Ella, Sri LankaDemodara
Nine Skies by Teardrop Hotels
Colonial tea bungalow
Demodara Ella, Sri Lanka
Opened
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
Teardrop HotelsColonial tea bungalow
This 1920s planter's bungalow runs like a private country house, with butler service, afternoon tea, and drinks by the fireplace.
What it’s good at
Notable
A restored 1920s tea planter bungalow preserving colonial woodwork and brick fireplaces.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The scarves by the door and the bicycles outside set the tone before you've unpacked.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The garden looks down on the Demodara train loop, with the peach-washed 1920s railway station just down the hill.
The rooms
Four-poster beds and deep soaking tubs furnish the five bedrooms, where French windows look out over the surrounding tea bushes.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The unheated infinity pool is tiled in Indonesian natural stone and looks out across the wooded valley.
At the table
Breakfast brings hoppers to the open verandah, followed by curries made with herbs and vegetables from the garden.
How it began
The name comes from Demodara's Nine Arches Bridge, where looking up through the viaduct reveals nine cuts of open sky.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.