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The best place to stay near Ella! The staff are absolutely amazing — always ready to help with anything you need and super quick to respond. The breakfast was delicious and beautifully presented every morning. The view is just breathtaking — probably the most stunning I've ever seen. The whole place is incredibly quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. And the bed? 10 out of 10 — so comfortable! I would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended

Stayed in August 2025

The length of the off road trip to get there.

Views were incredible. The journey to get there was an experience. Together this makes for a beautiful, unique stay.

Stayed in June 2025

The lighting inside the rooms could be brighter.

Right in the midst of nature, beautiful views all around. The food prepared by the local lady was the best food I had in Sri Lanka. A little distant from Ella though.

Stayed in April 2025

I had an absolutely magical stay at Shambala Retreat. I booked it last minute and barely looked into the place, and was surely surprised over the breathtaking views and serene energy here. Perfect for relaxing, doing yoga and meditation (no sound of any cars as it's at the end of a mountain road - but be aware that you should be an adventurer to stay here, the last 3 km can only be done by tuk tuk and is an adventure, to say at least!). The hosts were also the kindest, great service! I'll come back :)

Stayed in April 2025

Adventurous ride to reach the hotel on a bumpy road - although no problem for the Tuk Tuk which was available anytime, we felt that going back and forth once a day was enough for us.

Amazing location in the jungle with wonderful view, away from buzzing Ella. The host, manager and cook took very good care of us, yoga mats were available. breakfast and dinner were excellent!

Stayed in March 2025

The road is quite challenging

The view is really amazing! The dinner was outstanding, so so delicious.

Stayed in March 2025

Perfect place if you want a peaceful, beautiful retreat for a few days rest and relaxation, far from crowds or noise. The views are incredible, you can see straight across to the biggest waterfall. Rumesh was very attentive and responsive, him and his staff took great care of us. Very comfy and big bed. Yoga mats, hammock, a few different areas to sit out and read or hang out. The dinners and breakfasts were excellent and varied every day. There is a cafe/resto 10-15min walk up the track that's an option to go hang out, the owner kindly let us use the pool there. The secret waterfall nearby was beautiful and empty when we went. We felt very safe with the tuk tuk driver who knows how to handle the bumpy track.

Stayed in February 2025

A stunning location with views to match Rumesh made the stay incredible by organising everything from the transport to the delicious food We stayed in some great places in Sri Lanka but here was by far the most amazing,an experience I will never forget!

Stayed in January 2025

The facilities are basic but adequate and the price reflects this. The draw of this place is the view, so we didn't mind.

Amazing views, remote location so lovely and quiet. Adorable kitten. Host was warm, welcoming and so friendly, he will happily arrange a tuk tuk into town. Breakfast was a nice touch. Thanks for a lovely stay!

Stayed in August 2024

What an amazing place to stay!! We loved every minute of it and wished we could have stayed much longer. Waking up in such a private place for just our family to the sounds of the birds with stunning Mountain Views was amazing! Our kids loved it and we all enjoyed the huge terrace very much. The house was very comfortable and the beds great. When we come back to Ella we will for sure stay here again! Rumesh is an amazing, friendly host. He was always available for our questions and we learned a lot from him about life in Sri Lanka. He had great tips for us to see the environment and we loved the itinerary he made for us. Secret waterfall was our favorite! The Sri Lankan home made breakfast and dinner was great! It is cooked by a local lady, who uses herbs from the villa’s garden. We loved the adventurous tuk tuk ride to the house! Just be aware that you are up for a tuk tuk adventure that you will not forget.

Stayed in August 2024

Road was a little bit challenging if you want to go back to Ella to do some sightseeing and return to the retreat.

Incredible location in the middle of the nature. A bit effort to get there - only a special tuk tuk can go the off-road way - but therefore you are away from the crowd in Ella. For people who search for a quiet place in the nature. Food was outstanding (breakfast and dinner) Owner is very kind and warm hearted and supports with everything you need. We will definitely come back once we return to Sri Lanka P. S. Kids will love the house cat :)

Stayed in July 2024

The long trek down to Shambala from 7-mile post can really only be done in a tuk tuk, which isn’t a problem as the local tuk tuk was always on hand.

The most stunning location well out of Ella down a long, rough track (not for the faint hearted or ordinary cars), which was truly a retreat in paradise. Our host, Rumesh, could not have been kinder or more helpful. We even had the delightful company of a sweet little cat, which made our happiness complete. The food was all freshly prepared and cooked from simple homegrown ingredients and delicious.

Stayed in July 2024

The path to reach the property

It’s seclusion from the hustle bustle of the town

Stayed in May 2024

It's not a problem, but it's worth noting that the retreat is accessed by a road in need of repair. Thankfully, a tuk tuk is provided free of charge to take you there as the road isn't suitable for cars. Our taxi dropped us off at the nearest main road where Uku the tuk tuk driver was waiting (arrange this with Rumesh when you book). Amazingly, we both fit in with two large suitcases! It was a bumpy ride but quite fun if you like adventure.

If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing stay, this is the place! The views are incredible and you're in the cooler mountains surrounded by nature. We had a wonderful time. There are just two rooms, separated by a communal lounge space, so you feel like you're alone. The bathroom is basic but does the job. The bed is huge! The food is freshly made authentic Sri Lankan home cooking made by a local woman who's been cooking here for years. The staff are all very friendly, particularly the owner Rumesh who we had lovely chats with. A highlight was hiking to the 'secret waterfall' (ask Rumesh) 5km away, through local villages where everyone smiles and waves to you. We will miss our dear friend, the kitten :)

Stayed in April 2024

This place has the most relaxing and calming atmosphere. Due to only having two guestrooms, the secluded location as well as the very welcoming host, we felt like home. We could have sat on the Terrace, watching the splendid green all around the whole day. First we were worried, that our kid might find it boring. Turns out that this was one of her favorite places. The little baby cat might have played a role in that though.

Stayed in March 2024

The calmness, the remoteness, the view, the food. Where to start?! Shambala retreat is the place to go if you would like to stay away from the crowds. The property is outside of Ella - it takes around 40 minutes to reach it by tuktuk - which can be less convenient if you prefer to stay close to the city. Although, staying in Shambala allows you to discover beautiful tea gardens and villages without any tourists around - which is a plus if you’re willing to get off the beaten path. The homemade breakfast every morning was the best Sri Lankan food we had in our entire trip. I would definitely go back!

Stayed in April 2024

A bit of the beaten track, which we felt added to the charm but worth being aware of.

Incredible views, so peaceful, private and relaxing, we could have spent a whole week here. The host was so helpful, giving us great tips for exploring the local area and arranging a safari tour/ transfer for us at a far more reasonable rate than we could find online. The food was a real highlight - we ate breakfast and dinner here everyday and it was exquisite - thoroughly recommend.

Stayed in March 2024

We wished for an apartment in the nature and after half an hour tuk tuk ride (adventurous road) we arrived in paradise! It’s so beautiful and absolutely quiet! Rumesh and the other people who worked there were so friendly and the food was delicious. I totally recommend that place.

Stayed in February 2024

The location is a little far away from the town but is beautiful and quiet.

The best place we stayed in Sri Lanka. The staff are friendly and the food was incredible and the views were stunning.

Stayed in January 2024

I had to take a minute before writing this review, because this place deserves all the accolades! I am so grateful to Shambala, Rumesh and his team for the days I spent there and I could’ve easily stayed for weeks. It’s a gorgeous and peaceful place, built over a long period of time, decorated with love… I really enjoyed the huge bed (I think the biggest I’ve ever slept in), which Rumesh had specially built, the views over the garden with banana trees, mountains and Ravana waterfall at distance, which you can see even from your bed as you wake up. The friendly monkeys on the trees in the afternoons! There are only two rooms in the place so it’s quiet, secluded, designed for deep rest. I came here after a yoga retreat and it was the perfect place to keep practising on my own, there are yoga mats and you have plenty of space on your terrace to exercise as you wish. There is a small library with a very good selection! You can also hike to Kombukara Waterfall/ Natural Pool through small villages, tea plantations and amazing mountain views where I didn’t come across any other travellers. The food cooked by Pushpa for both breakfast and dinner was amazing! It was varied Sri Lankan food, healthy, fresh and there was always coffee and tea available. The bumpy and entertaining tuk-tuk ride into Ella is 10km (2500 LKR), which I only did at the beginning and end of my stay - once I arrived at Shambala I did not want to leave! Could not recommend this place more and I hope to be back one day for a longer stay.

Stayed in January 2024

You need to get everything with you, long way to go shopping but once you are prepaired all is good.

I really enjoyed the remoteness of the place, you have amazing views and no other tourists. Really nice hike around. Staff is very helpful and nice, good local food also. Good mosquitonet and nice view from bed.

Stayed in March 2023

Like many places in the hills access can be a little tricky along rocky tracks but an experienced tuk tuk driver will get you there. It's about 30 minutes from central Ella.

Had an amazing time over 3 nights at the Shambala Retreat. It was incredibly peaceful and had a live in chef/housekeeper who cooked the most delicious and natural vegetarian meals if you so desired. Amazing large and extremely comfortable beds were a major bonus. A complete antidote to the bustle of Ella town and pretty much everything else, in my experience unique. Very good for Yoga, mediation and to immerse oneself in the natural beauty or the Ella area. Thanks Romesh and AK.

Stayed in February 2023

Shambala retreat was the highlight of our trip! The serenity and the views of this place is unmatched. We loved every minute of our stay - the food, service and hospitality was so homely and like none other we've experienced. Rumesh and Akhilan are amazing hosts, paying attention to every little detail and request. Thank you for the great experience! Look forward to coming back again ❤️

Stayed in December 2022

Nothing

It was the best stay in Sri Lanka! I’m so happy we found this place. We were looking for quiet and peaceful place with good view. And it’s exactly what it is and even more. Hospitality, space, cleanliness, food exceeded our expectations. The man who run the place is amazing cook, who took care of us but gave us privacy which we appreciate. The breakfast was tasty and big. The view from the balcony is breathtaking. You can see mountains and even waterfall. We liked it so much so we extended our stay for one more night. We really happy overall and will come back for sure!

Stayed in January 2023