tissamaharama
Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Hotel Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama Laya Safari Hotel
Hotel Laya Safari
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Thissamaharama
Laya Safari Hotel Thissamaharama

Frequently asked questions

Does Laya Safari have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Laya Safari?

As of Feb 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Laya Safari on Mar 4, 2025 start from CA $206.32, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Laya Safari pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Laya Safari?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Laya Safari?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Laya Safari?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Laya Safari provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Laya Safari?

Some rate plans available at this property are all-inclusive.

Where is Laya Safari located?

This Palatupana hotel is on the beach, 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Yala National Park, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Palatupana Beach and Kirinda Beach. Kirinda Temple and Patanangala Tsunami Memorial are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Laya Safari Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 143 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 143 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 143 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 143 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 143 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Lalith

Didnleave the hotel after 1 day because of hot water issue
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

The catering was nowhere as good as last time. We understood that the hotel was suffering after the terrorist attacks, but the food was not good. A simpler menu with more fresh food could have been provided, rather than trying to keep the whole menu and failing to do individual choices. I’m sure normal standards will come back when more visitors do.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Andie

I'll start by saying we would definitely stay here again! The property manager was a very friendly and interesting man and very helpful along with the other staff members and the rooms were incredibly spacious with a great view of the ocean! My only recommendations to the owners would be to really play up the view of the rooms and make sure the blinds are up and windows facing the ocean are freshly cleaned. Having chose this hotel over others mainly because of the amazing windows it was a little disappointing to find out that a lot of the blinds no longer worked and couldn't be opened all the way. We were there during slow season so it was very quiet and not all the facilities were open but I can imagine it's a lot of fun when it's more full. We enjoyed the quiet though. The hotel has lots going on as well, atv dune rides, swing bar, infinity pool, and very soon horses for beach and jungle rides! And the proximity to Yala is perfect. They even have a resident elephant that might wander through while you're there! I would definitely recommend this hotel!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Wonderful oasis in Yala
When we arrived at Laya Safari, the property was virtually empty - and we could hardly believe it, as it was one of my top hotel experiences…and I have spent hundreds of nights in hotels. While the road to get to this little beachside oasis is very bumpy, it is well worth the ride. The rooms have an amazing view of the pool area and the coastline and while the current is too strong to swim in the sea, the roar of the ocean is the perfect sound to fall asleep to. The new manager has taken a lot of pride in the property and put up some very insta-worthy amenities like swings, a tree with lampoons and a small wooden boat. You also get a visit from a wild elephant each night (I‘m guessing semi-wild - they do feed it with fruits which I am not totally in favor of but the bull looked very healthy). We would really like to highlight the friendliness of every single employee from the receptionists to the waiters and poolboys - everyone went out of their way to make us comfortable. Meals were delicious and well-priced. We particularly loved the pineapple fritters for desert. As the hotel is very close to the park, you get picked up a bit later by the jeeps which allows you to sleep a bit longer. The pool itself comes with very comfortable sun loungers and the wonderful water is impressively clean (considering it was stormy each night we were there). The only suggestion we would have would be to open a small souvenir shop. Overall, we loved this place and will recommend highly. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

Radhika

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Ulrich

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Das Hotel liegt an einer traumhaften Lage. Leider ist überall, wo man hinschaut, alles defekt oder verrostet. Der Garten ist ungepflegt und gleicht einer Wüste. Der "neu renovierte" eigentlich sehr schöne Pool ist weder fertiggestellt noch in einem akzeptablen Zustand. Leider auch ungepflegt. Das Essen war nicht überragend (Dessert, Panna Cotta) war ein steinharter Mehlklumpen. Das erste mal auf der ganzen Welt haben wir in diesem Hotel erlebt, dass sie kein Cola haben. "Wichtige" Leute, die zuletzt kamen, wurden vor allen zahlenden Kunden bedient. Wartezeit für Wein und Wasser ca 40 Minuten.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

6/10 Okay

Foad

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Utsikten och läget är bra men rummet var inte värt 200 dollar alls! Frukosten var bara ok! Hela byggnaden har mycket potential men det märks att efter pandemin behöver en ordentlig uppfräschning!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Eva

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Visiting Yala
We stayed here for four nights to visit Yala. The hotel is less than 10 minutes drive to the park. The service, and friendliness of the staff is superb. The view from the rooms, pool, and restaurant was beautiful. We could hear the waves crashing from our room. The wooden decks are definitely in need of replacement due to exposure to the salty ocean air, but the interior of our room was nice and comfortable. A lot of the rooms look like they were being upgraded during our stay as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Gaia

Fint hotel men lidt slidt
Et helt okay hotel til på indgangen til nationalparken... Det var en smule slidt og trænger til at blive renoveret! Personalet var super søde (næsten for søde) og hjælpsomme.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

eannine, Brentwood

Amazing views, great food, friendly staff. The only downside is the hotel is a little tired but I would still recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Josefine

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

6/10 Okay

Lei, Vancouver, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Entire place is old and run down. Repairs are desperately needed. Restaurant staff were standoff-ish and certainly not inclined to move faster than a snail. Really very disappointed in this place.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Wildly overpriced with terrible food and relatively unclean premises.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Bon rapport qualité prix, très belle chambre mais un peu défraîchie. On voit des animaux se promener la nuit.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

The view is amazing. We met an elephant inside the hotel!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Die Lage war top der einsame Strand grandios. Leider konnten man nicht schwimmen wegen der starken Strömung. Der fleißigste Mitarbeiter war upul.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Nice location not far from the entrance of the national park. We saw both elephants and buffalos on the property of the hotel which made it a bit out of the ordinary (in a good way). The hotel was overall in good shape and was nice, but the rooms were not that clean (brown spots on the toilet etc) and we struggled communicating with the staff (they were also just hanging around, not being very service minded). The guys at the reception on the other hand was very helpful to all our inquiries and gave a great impression! Overall good stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Hoi Yee

No hot water for shower at night!
Stayed 1 night for safari. Perfect location for early safari, you don’t have to wake so early. Staff forgot my take away breakfast but it’s fine coz it would be a simply sandwich only. Booked a Half Bord Plan as no where to eat nearby, the dinner was buffet style but not much choices of food and not taste good. The most horrible thing was there would be out of hot water for shower at night or/and your neighbor used up it all. Last but not least, my driver said his room full of mosquitoes and I found the same applied to the public pool as well ( some dead bodies found in the pool)
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

2/10 Terrible

Tanja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
2*, at MOST
The lenght of this review is directly related to my level of annoyance and irritation. 1. ROOMS The room advertised online /surrounding views is literally one of the 22 rooms - the other 21 has blinds around the entire place or everyone would look directly into their neighbours rooms. The shower also inexplicably has blinds - which has a nice gathering of black mould. Everything else in the room is old and shabby - shabby 'white' mats next to the bed, stained mustard couches, frayed towels. The bathroom window was so dirty you could barely see outside. The porch is worn out and faded, as well as the furniture. 2 pillows on the bed, with an additional 2 in the closet, sans pillow covers. The icetray was broken with hair in - still waiting for a replacement. Also the aircon was leaking and only one bedside lamp was working. 2. STAFF The young staff mean well, but has clearly not had any training - english is v v basic which can get rather frustrating. Also v unproffesional with check-in as they kept chatting in Sinhalese (I assume) and giggling like teenagers. On the first morning we returned to a dirty room at 1pm - when we called reception they informed us that we had our "Do not disturb" sign on the door - a tad impossible as we didn't even have one in the room. Also not ideal to walk out of your room and then have to step over 4 pairs of shoes that the cleaners have kicked of in front of your door. Room service is also a shambles- the wrong thing arr - see rest on TripAd
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

DTLAdj, los angeles

Perfect location for a Yala safari. Super clean rooms and soft mattress.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Constan

zing Jungle life experince
Amazing jungle life experience. Excellent beautiful hotel. Only issue was staff not picking up the phone and service was not good.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019