At Ella Retreat Hotel, you can look forward to free English breakfast, a terrace and a garden. Active travellers can enjoy archery at this cottage. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area.
Located in Ella, Ella Retreat Hotel is in the historical district and on the waterfront. Nine Arches Bridge and Dhowa Rock Temple are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Suwadivi Ayurveda Health Care and Amphitikanda Tea Estate. Explore all the area has to offer with ziplining, cave exploring and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Ella travel guide
Take advantage of free English breakfast, a terrace and a garden at Ella Retreat Hotel. Adventurous travellers may like the archery at this cottage. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
Free self-parking
Express check-out, express check-in and games
Outdoor furniture, scooter hire and barbecues
Room features
All guest rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts, such as premium bedding and pillow menus, as well as thoughtful touches, such as separate sitting areas and separate dining areas.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
Heating and portable fans
Egyptian cotton sheets, Select Comfort beds and day beds
Bathrooms with rainfall showers and baths or showers
Decks/patios, wardrobes/cupboards and separate sitting areas
Yes, cats and dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 20 per pet, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at Ella Retreat Hotel?
As of 24 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ella Retreat Hotel on 3 Nov 2026 start from RM257, 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.
How much is parking at Ella Retreat Hotel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Ella Retreat Hotel?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Ella Retreat Hotel?
Checkout is at noon.
Where is Ella Retreat Hotel located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Kital Ella Waterfall and Ravana's Cave. Ella Spice Garden Cooking Lessons and Suwadivi Ayurveda Health Care are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Ella Retreat Hotel Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
We really loved the stay and all the detailing of the room.. host had been amazing and shared all the information well in advance…
It was so relaxing and thrilling experience to spare time with nature - experiencing water fall, birds chirping, rains, swinging breeze and many more things…!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Christelle
31 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great room, clean and spacious, had a great sleep ! Staff was friendly and service impeccable.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Herbert
14 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful location. Really fun room. The people who work there are wonderful, particularly Sri who is most solicitious
We had a lovely stay at Ella Retreat. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the room was clean and included a fridge, kettle, little cooktop and kitchen sink which was handy. We had one of the best breakfasts of our trip here - it was delicious and very generous with portions, with lots of options to choose from. Just look out for the monkeys who might pay you a visit with an eye for your food! Complimentary archery was fun, and we loved the rustic charm of the place. Please note that you can not park at the accommodation - they have a parking spot at the bottom of the hill and will cart you and your luggage up in a tuktuk (about a 5 min drive up a narrow, winding road).
We really appreciate our star at this place. It is a unique place with a service with care and attention. We were able to relax in the nature. We took the cooking classes and it was a wonderful experience. Great food. Near the Waterfall. Peaceful and quiet environnement.
Perfect for nature lover indeed !
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Neil
2 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing stay with fantastic staff. A real back to nature experience in the hills. We stayed in a lovely lodge with fantastic scenery next to a waterfall and great food.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Casey
23 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Glamping tent is wonderful. Food prepared by Taniya was excellent. You have a waterfall very close
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Christopher
29 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
100% recommend Ella Retreat!
Really enjoyed our stay at Ella Retreat. The glamping tent was ideal for us, spacious and comfortable, and the balcony overlooking the waterfall was amazing! The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, organising our (very tasty) meals, tuktuks and laundry.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Simon
17 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing time at Ella Retreat, the staff were very friendly and attentive. The hotel is located a short drive away from Ella city, which is a bit sketchy at times heading up the mountain (but exhilarating).
Being away with nature was great, be sure to visit the nearby waterfall!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Miss
25 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Highly recommended
We had a winderful stay here. The staff aren incredible. The location is great to visit Ella (however if you have limited mobility i wouldnt recommend). The breakfast is wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan
24 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing setting. Extremely clean and very comfortable. Staff were absolutely amazing, couldn’t be more accommodating. Best experience so far in Sri Lanka.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Deluxson
18 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Gimhani, Niluka, Priyangika, and Kushan are exceptional staff members who made our experience truly memorable. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail stood out. The overall experience with the place was absolutely amazing, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for outstanding service.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Deborah
11 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was my favorite place to stay in Sri Lanka! I wish I had booked more nights there. I stayed in the glamping tent, with fabulous views of a waterfall. The tent room was large and comfortable with a large outdoor deck. It had everything I needed - mini fridge, teapot, fan, rain gear. The WiFi was excellent. But the best part was the staff- all so kind and helpful. All meals were absolutely delicious!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Harmeet
3 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It’s a thrilling expression in the middle of the forest. A true reflection of the pictures, the villa was spacious, comfortable, and beautiful. Even though it’s in the middle of the forest, there were no mosquitos inside. The place was spotless. Sri, who looked after us, was very courteous and polite. Breakfast and dinner was also very delicious. A tuk tuk is needed to go to the main road, and it was arranged for us almost immediately whenever we needed it. Go for it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
James
27 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had the BEST time at Ella Retreat! Sadly on 34 hours long but this hotel is seriously beautiful, better than the pictures.
You need a head for heights on the (slightly hairy) tuk tuk ride up the mountain, but once you're there this is a haven that you simply cannot afford to miss on your trip to Sri Lanka.
The location is mind-blowing, the rooms extremely nicely done and the food delicious.
Amazing quality service, we were in WhatsApp communication for ages before arriving and they were super helpful. The team couldn't do enough for us, and slwere so friendly during our stay too
Taking some fabulous memories of Ella Retreat home with us ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review
2/10 Terrible
Charlotte
30 Jan 2026
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The staff were really annoying. On the first day, they kept coming to my room for every little detail, and I didn’t have any privacy. The next day, my breakfast was 40 minutes late. The bed was also not clean and had a strong, unpleasant smell from the anti-mosquito spray. The food was very basic as well.
It was advertised as a “yoga and meditation retreat,” but when I asked about joining a yoga class, they said they would get back to me. I never received any confirmation.
Considering the price and the quality of the experience, I would definitely not recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Julie
29 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Small, friendly resort.
Ella Retreat is a small, hillside resort of about 4 or 5 units ranging from small villas to glamping tents. The villa had a lovely outdoor decking area with hammock. The tent, an outdoor bathroom and fabulous views of the waterfall.
The rooms are clean and tidy but do expect insects ( and monkeys) as the resort is in the jungle.
The staff are v friendly and you can pre order food to eat at your villa.
Not suitable if you have mobility issues as the resort is built into the steep hillside.
You can walk down the slope to the nearest waterfall but Ella itself is not really walking distance.
You must arrive by tuk tuk as cars cannot get up the narrow, steep track .
Transfer to the train station was complimentary and much appreciated.
Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Ellanoora
14 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Unique and wonderful experience
Highlight of our trip in Sri Lanka. We stayed in the romantic tent which has the view to waterfalls and it was amazing. The facilities were just like in pictures and everything was clean and well maintained. You also have all the necessities you need in the tent (minibar, slippers, hairdryer).
However the best part was still the staff. They are there for you from the moment you arrive and you can reach them anytime via whatsapp whenever you need more drinks, tuktuk, food or anything.
The breakfast is brought to your tent every morning according to your wishes and lunch/dinner is also available. Everything was delicious and freshly made for you and you get to eat your meals in terrace with the views.
All in all it was such an amazing place and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to be in the nature but still 5-star-worthy served. Nothing to complain.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Clark
18 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a place! Absolutely loved our time here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
18 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great stay for nature lovers
Excellent stay at Ella Retreat! loved being so deep in nature and having the sound of the nearby waterfall. The staff were lovely and very helpful. Great spot for nature lovers.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lars Toft
1 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Amazing staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Robert
18 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had an amazing time, even learnt how to cook too! Taniya was excellent in teaching us. Thank you for looking after us x
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Francesco
17 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
We had a great experience
Ms Gimhani made our stay exceptional
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Mila
20 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication