If you’re looking for a luxurious escape to Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country, Ella is a must-visit. Known for its beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere, Ella is ideal for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Whether you’re a business traveler in need of a retreat or someone looking for a five-star getaway, Ella’s luxury hotels offer a wide range of experiences for every need.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best luxury hotels in Ella, what makes them unique, and why they should top your travel list. From infinity pools with misty mountain views to rejuvenating spas, discover what luxury stays in Ella offer.
Why Ella is the Perfect Destination for Luxury Travelers
Ella has long been a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, but it’s now gaining recognition as a top luxury travel destination. Why? Simply put, Ella offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, serene settings, and sophisticated accommodations. Whether you’re admiring the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, hiking up Ella Rock, or enjoying a gourmet meal with a view, this small town has plenty to offer.Luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka focus on creating unique and personalized experiences. From private villas nestled in tea plantations to boutique hotels that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, Ella’s luxury offerings cater to both relaxation and adventure.
Iconic Luxury Hotels in Ella: Where to Stay
Ella offers a variety of luxury hotels, each designed to provide comfort, elegance, and a unique experience that blends modern luxury with the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, these five standout hotels are some of the best luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka:
Acres Resort & Spa
98 Acres Resort & Spa is a top-tier luxury hotel situated on a working tea estate, offering guests the perfect blend of eco-luxury and natural beauty. It’s renowned for its sustainability practices and its attention to detail in offering a serene, environmentally conscious experience without sacrificing comfort.
- Accommodations: The resort features eco-friendly chalets constructed from recyclable materials like bamboo and railway sleepers. Each chalet is designed to offer breathtaking views of Little Adam’s Peak and the surrounding tea plantations.
- Luxury Amenities: Guests can relax in spacious rooms with private balconies, plush king-sized beds, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
- Spa & Wellness: The resort’s Ayurvedic Spa is famous for its holistic treatments, including traditional Ayurvedic therapies, massages, and body treatments that use organic ingredients sourced locally.
- Dining: The Restaurant 98 serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and international options, using fresh, local ingredients. Dining with a view of the mist-covered hills enhances the experience.
- Activities: For the adventurous, 98 Acres offers guided treks to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, nature walks, and bird watching tours. For those seeking relaxation, yoga sessions are available.
- Business Traveler Friendly: The peaceful atmosphere, combined with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, makes it an ideal choice for business travelers who need a balance of work and leisure.
- Why Stay Here?98 Acres Resort offers a perfect mix of eco-conscious luxury and nature. Its scenic location, coupled with personalized service, makes it a great choice for both business travelers and luxury seekers.
The Secret Ella
For travelers looking for a boutique hotel experience with a historic touch, The Secret Ella delivers. This colonial-style luxury hotel offers stunning views, intimate settings, and exceptional service, all while immersing guests in the charm of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
- Accommodations: The hotel’s suites are elegantly designed, blending colonial-era architecture with modern comforts. Each suite comes with a private jacuzzi or plunge pool, offering an intimate escape with views of the valley.
- Luxury Amenities: The Secret Ella offers beautifully landscaped gardens, a temperature-controlled pool, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning in all suites.
- Dining: The hotel’s fine-dining restaurant serves a selection of gourmet Sri Lankan and international dishes, using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and tea estates.
- Spa & Wellness: While the hotel doesn’t have an on-site spa, it offers in-room spa services. Guests can enjoy massages and wellness treatments in the comfort of their own suite.
- Exclusive Tea Experiences: The Secret Ella is situated near some of the finest tea plantations in Ella. The hotel offers exclusive tea-tasting experiences and guided tours of nearby estates where guests can learn about Sri Lanka’s tea production.
- Why Stay Here?This hotel is perfect for those seeking a mix of history, luxury, and personalized service. The stunning views, private suites, and gourmet dining make it an ideal choice for couples or solo travelers who value privacy and exclusivity.
EKHO Ella Luxury Hotels
EKHO Ella is one of the most highly rated luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka. Located near the Nine Arches Bridge, EKHO Ella combines modern elegance with sweeping views of the mountains, offering both adventure and relaxation.
- Accommodations: The spacious suites have large windows with uninterrupted views of Ella Gap and surrounding hills. Each suite includes modern décor, plush bedding, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs offering a view.
- Dining: The in-house restaurant provides a fine-dining experience with a blend of international and Sri Lankan dishes. Guests can dine in the open-air area, enjoying stunning panoramic views.
- Spa & Wellness: EKHO Ella’s spa offers wellness treatments, including massages and beauty treatments.
- Proximity to Attractions: The hotel is near the Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock ideal for travelers wanting to explore iconic landmarks. The hotel can arrange guided tours and hiking excursions.
- Business-Friendly Amenities: The hotel offers free high-speed Wi-Fi and meeting spaces, making it great for business travelers.
- Why Stay Here? EKHO Ella is perfect for staying close to Ella’s main attractions while enjoying modern luxury and top-notch service. Its views and location make it a top choice for leisure and business travelers.
The Chillout Ella Luxury Hotels
The Chillout Ella is a boutique luxury hotel that offers a laid-back, yet luxurious, experience. This hotel is designed for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life but prefer a more casual and relaxed atmosphere.
- Accommodations: The hotel offers chic, contemporary rooms with large windows and balconies that overlook the lush greenery of Ella. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and premium bedding.
- Dining: The on-site restaurant offers a range of international and Sri Lankan dishes. What makes The Chillout Ella special is its emphasis on creating a relaxed, communal dining experience with shared tables and an open kitchen.
- Rooftop Lounge: One of the highlights of this hotel is its rooftop lounge, where guests can relax with a cocktail or a cup of Ceylon tea while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: The Chillout Ella places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using solar power, rainwater harvesting systems, and locally sourced materials for construction and operations.
- Proximity to Attractions: The hotel is just a short distance from Ella Rock and the Ravana Falls, making it a convenient base for adventurers and nature lovers.
- Why Stay Here?The Chillout Ella is ideal for luxury travelers who prefer a relaxed, informal vibe without sacrificing comfort or service. Its boutique charm, eco-friendly practices, and stunning location make it a unique choice for travelers.
Morning Dew Hotel
For travelers looking for luxury with a modern touch, Morning Dew Hotel is an excellent choice. This hotel offers contemporary design, high-end amenities, and a prime location near some of Ella’s most popular attractions.
- Accommodations: Morning Dew offers a variety of room options, from standard luxury rooms to large suites with private terraces. All rooms feature modern design, king-sized beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the mountains.
- Luxury Amenities: The hotel includes an outdoor pool with panoramic views, a fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant that serves both Sri Lankan and international dishes.
- Spa & Wellness: Morning Dew features an in-house spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, hot stone massages, and personalized wellness plans to help guests unwind.
- Business-Friendly Amenities: The hotel provides high-speed internet access, conference rooms, and dedicated workspaces, making it a perfect choice for business travelers.
- Activities: Morning Dew can arrange guided tours, hikes to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, as well as excursions to nearby tea plantations. For the more adventurous, they also offer waterfall abseiling and zip-lining activities.
The Best Amenities at Ella Luxury Hotels
One of the reasons why luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka stand out is the exceptional quality of their amenities. From indulgent spa treatments to gourmet dining, here are a few features you can expect:
Infinity Pools with a View
Imagine taking a dip in an infinity pool while gazing at the mist-covered mountains. Many of the best luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka offer spectacular pools where you can relax and soak up the serene beauty of the hill country. 98 Acres Resort, for instance, boasts a pool with panoramic views of tea plantations and distant mountains.
Gourmet Dining Experiences
Ella’s luxury hotels don’t just focus on accommodation—they elevate your culinary experience too. Expect fine dining restaurants that serve locally sourced, organic ingredients, often with a Sri Lankan twist. Whether you’re indulging in traditional Sri Lankan fare or international cuisine, the restaurants in these hotels are designed to please even the most discerning foodies.
Wellness and Spa Treatments
Luxury in Ella isn’t just about the views—it’s about rejuvenation too. Hotels like 98 Acres and EKHO Ella offer state-of-the-art spas that focus on holistic wellness. Treat yourself to massages, facials, and Ayurvedic therapies designed to relax and restore your body and mind.
Private Villas and Personalized Service
For those looking for the ultimate privacy, many of Ella’s luxury hotels offer private villas complete with personal butler services, secluded terraces, and plunge pools. These villas provide the perfect setting for an exclusive and peaceful stay, ideal for business travelers looking to combine work with relaxation or for couples on a romantic escape.
Activities Near Ella Luxury Hotels
Ella’s luxury hotels aren’t just places to relax—they’re also a gateway to adventure. Here are some must-do activities that will make your stay even more memorable:
Hiking and Nature Walks
Ella is famous for its hiking trails. The most popular hike is Ella Rock, offering panoramic views of the lush green surroundings. Many luxury hotels, like 98 Acres, are conveniently located near these trails, allowing you to explore nature without straying too far from your comfortable stay. Another great hike is the trek to Little Adam’s Peak, which offers spectacular views with a less strenuous climb. Your hotel can arrange guided tours, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Tea Plantations and Tours
You can’t visit Ella without exploring its famous tea plantations. Many luxury hotels, such as The Secret Ella, are located within or near these plantations. Enjoy guided tours where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s tea history, see the tea-making process firsthand, and even sample some of the freshest brews available.
The Nine Arches Bridge
One of Ella’s most iconic landmarks, the Nine Arches Bridge, is a must-visit. This architectural marvel, surrounded by lush greenery, is easily accessible from many of Ella’s top luxury hotels. Many hotels even offer exclusive viewing spots or guided tours that ensure you capture the perfect shot.
How to Choose the Best Luxury Hotel in Ella
With so many fantastic options, how do you choose the best luxury hotel in Ella Sri Lanka? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Location: Do you want to be close to hiking trails? Or do you prefer a hotel with sweeping views of tea plantations? Think about how near the hotel is to the attractions you want to visit.
- Amenities: Looking for spa treatments, fine dining, or infinity pools? Check which facilities the hotel offers before you book.
- Personalization: Some hotels, like The Secret Ella, focus on personalized service and privacy. These are ideal for a more intimate experience.
- Suites or Villas: Choose a suite or private villa if you want an exclusive and comfortable stay.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Ella in Style
Whether you’re in Ella for business or leisure, the array of Ella luxury hotels guarantees an unforgettable stay. Combining natural beauty with sophisticated comfort, these hotels cater to discerning travelers who seek both relaxation and adventure. From boutique-style accommodations to eco-friendly resorts, the luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka promise a one-of-a-kind experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at one of Ella’s finest luxury hotels.discover the magic of Sri Lanka’s hill country in style!
