Ella, a mountainous sanctuary in Sri Lanka’s hill country, is a place where luxury meets nature on a grand scale. Here, the world’s finest Ceylon tea grows amidst misty valleys and dramatic peaks, providing the backdrop for some of Asia’s most exclusive and relaxing retreats.
For the traveler seeking a complete escape defined by breathtaking views and unparalleled comfort, these five luxurious hotels and villas stand on the soaring peaks of Ella, offering not just a stay, but an ultimate mind and body reset.
1. 98 Acres Resort and Spa: The Panoramic Icon
4.3 Km from Ella City Center to 98 Acres Resort and Spa, Greenland Estate, Ella – Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
Nestled directly within a sprawling, lush tea estate, 98 Acres Resort and Spa is arguably the most famous name in Ella luxury. Its commitment to sustainability and rustic elegance creates an authentic, yet highly refined, experience.
- The View & Ambiance: The resort boasts panoramic, unobstructed views of Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and the famous Ravana Falls valley. The design uses natural, recycled materials like discarded rail tracks and thatched roofs, blending seamlessly with the plantation landscape.
- Ultimate Relaxation: The Spa is a key feature, offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massages in tranquil rooms, paired with a hot tub and steam room facility.
- Signature Feature: Its stunning infinity pool, often cited as having one of the best resort pool views in the world, seems to drop directly into the tea terraces below. Select chalets even offer private heated pools for an added layer of seclusion.
2. Nine Skies (Teardrop Hotels): Colonial Charm and Intimate Luxury
8 Km (Approximately) from Ella City Center to Nine Skies, Demodara, Sri Lanka
Located on a tea-fringed hill in nearby Demodara, Nine Skies offers a heritage experience. This is not a sprawling resort, but an intimate, luxurious colonial-era tea planter’s bungalow.
- The View & Ambiance: The setting overlooks the stunning tea estate and offers views of the famous Demodara Loop—a marvel of railway engineering. The ambiance is defined by period furnishings, cozy lounges with fireplaces, and an exceptional sense of history.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Relaxation here is defined by impeccable butler service and the “home away from home” atmosphere. Guests can unwind by the infinity pool or enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea service on the veranda.
- Signature Feature: With only five elegantly designed bedrooms (including the spacious Ella Rock Suite), Nine Skies offers an exclusive, all-inclusive, and deeply personalized retreat, ensuring unparalleled peace and quiet.
3. Walaa Kulu Boutique Villa: Modern Heights and Privacy
4.8 Km from Ella City Center to Walaa Kulu Boutique Villa, Uva Halpewatta Tea Factory, Hela Halpe, Ella, Sri Lanka
Perched high on the soaring peaks, The Walaa-Kulu Boutique Villa offers a completely private, modern escape, often rented exclusively for maximum privacy and luxury.
- The View & Ambiance: This villa provides a dramatic, undisturbed 270-degree panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, cloudscapes, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. The architecture is contemporary, featuring state-of-the-art interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the vista.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Relaxation focuses entirely on private luxury. Features include a heated infinity pool, relaxing hammock beds perfect for soaking in the scenery, and personalized service from an in-villa world-class chef.
- Signature Feature: For guests seeking maximum discretion or a grand entrance, the villa features its own private helipad, confirming its status as a truly secluded, high-end sanctuary.
4. Anasa Wellness Resort: Comprehensive Mind & Body Sanctuary
15.8 Km (Approximately) from Ella City Center to Anasa Wellness Resort, Dambagolla Estate, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Anasa Wellness Resort is dedicated to providing a holistic wellness journey, combining luxury accommodation with extensive facilities designed for physical and spiritual rejuvenation.
- The View & Ambiance: The resort is set amidst a lush eucalyptus forest, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges and deep valleys. The large, thoughtfully designed villas follow a duplex concept, maximizing space and comfort essential for well-being. (Note: Removed mention of Ella Gap view as corrected).
- Ultimate Relaxation: Anasa provides a comprehensive suite of wellness activities, including a full-service spa, sauna, hot tub, and ice bath, alongside daily yoga and fitness classes.
- Signature Feature: This resort goes beyond the standard pool with amenities like a tennis court, mini-golf, and a kids’ club, making it a well-rounded luxury destination that seamlessly blends relaxation with active wellness.
5. Majentra Hotel Ella: The Experiential Heights
9.9 Km (Approximately) from Ella City Center to Majentra Ella, Ellawaththa, 07th Mile Post, Ella – Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
Majentra Hotel Ella combines modern luxury amenities with a focus on immersive cultural and natural experiences, all set against breathtaking mountain vistas.
- The View & Ambiance: Situated to offer stunning mountain views (including the Nayabedda Mountain Range), Majentra features an elegant, sustainable design with eco-friendly materials and floor-to-ceiling windows in its spacious rooms and chalets.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Guests can relax in the beautiful infinity pool with a view, or soak away their cares in the communal Jacuzzi. The luxury chalets also include private hot tubs.
- Signature Feature: Majentra distinguishes itself with its commitment to local immersion, offering a unique Spice Garden & Cinnamon Making Experience where guests can learn the ancient art of peeling and rolling cinnamon sticks, connecting their relaxing stay with rich Sri Lankan culture.
The Ultimate Ella Escape
These five retreats showcase the diverse luxury of Ella. Whether you seek the traditional charm and intimate service of Nine Skies, the sprawling eco-luxury of 98 Acres, the total privacy of Walaa Kulu, the comprehensive wellness of Anasa, or the immersive culture of Majentra, Ella provides the perfect elevated escape where every vista is a moment of pure, uninterrupted relaxation.
In Ella, luxury is measured not by thread count, but by the depth of the valley view and the silence that separates you from the rest of the world.
—TheWellness.travel