A little sparse in comforts ( towels tissues body lotion face cloths ) Bed was very solid & not enough pillows Lots of steps to negotiate

Location & ethos behind the facility Staff very helpful and responsive to requests Breakfast was great and very fresh ingredients used

Stayed in August 2025

The villa we stayed in requires some work. We had an incident that was dealt with swiftly. But things like lock doesn't work or the shattaf in the bathroom doesn't work properly. Not big problems but can be worked on. More trash cans in the room can be helpful, too. We had power outtage both nights that we stayed. One night was longer. It's not an issue as Ella js quite cool, but the mosquitoes cause issues with lack of fan when power is out.

Staff is so nice. Suren, and Mr. Jayantha were our people. Food and the chef at this property are amazing. Food is made with so much love it really shows. Super green, smack in the middle of the nature. Very boutiquey and personalised service.

Stayed in August 2025

I had a wonderful stay at Arawe Retreat in Ella. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and I felt truly cared for during my time there. The room was very clean and comfortable, and the food was absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Ella!

Stayed in August 2025

The spa let the retreat down unfortunately. Communication via WhatsApp sometimes became confused.

The location was perfect. The view from the chalet was exceptional. The plunge pool was great. The staff were lovely. Would recommend the chef and the cooking class. The yoga class was fun too!

Stayed in August 2025

Awesome location just outside of Ella and near the train station. Stunning nature in and around Arawe. Amazing accommodation, delicious food and the friendliest staff. Probably our favourite place to stay in Sri Lanka.

Stayed in August 2025

Some of the facilities (like the spa and yoga shala) were not available yet as under construction.

Arawe retreat is a true gem in Ella. Relaxing location in the middle of the rice paddies, with a great hotel manger and staff, complimented by the hotel superstars Latta, Banda, and Mandika - respectively the hotel cat and dogs. Breakfast was great and service like no other in Sri Lanka.

Stayed in August 2025

We were satisfied with everything

Breakfast was very very good and location supurb

Stayed in August 2025

many steps down to property (which was not an issue for us), just in people have accessibility issues….

Such an amazing property like nothing we have stayed at before

Stayed in August 2025

What a peaceful escape! Arawe Retreat is the perfect place to unwind, surrounded by lush nature and total tranquility. The setting is calm and green – ideal if you’re looking to recharge away from the noise. The breakfast is absolutely delicious, made with care and served with a smile. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the free pickup and drop-off to Ella town is such a convenient bonus. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of Ella in a quiet and welcoming atmosphere!

Stayed in July 2025

Beautiful view, close by town but still quiet. Good facilities

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was perfect. The only thing we could mention is that the ceiling fan as well as the toilet door were a bit noisy.

A lovely field setup which consists of 3 villas in a valley which has rice cultivation in the middle. It’s offering privacy and a rural living experience. The rooms are spacious, recently renovated with great taste. The staff are very friendly and the cooking class is carried out from Harshan, is a must do if you have the time to do it. We had such a good sleep and overall relaxation due to the mattress comfort in combination with the sound of birds singing. Last but not least, the staff are very generous and accommodating about breakfast options. The cook with his team make it special and memorable.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Our stay was absolutely fantastic! The view is stunning, the location good and the room was not only beautifully styled but also fully equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The breakfast was delicious, the Sri Lankan curry was very good and the cooking class was perfect! On top of that, the staff was exceptionally kind and attentive, which made the experience even more pleasant. A big thank you for such a wonderful stay – highly recommended!

Stayed in May 2025

Incredible and relaxing stay! We loved the villa, which we enjoyed with our 2 children for 4 nights. The setting is stunning and so relaxing and the staff are so kind. The food is exceptional, we had breakfast and a couple of dinners at the property all cooked fresh, some of the best food we have eaten in Sri Lanka! We also did a cooking class which was fabulous! It was so enjoyable while our kids played around us, they accommodated us to have the lesson at the villa so it worked with our small children. We would love to stay again someday!

Stayed in May 2025

IT WAS PERFECT

Our stay at Arawe Retreat was something truly special—an experience we will never forget. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and kindness by the incredible hosts, especially Ishanka, Suren, and Jayantha. They each brought so much heart and generosity to our time there, and we’re so grateful to have met them. The home itself is full of soul and good energy—170 years old and rich with history. If you're a traveller who loves to dive deeper into the culture and stories behind the places you visit, this is the perfect spot. Take the time to speak with the team and ask them about how Arawe Retreat came to be—it’s a deeply moving story that added so much meaning to our stay. The breakfast deserves its own special mention—it was by far the best we had in Sri Lanka! Fresh, delicious, and made with so much care. One of the highlights of our time here was our tuk-tuk driver, Suren, who is part of the team. They offer a free tuk-tuk service up to a certain time, and Suren was our guide throughout. He’s not just a driver—he’s someone who genuinely cares about your experience. He showed us stunning waterfalls, beautiful temples, and always stopped at every beautiful viewpoint along the way. His kindness, smile, and interest in showing us around the area made him a huge part of our journey. He went above and beyond in every way, and we already miss him so much. Leaving Arawe Retreat was emotional. It felt like saying goodbye to friends and a place that felt like home. We’re already dreaming of our return and couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone travelling through Kandy. See you all very soon beautiful people! From Marta & Sam

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

We stayed in the villa which was private, spacious and clean. Staff were amazingly kind and helpful and the breakfasts and dinner were superb. We felt very well looked after. We were delighted to see a group of monkeys in the trees by our verandah one morning!

Stayed in May 2025

We had the best stay at Arawe Retreat and really hope to return one day. Jayantha and team were so lovely and helpful, they went above and beyond. We enjoyed chatting at breakfast and they even gave us a tour of the grounds and other apartments that were empty (100% book the plunge pool!!). It is absolutely beautiful being amongst the rice fields, the photos don't do it justice! The free tuk tuk into town is great, it is also walkable as it's not too far. The breakfast was no doubt THE best spread we've had in Sri Lanka. Thank you 💛

Stayed in April 2025

We loved Arawe and would have loved to stay longer. It’s a beautiful place with such a unique style that’s honest to the environment. It’s fabulous to support such a sustainable and community focused business. Very kind and warm welcome from all of the staff. Always there to help. The kids loved the animals. We also participated in a morning yoga session which was just me and my 7 year old daughter. The yoga teacher adapted the session wonderfully to suit us both. The breakfast was probably the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka, so much so we asked to come back for breakfast again even though we couldn’t stay a second night.

Stayed in April 2025

The accommodation and staff were exceptional. We loved the cooking class and the food was amazing. The staff also helped us immensely when we needed to take our son for medical attention. The only thing that was a bit misleading was they told us that they provide a tuk tuk for the local area. We assumed it was included… we assumed wrong and were charged a lot in addition. This was certainly not a deal breaker though - we loved it here. 11/10

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing!

Writing this review to spread the word about this wonderful place! Arawe is truly special. The chalets have been meticulously and beautifully designed and furnished. We wish we had extra days just to enjoy it more. Location couldn’t be better - you a 2 minute tuk tuk from the town center but far enough away to experience the serenity of the jungle. They also provide free tuk tuk rides into town! Right across the street are gorgeous rolling hills of tea leaves. You are really in an oasis. Bear in mind that you are in the mountains and it rains often so things are naturally a bit damp but it was hardly noticeable and didn’t in any way impact us plus that’s the case everywhere in Ella and shouldn’t deter you at all. It was cool at night and the fan was very pleasant. The bed was exceedingly comfortable- we slept incredibly well. The breakfast was some of the BEST food we’ve had in Sri Lanka- they provide a platter of delicious fruit and of course coffee and tea. Worth coming for the breakfast alone! They also made a little to go breakfast for us super early since we had to leave to catch the train. The staff could not be more kind and helpful. The manager arranged a car to take us to a waterfall and was super responsive. All in all- this is the perfect Ella oasis you have been looking for!!! Stay here and you will not regret it! We will be back ourselves!

Stayed in March 2025

Unreal property, so beautiful and clean. Only 10 mins walk out of Ella but felt very private and quiet which was great. Beautiful views of the valley and nature and lots of great space to chill outside.

Stayed in March 2025

Loved everything.

Everything!!! The staff are sooo lovely and kind and helpful. The free tuktuks to town is so cool and extremely convenient. The villa itself is beyond gorgeous and such a beautiful escape from a bustling main area just a few minutes away. The food was epic, the two dogs are so cutiiie. We’re so grateful. This was our hardest accomodation to leave because we enjoyed it so much - but hope to return in the future.

Stayed in March 2025

Wonderful welcome from attentive staff. Really went extra mile to make my wife’s 40th birthday special. Cottage has lovely decor and is in a beautiful green setting.

Stayed in March 2025

Couldn’t fault our stay everything was perfect.

What an amazing property! We were blown away when we arrived, not only was it much bigger than expected but it was spotlessly clean and was decorated so nice. The attention to detail and beautiful setting in the forest made it even more perfect. Despite being situated in such a remote area it was a short ten minute walk into town - perfect. The staff couldn’t do enough for you and I would love to stay here again.

Stayed in February 2025

Exceptionnal! Mosy beautiful place I stayed in. The staff really made me feel like a princess

Stayed in February 2025