98 Acres

98 Acres Resort & Spa: Elegance Above the Clouds

Nestled in the heart of the Uva highlands, 98 Acres Resort & Spa is a masterclass in sustainable design. The resort’s architecture seamlessly integrates with the rolling tea plantations, using discarded railway sleepers for decks and local stone for finishes. Situated just a stone’s throw from the trailhead of Little Adam’s Peak, the property provides a front-row seat to the mist-covered mountains of Ella. Whether you are watching the sunrise from your private balcony or enjoying a walk through the tea bushes, the resort offers an immersive experience into the highland soul of Sri Lanka.

Earth Trip Opinion

At The Earth Trip, we consider 98 Acres to be the definitive “Ella experience.” It captures exactly why travellers fall in love with the Hill Country: breathtaking vistas, crisp mountain air, and a connection to the island’s colonial tea heritage. We particularly love the privacy of the chalets; despite the resort’s popularity, each room feels like a secluded sanctuary. It is an ideal base for active travellers—you can hike to the Nine Arches Bridge in the morning and return for a signature tea-based spa treatment in the afternoon. For couples and honeymooners, the plunge pool suites offer a level of romance that is hard to match anywhere else on the island.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Sustainability is the founding principle of 98 Acres, reflected in both its construction and daily operations:

• Upcycled Architecture: The resort was built using eco-friendly and recycled materials, including straw-thatched roofs and repurposed timber from old railway lines.

• Organic Agriculture: Much of the produce served in the restaurant is sourced from the resort’s own gardens or local farmers in the Ella region, supporting the local community.

• Noise-Free Mobility: The resort utilises electric buggies for guest transport within the estate to minimise noise pollution and emissions in the sensitive mountain environment.

• Tea Heritage Preservation: As part of the UHE Group, the resort actively maintains the 98-acre tea estate, preserving the traditional landscape while producing high-quality Uva tea.

Recent Updates (2024–2026)

• Forbes Recognition: In early 2026, the resort was featured in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, highlighting its excellence in mountain hospitality.

• Wellness Enhancements: The 98 Spa has introduced new treatments using “Uva Greenlands” tea extracts, focusing on the antioxidant properties of the estate’s own harvest.

• Adventure Hub: The nearby Flying Ravana Adventure Park (owned by the same group) has expanded its offerings, including new ATV trails and enhanced safety features on its famous mega-zipline.

Facts at a Glance

• Location: Ella-Passara Road, Ella (10-minute walk to Little Adam’s Peak).

• Setting: A 98-acre working tea plantation with 270-degree views of the Ella Gap.

• Accommodation: 46 elegant chalets, including Standard, Deluxe, and Grand Executive Suites with plunge pools.

• Dining: Restaurant 98, perched on a hillock, and the Ravana Pool Club for a more vibrant social scene.

• Facilities: Infinity pool, heated plunge pools (in select suites), gym, spa, and helipad.

Rooms & Accommodation

The chalets are designed with a “minimalist-chic” aesthetic, featuring polished timber floors and rustic stone walls.

• Standard & Deluxe Rooms: Spacious and airy, with large balconies designed to maximise the mountain views.

• Grand Executive Suites: The pinnacle of luxury at the resort, featuring a private heated plunge pool, a kitchenette, and personalised butler service.

• Family Chalets: Two-bedroom units that provide ample space and privacy for families travelling together.

• Amenities: King-size beds, 40-inch LED TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, and premium eco-friendly toiletries.

Dining

• Restaurant 98: Built with recycled timber, this open-air restaurant serves a sophisticated mix of Sri Lankan, Continental, and Far Eastern cuisine.

• Ravana Pool Club: A short distance away, this stylish club offers a fusion menu, creative cocktails, and an infinity pool with one of the best views in Ella.

• Tea Experience: Enjoy a guided tea tasting session featuring fresh brews from the surrounding estate.

Experiences

• Hiking: Immediate access to the trails for Little Adam’s Peak and a 25-minute walk to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.

• Flying Ravana: Experience Sri Lanka’s first mega-zipline, located on the estate, flying over the lush tea gardens.

• Cooking Classes: Join the resort chef to learn the secrets of traditional Hill Country curries using local spices.

• Helicopter Tours: For a grand arrival or departure, private helicopter transfers can be arranged directly to the resort’s helipad.

Getting There

• By Private Car: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours from Colombo via the highway and winding mountain roads. Our Earth Trip chauffeurs are experts at navigating the scenic ascent into Ella.

• By Train: The journey from Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella is considered one of the world’s most beautiful rail routes. We can arrange for your driver to meet you at the Ella station for the short 15-minute drive to the resort.

• By Domestic Flight: Private charters or helicopter transfers are available from Colombo or the south coast, landing directly at the resort’s private helipad.

FAQ

• Is it easy to get into Ella town? Yes, the town centre is a short 10 to 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away, or a pleasant 30-minute downhill walk.

• Are the pools heated? The private plunge pools in the Grand Executive Suites are heated, which is a wonderful luxury during the cooler Ella evenings. The main infinity pool is not heated but remains refreshing year-round.

• Is the resort suitable for children? Absolutely. The resort is very family-friendly, offering family chalets and plenty of outdoor space for exploration. The Flying Ravana zipline is also a hit with older children.

• What is the best time to visit? Ella is beautiful year-round, but the clearest views are typically found between January and March, and again from June to September.