We are cursing to only say one night here on passing through Ella. Ishanka has the AMAZING Arawe Retreat set in the tranquility of the valley on the edge of Ella (a short tuk tuk ride or an approximately 10 minute walk). Amongst the trees and it’s own rice field, you immediately feel one with nature in this relaxing environment, accommodated in Ishanka’s great grandmothers 170year old house. The property is amazing, relaxing and comfortable with an immediate mantra feel from the moment you walk onto the property. The house is beautiful, holding two bedrooms, both with large comfortable doubles, accessing the incredibly designed washroom with monsoon shower over a large rock slab, against a stone wall and with interesting fittings throughout. Enjoy breakfast with the amazing Chef in Vino, providing a beautiful Sri Lankan breakfast. Dinner is available in the outdoor kitchen and dining area, again designed to encapsulate the feel of the retreat. Excitingly Ishanka is well through his project of building another residence which looks incredible already, looking to grow the venue with some beautiful modern touches whilst maintaining the feel of the whole retreat. Overall, should you want to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting, within the rice paddies and jungle, with a modern yet historical style of accomodation do not go past Arawe Retreat. Be sure to contact Ishanka who will help you with anything you need including Yoga sessions and anything local to eat such as Matey Hut (see my google review). If I could give 10 stars I would ms thank you to Ishanka for his hospitality and welcome to his amazing and wonderful property.

Only that we hadn’t booked enough nights in this absolutely beautiful place

The owner of the house and assistants are amazing people, kind, open. Vino prepared for us the most delicious breakfast in Sri Lanka, 100 out of 100 for quality, aesthetics and taste! I wish to finish building a house opposite to organize yoga in it and then the place will be more attractive.

Most likely the sheet was washed but there were stains on it and I hoped that it was not mold. In the bathroom, you need to carefully wash the floor mats, they look not fresh. At night, the bird was picking at the roof until the morning, preventing me from sleeping, and the sounds from occasionally passing cars can be heard since the house is close to the road.

The food was incredible, the owner Ishanka and his staff were awesome and looked after us so well from food to hiking to anything we needed!

so close to town centre but so quiet and peaceful

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The location of this property is just perfect- you are absolutely surrounded by nature yet still close to Ella town with all the shops and restaurants. The villa itself is very spacious and comfortable, everything you may need is provided. Our hosts, all of the staff and the chef were amazing- very kind, helpful and accommodating. if you are looking for a picture perfect location with all the human comforts, Arawe Retreat is the place.

Location – Excellent. The property is located amidst farmland and is yet at a convenient distance of 1.5 kms from the Ella main town.

Cleanliness – The property is 150 years old and the host has retrofitted the house.Hence,the bedrooms are damp. Offers attached toilet to only 1 out of 2 rooms. Mosquitoes, flies, leeches are prevalent so better to be come prepared for some adventure! Staff – Average. In the evening, we had to call up the host as there was no one to secure the property specially because it was pitch dark and no lights were on. Food – Average. Set breakfast menu. Other meals are not offered(Though we had gone to the Main City for our Dinner)

peaceful, Ishanka was a great host, he spent a lot of his precious time with us and we appreciate it. we were thrilled to be here and to learn more about ella and Arawe.

Beautiful location and friendly host who is prompt with answering queries and providing advice. The breakfast in particular was exceptional.

a very unique experience making you blend with nature the owner has put a lot of his soul in this place and his hospitality is unique

it’s perfect blend of Sri Lanka

amazing location, very quiet but close to the city at the same time Design super, the cottage is very beautiful

Nothing - one of the best stay in Sri Lanka

ı love the hotel! staffs are amazing, kind, helpful, friendly. Meals were delicious, room is clean. I recommend the place for everybody who loves nature. The hotel is like a secret heaven in the world! ı also want to special thanx to Ishanka who is the owner of the hotel 🤩 He is the best owner😌

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We absolutely loved our stay at Arawe Retreat. Being so close to Ella station it was the perfect location for us. Ishanka really looked after us both and made us feel at home (in the jungle). The place was spotless with a gorgeous interior design. Breakfast was freshly made each morning and we would sit admiring the sounds of nature. Ishanka gave us plenty of recommendations of what to do nearby and organised a tuk-tuk driver who looked after us during our stay. Ishankas 2 lovely dogs were a pleasure to be around as well. We even picked local veg from the garden one night and had a cooking class with the chef! Would highly recommend Arawe Retreat to anyone who is visiting Ella. We hope to be back in the future :) Thanks again Ishanka for making our trip so memorable!

Only a small thought, but we did think the cooking class was overpriced at $28 for 2. Upon travelling the rest of Sri Lanka we realised we had been overcharged for this cooking class.

Amazing location, close to the central town. The host was amazing and highly recommend.

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A wonderful little cottage,, beautifully furnished. A magical place just 10min walking distance to Ella main road. It is even nicer than in the pictures. Breakfast was excellent and their cook served some of the best dinners we had in Sri Lanka. Very friendly host as well. The best place we stayed at during our long trip though Sri Lanka.

Everything was just perfect.

The villa was extremely peaceful and secluded. The design of the room and outside chilling area was really cool! Overall it was an amazing experience. The food was also delicious ( the breakfast and dinner). Ishanka was super helpful and tried to solved our problems. We forgot our charger and he found out a way to deliver to us. Totally recommend to stay here

We stayed here mid-way through our honeymoon, and while a little out of our usual comfort zone (expected) we absolutely loved it. The accommodation felt rustic, and authentic, and was beautifully decorated, set overlooking a rice field. We did experience the occasional power cuts, although I understand that this was a Sri Lanka problem, rather than the Retreat. However, this turned out to be a great experience, where we sat on the porch and watched fireflies dance around the trees opposite. The food was incredible, and the Chef, Charminda was always happy cooking and explaining the foods and process. We also did a cooking lesson with Charminda, which was a great experience. The owner, Ishanka, was incredibly welcoming, and made some great recommendations and offered to arrange various activities for us. My Wife also left her shoes when we left, and Ishanka kindly dropped them to us a few days later as he was nearby.

Secluded property but still walking distance to Ella centre. Surrounded by nature and tranquility.

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incredible home overlooking the rice fields and the train goes passed on top of the hill. this place is a dream ! walking distance to the center of Ella but so quiet at home. Chaminda the private chef is a star !! such a nice person making the best food I've ever eaten.

leaving was the worse thing about staying here

The retreat is located on the side of a hillside overlooking amazing scenery. Ishanka, the owner, has kept the accommodation rustic to suit the surroundings. Ishanka is a great host and makes sure you are well looked after and is very knowledgeable about the area. It’s well located for the main attractions of Ella. The food at the retreat is excellent and cooked over wood, we ate there every evening. The breakfast is also excellent and served in a delightful setting overlooking the valley. Ishanka also arranged our transport for our ongoing journey.

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A stunning, authentic retreat nestled in the paddy fields and a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Ella. Ishanka, the owner, was a fantastic host and offered some great suggestions on things to do and places to eat, but by far our favourite spot to eat was at the retreat. Chef Chaminda who cooked just for us made the most wonderful Sri Lankan food and was truly passionate about cooking with organic, local products. It was an incredible stay and we will 100% be returning on our next trip back to this beautiful country

This is a lovely place. Very rustic, a bit like staying in a 14th century English cottage with lots of quirks and plenty of character. Gorgeous rustic style - particularly in the bathroom and some lovely pieces of furniture and objets. What really sold this place for us were the views across the valley, the trains chugging along in the distance and the peace. The food was the absolute highlight. Truly superb, in particular the Sri Lankan Pancakes.and rice and curry for dinner which was the best we have had during our 30 day trip. Worth going solely for the cooking, in my opinion. Owner Ishanka is both charming and amazing in terms of delivering on expectation. We didn't particularly like Ella City and we didn't want to do the touristy walks so he arranged plenty of other things for us to do, Diyaluma Falls was spectacular.

We really liked everything. The only thing I would say is that this place is very rustic, so if you are expecting luxe you won't find it here. We are also ageing folk and the albeit fairly fit ones. Others may find some of the steps and drops difficult to navigate.

A beautiful stay in the most stunning location. Four of us stayed in the bungalow. It is set deep in the hills, but is only a short walk from Ella, and central for all the sites. The chef is outstanding. The breakfasts were just out of this world. I had the best curry of my life (pumpkin) for breakfast. It was so good, we booked dinner and told him to just cook whatever he wanted. We were not disappointed, it was insane. The rooms were very comfortable, the beds very luxurious and beautifully decorated. We arranged to have our laundry done as well which came back all dry and folded within a day. An incredible stay still and would definitely book again.... Simply for the chef's cooking alone.

A few minor niggles. The shower wasn't great. Quite cold most of the time with no pressure. The lock on the bathroom door was broken by the previous guests, we were told it would be fixed the next day, but it never was. The owners also have two gorgeous German shepherds. We LOVE dogs, and were over the moon to be greeted by them everyday. They did love to bark early in the morning though. The 5:30am wake up wasn't great on the last day.

Everything was perfect! Absolutely amazing place to stay in Ella with the most picturesque views and hospitable staff. We loved spending time at the place! Hashini it was a pleasure meeting you, you have definitely made two very good friends from Pakistan!:)

stunning property. Hementha made us fantastic food and we all had a beautiful dinner together on the last night. It was really special. They were also very accommodating to our travel guide and driver Laza which is important to us. Ella is a beautiful town and perfect for hiking and exploring.

nothing, it was perfect

The cottage is so cute, very clean and comfortable. The staff was great. We had dinner there, it was very special. The food was amazing and the cook very nice.

Nothing, everything was great! I recommend it!

Unique property in Ella with a total natural environment and lovely antique house. I enjoyed conversations with Isanka and wish him the best with the organic farming. Look forward to the cows.

Amazing host, the breakfast was one of the best we had during our trip! So helpful with things to do around the area and even organised our transport and took us places if we needed to!

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Enjoyed relaxing on the verandah, looking out over beautiful scenery. The Sri Lankan breakfasts were delicious and everyone was very friendly and helpful. Amazing bathroom too.

The bed was a little hard for me but husband had no problem with it - so just personal taste.