Nine Skies

Nine Skies is a boutique tea bungalow hotel near Ella in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Perched on a scenic tea-covered hill, the five-bedroom tea bungalow hotel offers guests a blend of colonial charm and modern luxury. The stylishly refurbished retreat maintains its historical elegance while providing contemporary comforts and top-tier services. Enjoy panoramic views of the hill country, stretching across the lush valley and the iconic Demodera Loop.

Indulge in a truly personalized experience with Nine Skies’ attentive butler service, savour gourmet cuisine prepared by expert chefs, and relax in the garden pool, which offers breathtaking vistas.

There are some beautiful walks in Ella and the tea estates surrounding the bungalow that can be explored on your own or with a butler guide.

Other experiences in Ella include exploring this stretch of Main Line railway - the Nine Arch Bridge viaduct and the Demodera Loop - and day-tripping to the colonial-era towns of Haputale and Bandarawela.

Best Time to Visit

For days that bring you the clearest skies and the most sunshine, the best months to visit Ella are between January and April and July and August.

May, June, October, and November experience monsoon rains, which welcome cooling to the region, but there are still plenty of spells of good sunshine.

Accommodation

All five rooms at Nine Skies are stylishly furnished and have ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs.

There are three room types, including the magnificent Ella Rock Suite with a private sitting room and direct garden access. Interconnecting rooms are available for families.

Activities

At Nine Skies, carefully curated unique experiences await to help guests explore Ella and its surroundings.

• The southeastern Hill Country region offers incredible outdoor adventures, including scenic hikes and tours of nearby tea estates.
• In Ella, you can explore landmarks like the Nine Arch Bridge and Demodara Loop or venture to colonial-era towns like Haputale and Bandarawela.
• Additional activities include cave exploration, waterfall swimming, ziplining, and picturesque picnics. The butlers are available to assist with any of these activities.

Please avoid activities that harm animals or their habitats, and feel free to ask the team for responsible travel tips.

Facilities

Indulge in tasty rice and curries prepared by the chef and served outdoors. Crave something Western? Try flavorful salads, sandwiches, and more. Start your day like a Sri Lankan champion with hoppers – savoury pancakes with sambal relishes.

There’s an honesty bar in the lounge, and you can enjoy drinks in the restaurant, by the pool or on the grounds.

Should you fancy an in-room treat, dishes from the restaurant menu can be brought to you.

Sustainability

Ongoing sustainability projects include tree planting to mitigate soil erosion and encouraging guests to explore the hill country while adhering to strict leave-no-trace principles. Guests can also enjoy farm-to-table dishes using ingredients from the bungalow’s home gardens.

Children

Nine Skies' spacious accommodations and sprawling garden are ideal for families with children of all ages.

The property can be booked exclusively, making it ideal for extended stays for a family group.

In-house amenities like an extra bed, cot, highchair, and a children’s menu are readily available.

Getting There

Located minutes from Ella, the drive from Colombo’s international airport to Nine Skies takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by car.