A Tea Factory Reimagined
High above the emerald hills of Ella, where mist drifts lazily across tea-covered slopes, Newburgh Ella Tea Factory Resort reveals itself not as a conventional hotel, but as a thoughtfully curated experience. Housed within a restored green tea factory, the resort carries the quiet dignity of its past while offering contemporary comfort with remarkable restraint. Here, history, landscape, and hospitality come together in a way that feels intentional rather than indulgent.
A Setting That Elevates the Journey
The approach to Newburgh Ella is part of its appeal. Located in the heart of Ella, the resort enjoys sweeping views of the iconic Ella Gap, while remaining conveniently close to well-known attractions such as Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. Once inside the property, however, the outside world feels distant. The elevated setting, cool climate, and uninterrupted panoramas create a calm, restorative atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and reconnect.
Design Rooted in Authenticity
What truly distinguishes Newburgh Ella is its design philosophy. Rather than erasing its industrial heritage, the resort preserves the original tea factory structures, allowing guests to move through spaces once central to Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Stone walls, steel elements, timber accents, and open-plan layouts come together with understated elegance. Nothing feels excessive, yet nothing feels incomplete. Throughout the property, the surrounding hills and shifting light remain the true focal point.
Rooms Inspired by Tea Heritage
Accommodation at Newburgh Ella continues this narrative of subtle sophistication. Rooms are named after Sri Lankan tea grades such as Golden Tip, Silver Tip, and Bronze Tip, each reflecting a balance of comfort and character. Spacious interiors open onto private balconies, framing misty mornings and golden sunsets. Golden Tip rooms offer enhanced privacy and a heightened sense of luxury, while Silver Tip rooms capture postcard-perfect views of the iconic orange chimney and the vast Ella Gap beyond.
Dining with a Sense of Place
Dining here is both sensory and culturally grounded. The main restaurant, 1903, features an open kitchen that brings warmth and transparency to the experience, complemented by Eastern Valley, which balances local flavours with international finesse. Tea remains central to the culinary journey. With an in-house tea factory and the Three Tips Tea Lounge, guests are invited to engage with tea as a living heritage rather than a simple beverage. Evenings unfold at George Thompson – Founder’s Brew, where each drink is subtly accompanied by a sense of history and storytelling.
Experiences That Enrich the Stay
Beyond rooms and dining, Newburgh Ella offers spaces that elevate the overall experience. The sky observation deck provides uninterrupted views that transform throughout the day, from soft and meditative at sunrise to dramatic and awe-inspiring by dusk. The Ayuwasa Spa, run by a skilled Balinese therapist, adds a layer of holistic wellness that aligns seamlessly with the resort’s tranquil surroundings. Walking through the preserved tea factory areas further reinforces the sense of place and continuity.
Hospitality with Heart and Purpose
Perhaps the most defining element of Newburgh Ella is its people. Service feels genuine, warm, and unforced, reflecting a quiet pride in the property and its story. This ethos extends to the resort’s sustainability practices, including the thoughtful encouragement of staff to dine from the guest buffet alongside their own. This approach reduces food waste while reinforcing a culture of shared responsibility and respect.
Ideal for Mindful, High-Value Travel
Newburgh Ella is best suited for travellers who value depth over spectacle. It appeals to those seeking heritage, scenery, and mindful luxury rather than excess. For travel buyers, it represents a property that listens to its surroundings, honours its history, and delivers hospitality with sincerity. More than a stay in Ella, Newburgh Ella offers a meaningful connection to one of Sri Lanka’s most storied landscapes.
