Highlights
- Contemporary property, rustic feel
- Field archery, tea plantation and waterfall visits
- Pool, spa, gym, yoga
- Well equipped games room
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireNestled 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.
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024