Nine Skies, Demodera, Ella

Perched high above historic Demodera Railway Station and just 15-minutes by road from Ella, Nine Skies is dramatically positioned for surveying Sri Lanka’s tea-clad hills. Dating back over a century, this former tea estate manager’s bungalow has been extensively renovated into an indulgent five-bedroom boutique. Oozing historic charm and atmosphere, the contemporary furnishings bring the interiors firmly up to date.

The five guestrooms are luxurious and inviting, and each has a private terrace with direct garden access and a bathroom with a warm soaking tub. Butlers tend to guests in the traditional way, pampering them with fine gourmet cuisine, chilled drinks and high-grown afternoon tea. From the front terrace, guests sit out and admire the panoramic view of verdant hills beyond the hotel’s lush lawn and infinity pool or peeping down into the valley below to search for trains.

The villa’s location is a treat for railway enthusiasts who can arrive at nearby Demodera Railway Station, famed for its 360-degree sub-station loop, and visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge viaduct. The area is also super for getting out and about as there are a number of landmark hikes, waterfalls and viewpoints in close proximity of this boutique hotel. In Ella there are a variety of walks and activities including a zipline that travels 500-metres across a valley.

A team of butlers attend to guests and the hotel promises the same high levels of service and comfort as at sister hotels The Wallawwa, Fort Bazaar, Goatfell, Lunuganga, Kumu Beach and Camellia Hills. Food is a combination of modern Sri Lankan and international fusion dishes, and all meals and drinks are included in the overnight rate.