Nothing. Special place and beautifal stay experience

It doesn't get better. Your own chef personally making you whatever you want for breakfast. Zen setting, super friendly staff. The property has been in the same family hands for well over a hundred years. Back to nature experience in a rice paddy and forest setting a very short distance to the hustle and bustle of Ella. Property owner is a great guy who has a vision on improving the lives of those less fortunate and has undertaking a number of community based projects which are game changing for those inviolved. That spirit of genoristy and kindness seems to reside in the soul of this place. A very special experience that will stay with you for some time.

Stayed in March 2024

The only downside is no proper AC in the rooms! But we did visit during some of the hottest weather, so in normal times this may not be an issue.

The property was beautiful, tucked away but not far from everything you need in Ella. The owner and the staff were amazing and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect, and finally the food was just incredible in a stunning setting. Could not recommend this place highly enough.

Stayed in March 2024

One bedroom in the cottage was separate so you had to go outside to reach the loo. We made it work but may not work for all families.

Welcoming and engaged staff looking after us.

Stayed in April 2024

The property is beautiful with every effort to make your stay as eco- friendly as possible. It is quiet, peaceful and very private and yet it is an easy walk or tuk tuk to town. The food was wonderful. We had breakfast and dinner each day and it was the best food we had on our trip. The cook prepared the food in our kitchen and it was great to see him make the dishes and get some cookery tips! Ishanka’s vision for the place is wonderful - set in paddy fields, and very close to nature, staying there was one of our best experiences while in Sri Lanka - only wish we could have stayed longer

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing.

Weoved the cottage! It was spacious, clean, and all amenities were provided! The communication Ishanke and his team were super friendly, gave us great tips what to do around and even tough Ella is max. 10 minutes walking distance we also enjoyed the free TukTuk to/from Ella once in a while!

Stayed in March 2024

Not something I disliked AT ALL but just want to warn people so the Aware Retreat team doesn’t have to deal with these situations - if you don’t like animals and wild life, just move on. They have two adorable dogs, there will be squirrels and frogs.

I don’t have enough good words to describe this place. We left with a heavy heart this morning, that’s how much we loved it. The bungalows are crafted with such love, attention to details and taste. It is surreal to be so close to Ella Main Street yet having your own nature haven. The place is so peaceful, you will feel completely disconnected from real life and be in your own bubble. The food is excellent, prepared in front of you at breakfast in your own little outside kitchen. They even have a little local crafts shop where you can buy macramé items made by local women they are supporting. I absolutely cannot wait to go back again, and this place has definitely been the highlight of our trip. Thank you so much for everything!

Stayed in March 2024

Quite a few insects inside the room and a few frogs in the bathroom. Just be aware.

Stunning landscape around. Quiet at night. Very nice cottage with great interior design and nice big bathroom. Staff were very helpful and they prepared an amazing Sri Lankan breakfast after our hike.

Stayed in March 2024

Located on a worked patch of farmland Enjoyed a beautiful peaceful rural location Super spacious cabin/ villa with great view over the valley. Food and service were outstanding

Stayed in March 2024

This hotel offers a picturesque landscape and cozy cottages tastefully decorated with love. The owner and staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Vino, the chef, made our stay unforgettable with his cooking class, creating a magical evening filled with delicious food and valuable insights. It's a perfect retreat for anyone seeking relaxation and culinary delights.

Stayed in March 2024

Very nice location, outside area is the best. Food fresh prepared, nice decorated, very short tuktuk ride from ella center and main sights. Property can arrange all that and will wait for you at the station.

Stayed in February 2024

What a wonderful place to stay. The actual accommodation blends beautifully into nature but provides a safe enough barrier where you don't feel wildlife will encroach into your personal space. We had a lovely hammock to hang out in to listen to the sounds around us which is by and large the sound of nature. At night we were blessed with seeing fireflies in the trees and when we needed to retreat from the nature we could always go to our beautiful room. Food - Vino was our chef and he treated us to freshly cooked tasty meals (Sri Lankan and sometimes not) at both the evening and morning and he really made our experience very special. Having food hot off the stove (like you might receive back home) served with warmth and love made it a truly special experience. Customer service - We had a tuk tuk pick us up from the train station and throughout our experience and interaction with all the staff was exceptional. Vino was also our driver and took us to wherever we needed to go. They also arranged a driver to take us to our next hotel. All in all a truly wonderful stay and experience.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

We loved everything about our stay at Arawe retreat, we wish we had stay there longer! It was beautifully designed, very short walk to Ella Main Streets (free tuktuk shuttle also available). We particularly enjoyed the food which was prepared in house by amazing chefs and the slow paced atmosphere of the retreat. We would love to come back some day!! Special thanks to Ishanka, Vino, Suren and Dharashan for the lovely food, assistance and recommendations!

Stayed in February 2024

Not enough time booked at this location

The staff is excellent. Accomadation is clean and looks great.

Stayed in February 2024

The place is so peaceful and serene. We loved the bed in the trees for relaxing! It is in a great location, just a short tuk tuk ride from Ella town and other main attractions. The staff are great - particularly Suren who made our stay.

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

Breakfast was fantastic. Both the choice, quality and stunning outdoor location.

Stayed in January 2024

Ishanka Build a green Oasis a little bit away from the bustling streets of Ella. The property is just beautiful lush and green and besides a couple of tuk tuks and cars passing in the night a quiet place

Stayed in January 2024

Would just like them to rather share more pictures of their cottages on website/ insta page so the guests would know better how amazing this property is

We loved the space that our cottage offered us apart from the room itself. It was a lot of open space that allowed us to feel relaxed and be on our own The owner gave us some fantastic recommendations as well for the places to check in Ella, and the staff is absolutely lovely and amazing. They take care of you with all your requests and try to make you super comfortable

Stayed in December 2023

Can't criticise a thing!

The most beautiful property in the most amazing setting very close to the centre of ella. The staff couldn't do enough for you and our cookery lesson was incredible. Highly recommended this place to anyone. Thank you Ishanke for letting us stay 🙏 ❤️

Stayed in December 2023

Lovely staff

Stayed in December 2023

Whilst the property was beautiful unfortunately it was damp. Could do with a dehumidifier.

Amazing location, we saw monkeys at breakfast every day! The villa was decorated beautifully. Breakfast was so delicious! The retreat also organised tuk tuks and taxis for us which was extremely helpful. All the staff were fantastic and a big thank you to Vino for the amazing food and cooking class! It was the best food we had in Sri Lanka!

Stayed in November 2023

The ONLY thing I can say is that one of the doors near the bathroom of the cabin doesn't close all the way, which means noisy frogs/bugs can get in at night. However, this is a nature retreat, so we expected this to a certain extent and it didn't impact our stay too much.

-Amazing Sri Lankan breakfast -The room was well decorated and the surrounding space was incredibly beautiful and peaceful -Kind, helpful staff -Cute and sweet dogs -Very near the city center, but still felt isolated (in a good way) -Communicative host -Pretty flower arrangement on the bed when we arrived

Stayed in December 2023

Amazing team and Chef! Location was so peaceful and we felt like we were sleeping in the forest!

Stayed in December 2023

Should’ve stayed longer.

Just gorgeous. So well thought out. Had everything we needed. Really was a retreat. Best outdoor shower in Sri Lanka.

Stayed in November 2023

There is nothing to even slightly complain at!

There is nothing not to like about this place! The attention to detail and care from staff is exceptional, the food is 10/10 and the rice is grown on the fields next to you, I would come here again and again and again!!!

Stayed in November 2023