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98 Acres Resort

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Contemporary property, rustic feel
- Field archery, tea plantation and waterfall visits
- Pool, spa, gym, yoga
- Well equipped games room

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Overview

Nestled high in the misty mountains of Sri Lanka’s tea country in the remote hamlet of Ella lies 98 Acres Resort, a series of delightful chalets tucked away on stilts within a remote tea plantation. Opened in 2012, the property has a more rustic, contemporary feel than many of the more historic ‘ex-colonial’ hotels in the area. There’s a lovely pool, gym and spa and yoga sessions are also available, along with a games room complete with dart board, pool table and board games. After taking time to unwind, excursions through the nearby tea plantations are highly recommended.

Comprised of natural materials such as eucalyptus, bamboo and Illuk straw, the chalets have a spacious, fresh and modern feel. Every chalet is set out across two floors, with one bedroom on each level, and modern amenities such as a TV, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and an en-suite bathroom. All have private balconies with wonderful views through the Ella Gap in the mountains, all the way to the coastline. There’s a range of room types from standard, through to deluxe and executive suites. At the higher end of the spectrum, the Grand Executive Suite boasts a private plunge pool set in wooden decking with fabulous views of the Ella Gap. The Greenland Suite houses a kitchen, pantry, and cooking facilities. A choice of Sri Lankan or Western cuisine is served in the restaurant, or on private balconies if preferred.

There’s plenty to do in and around the resort. Visitors can choose to hike, hire bicycles, motorbikes, or even travel in golf buggies from the resort to the nearby tea plantations. Informative tours reveal how tea is produced from start to finish, and there’s usually a tea tasting session at the end. Of course, specialty tea from the factory is served at the resort throughout the day, so everyone gets to sample a taste. Other activities include private cooking lessons with the chefs, guided ‘field archery’ adventures along jungle paths, or perhaps even a helicopter ride. Birdwatching enthusiasts are in for a treat since the 98 Acres Resort provides sanctuary for 63 of Sri Lanka’s resident bird species including woodpeckers, babblers, barbets, flycatchers, minivit and bee-eaters. Visits to the Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, are also very popular. While December to April is arguably the best time to visit 98 Acres Resort, do note that this is a popular season for most travellers and things can get a little busy.

Children are welcome at the resort, and while there are no designated children’s activities, the pool and nearby activities are bound to keep them entertained. Parents are reminded to supervise children at all times since the pool is unfenced and unguarded.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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