九天(Nine Skies)

My husband and I stayed at Nine Skies with our friends. The whole experience has been wonderful. The staff that looked after us have been most attentive and professional. We would like to give a special mention to some staff. Saman, Suneth, Harsha, our butler and Krishantha the chef. The meals were outstanding. The building is an old 1930’s plantation home, set high on the hills of a tea plantation. It has been beautifully decorated and the gardens are beautifully kept. The monkeys provide the entertainment for the afternoon. We saw a kite, hornbill and parrots in the trees. There is a lovely pool overlooking the hills. Wonderful holiday, thank you.

Absolutely lovely boutique hotel nestled amongst tea plantations. With just 5 rooms Nine Skies feels like a very lovely private home, with friendly staff that can’t do enough to make sure all your needs are met. Excellent food served at any time - would recommend all dishes but especially the Sri Lankan curries (also the cookery demo!). Extremely spacious rooms and bathrooms. Plenty of wonderful walks through the plantations (either with or without guide) where you can see the tea industry in action as well as local flora and fauna (hotel has its own app with suggested routes). Stunning pool was visited one evening by a family of monkeys and the grounds and gardens are a horticulturalist’s dream.

Definitely a must visit property. We went in June 23’ and we were floored by the hospitality. It’s in a gorgeous setting and the staff are very keen and eager for any request. We were just offered and fed at any instance they could find ! The pool and the lawn is pretty gorgeous with good views. The property also arranged very good excursions and experiences upon request. Just be aware that there are no airconditioners in the rooms, but it wasnt much of a bother for us as the temperature was cool plus ita geta super cold post midnight as well.

It is always a pleasure to bring family to visit beautiful Nine Skies. Saman and his wonderful team ensured our stay was magical. We arrived by the scenic rail and had a delicious dinner that evening on the balcony. After a scrumptious breakfast we visited the UVA Halpewatte Tea Factory and the iconic Nine Skies Bridge. We wished we had more time as would have enjoyed staying for longer. Looking forward to visiting again very soon.

We stayed in one of the rooms with a small terrace opening up to the view of the mountains. Huge rooms and cosy property. Great food, the chef at the time was excellent! Can get quiet hot, as no ac. We asked the staff to remove the curtains around the 4 poster bed, so the wind from the fan can come in. PS: we were there during the rain, but still indoors were quiet hot. Other than these great stay, excellent staff, great interiors! Would come back if ac is fitted :)

This place is so special. High up in the hills, with the most spectacular views. The rooms are all different. Ours looked out over the gardens at the front. It was easy to get to the railway and also into Ella to see Nine Arches Bridge. The staff were brilliant. I left something in my room when we left, and they called me straight away and helped me to arrange to retrieve it. They were so kind.

It was so nice to get away from the heat of the lowlands and relax in a more temperate climate. My room was very comfortable with an overstuffed armchair by my window where I could read and day dream for some time. The staff were incredible and the location is stunning. I would love to return!

Nine Skies has a wonderful setting on a hill high above the famous train tracks leading from Ella to Badulla. It's fun to be able to watch the trains pass through from the pool area. Pool is essential as Sri Lanka is generally a bit toasty. In fact, I'd suggest that the hotel put in mini-splits in the bedrooms. It definitely cools off at night and with the ceiling fan you are alright (I kept my door open all night). Staff is earnest and friendly. The food is delicious. There is some gorgeous contemporary art scattered throughout the property. Folks can play croquet on the green lawn. All in all a lovely stay here.

A bit of context first. My wife and I are in our early and late 60s respectively and generally have one ‘big holiday’ a year. While we always go ‘relatively high end’ we still look for value for money (so, for example, we still believe that ‘tips’ need to be earned but we tend to be generous when they are!). We have always booked through Scott-Dunn who always come up with a special trip that includes some amazing accommodation and are more than willing to amend the holiday to suit our specific requests. We tend to have 10 days or so sightseeing followed by 4 or 5 days relaxation Nine Skies Lodge – Ella  Located at the top of a mountain overlooking Ella – stunning and very peaceful  Only 5 rooms in a large bungalow that was once a tea plantation estate manangers houes  Superb food and typically pleasant Sri Lankan staff who looked after us very well Would definately visit again and an ideal spot for some local exploring/walking. We also did a Tea Factory Visit  Hotel organised tour – 40 minute trip then hosted by one of the Tea Factory staff for about 1 hour.  Really interested and well worth the visit - but don't worry about health and safety as you get very close to the tea making machinery!  Opportunity to buy tea before leaving Highly recommended visit