The Secret- Ella: Colonial splendour of the hills
Beach is not a ‘must’ for hot vacation in Sri Lanka. Though Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, Unawatuna, Passikudah or Negombo are traditionally identified as hot spots of beach tourism, but Ella-the latest addition is in the midst of the misty hills.
Ella is a true paradise highland village set on a mountain pass towards the southern edge of the Uva Province overlooking the famous Ella Gap. It is not a sleepy hamlet any more, like it used to be. Buzzing with foreign travellers, adventurous people and families on vacation, Ella has emerged as latest ‘Hikka’ in Sri Lanka. Ella, off Bandarawela has fast developed into the tourism hub of Uva, with Hikka style small buzzing guest’s houses and numbers of diverse restaurants have come up in the area.
The latest addition to its luxury accommodation is ‘The Secret- Ella’, the colonial planter’s bungalow by the famous ’98 Acre Resort’.
This hillside hideaway is offering the perfect escape. Amidst this storybook setting guests will find The Secret Ella in an enchanting 10 acre tea estate that provides an ideal home away from home. Unique amongst Ella hotels- Sri Lanka for being the locales first ever planter’s bungalow resort and this getaway nestled in the mountains overlooks the famed Nine Arch Bridge and blends tradition with luxury comforts that evoke an old world charm. The backdrop of the misty mountains, the warm hospitality of the staff and the cozy bungalow create the perfect environment for rest and relaxation.
‘The Secret Resort’ is a safe haven for the ones seeking a stands on a scenic 98 acre estate and is surrounded by a stunning landscape that would be seemingly- inactively placed resort site is liberally endowed with beautiful views and is also in full sight of the ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ (Punchi Siripade), the pride of Ella.
The tea estate which was once owned and managed by a British national during the Colonial era of Ceylon was then more famously known as the ‘Southerland tea’ now named the ‘Uva Greenlands’ was eventually passed onto the Uva Halpwwatte Tea Estate (UHE) makers of medium elevation pure Ceylon Tea.
“The Secret Resort’ at the very beginning was a bungalow which initially belonged to a British Family in the 1860’s. Here they owned approximately 140 acres on which they used to grow tea. The ownership of the Bungalow passed into the hands of the well- known Gardiner family in Sri Lanka. In 2014 it was bought over by 98 Acres – the UHE Group family business and we transformed it into a boutique hotel. Now it is open to foreign and local clientele. This is an ideal destination for families to come relax and enjoy’ said A.P.D. Abeyrathne, explained, the Chairman and CEO of the UHE Group,
‘The Secret- Ella’ offers totally ten rooms including five in the bungalow and five luxury wooden cabins in the tea estate.
Providing plenty of space to rest and play, the three ‘Family Suites’ at The Secret Bungalow is a comfy abode featuring an interconnecting room, living area and free Wi-Fi, ideal for those in search of Ella resort Sri Lanka for getaways with the kids.
The rest of the two rooms in the main bungalow offer two luxury living.
Spacious wooden chalet situated on a top of a mountain with private balcony which has the spectacular view of Demodara mountain range.
At The Secret Ella, a premier among luxury Ella Resorts, be prepared to take guests taste buds on a flavoursome journey with its culinary creations that are infused with fresh, local ingredients to produce traditional dishes with a signature twist.
This first planter’s bungalow resort in Ella, perched at a high altitude in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region offers a myriad of captivating places to visit in Ella Sri Lanka.
Surrounded by an expansive garden and postcard-worthy views of the valleys and the grand Demodara nine-arch bridge, ‘Secret Ella’ is a great place for those who are looking for a relaxing hill country experience.
‘We arrange excursions with a guide for the guests to explore the waterfalls (Dunhinda, Diyaluma and Ravana) within the area and are even equipped to arrange helicopter tours, tours to Badulla, Udawalawa, Yala. Adisham in Haputale or even to East coast on request’ he added.
The rates at ‘the Secret’ range from Rs 22,000/- (BBD) to Rs 33,000/- (BBD) in Graden chalet and the bungalow suites.
For more details call 0572226333/266, 0714555400, 0772932729 or log onto www.thesecrethotels.com
