Nine Skies is a restored 1920s tea planter’s bungalow in Demodara, just 15 minutes from Ella. This five-bedroom boutique hotel combines contemporary comfort with classic colonial charm.
Guests enjoy a private country-house atmosphere, dedicated butler service, all-inclusive dining, and a refreshing garden pool. Misty mountains, tea plantations, and historic railway landmarks surround the peaceful hilltop retreat.
Nearby attractions include the famous Nine Arches Bridge, scenic hiking trails, and memorable train journeys through Sri Lanka’s tea country. Guests can also relax with a drink by the fireplace or dine on the veranda.
Nine Skies offers a tranquil, slow-paced base for exploring Ella and Sri Lanka’s spectacular central highlands.
Their story
Dating back to the 1920s, Nine Skies was originally a planter’s bungalow that housed generations of English and Sri Lankan tea estate managers. In 2018, the property was carefully restored and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel.
Its name, meaning ‘Nine Skies’ (locally ‘Ahas Navaya’), pays homage to the nearby historic Nine Arches Bridge, through whose stone arches one can look up to see nine frames of the sky. The hotel’s ethos is centered on preserving the property’s original heritage and small-scale footprint while integrating sustainable operations that support the local community and environment. Read more about them.
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Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Nine Skies preserves its original bungalow and surrounding landscape through sensitive restoration and small-scale development. Its limited footprint and established vegetation help reduce environmental disturbance.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Nine Skies utilizes energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property, paired with motion sensors and automated controls in key areas to prevent unnecessary electricity usage.
- Taking advantage of its elevated highland setting, the bungalow is designed to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial temperature control and lighting during the day.
Pioneer in waste management
- Waste management at Nine Skies focuses on rigorous sorting and reduction. Recyclables such as paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and select plastics are separated from general waste, while organic kitchen waste is composted on-site.
- To address water conservation, water-flow restricting nozzles are installed on all taps and showers.
- Additionally, single-use plastics are actively minimized by providing guests with reusable glass water bottles, utilizing refillable product dispensers, and using reusable dining tableware.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The bungalow prioritizes low food miles by cultivating an on-site garden that produces a wide variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs used in daily guest meals. Any external meat and seafood are sourced directly from nearby local markets.
- The dining experience is fully inclusive, offering guests a choice of healthy international options and authentic Sri Lankan dishes prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Actively protects nature and community
- Nine Skies is deeply committed to supporting its local community through employment opportunities and by partnering with local suppliers. The hotel donates surplus garden produce to nearby families and sponsors various community projects, including a reforestation initiative that plants Kumbuk trees along the Badulla Oya riverbank to prevent soil erosion.
- Furthermore, the estate’s grounds are managed to preserve the natural highland vegetation and support local biodiversity.
Most Popular Activities Near Nine Skies
- Scenic train rides
- Scenic tea estate walks
- Ziplining at Flying Ravana Adventure Park
- Restorative spa treatments
- Sri Lankan cooking experience
- Dining at the bungalow viewpoint
- Birdwatching
- Guided tea factory tour
- Visiting the Nine Arches Bridge
- Hiking Little Adam’s Peak
- Hiking Ella Rock
Best Time To Visit Nine Skies
- The best time to visit Nine Skies and Ella is from December to March for sunny skies and pleasant weather. April, July, and August typically bring warmer temperatures.
- For cooler weather and misty mountain scenery, consider visiting between September and November. The wetter conditions create a dramatic atmosphere across Sri Lanka’s highlands.