


Nine Skies
Nine Skies
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Where mist rolls over tea-clad hills and time slows to the hush of hill country — Nine Skies is a quietly luxurious colonial bungalow with old-world charm, panoramic views, and a butler who knows just how you take your tea
Perched high above the emerald hills of Demodera, Nine Skies is a beautifully restored 1920s tea estate manager’s bungalow near Ella, offering an elegant and unhurried window into Sri Lanka’s hill country. Surrounded by working tea estates and gazing out across the legendary Demodera railway loop, this intimate five-bedroom retreat offers a level of calm and comfort that’s increasingly rare.
From the moment you arrive, everything slows — but nothing is overlooked. Each guest is quietly looked after by their own butler, on hand to bring a pot of freshly brewed tea to your terrace or help plan the day’s gentle adventures. The setting is serene, the pace easy, and the feeling is more private home than hotel. There’s no formality here — just soft-spoken luxury, exceptional food, and a rhythm of hospitality that speaks to a more gracious era.
Inside, the five bedrooms are individually styled and full of character — think four-poster beds, vintage details, soaking tubs and French windows opening to sweeping views of garden and hillside. The Ella Rock Suite is the most spacious, with a separate sitting room and private veranda, while the Demodera Bedrooms offer indulgent comfort and space for an extra child. The Nine Skies Bedroom, a twin, can also interconnect — ideal for families or small groups. With just five rooms, the atmosphere remains blissfully peaceful, making this an ideal retreat for couples, older travellers, or anyone seeking to properly switch off.
Outside, a 15m infinity pool overlooks the undulating tea fields and misty valleys that stretch towards Ella — a postcard-perfect backdrop for lazy afternoons, dips between chapters of a good book, or a quiet sunset drink. The garden also offers hidden corners for private dining and candlelit celebrations, and the whole bungalow can be taken exclusively for special occasions.
Dining is unpretentious and genuinely excellent. Meals are pre-ordered and made entirely from scratch, with the kitchen serving both Western and Sri Lankan favourites (don’t miss the pad Thai, red wine-braised beef, or exquisite local curries). Daily menus are curated with care and change regularly, and for those choosing the Luxury All-Inclusive option, premium house wines, spirits and even sparkling wines are all part of the offering. It’s the kind of place where every need is anticipated before you even think to ask — all without a hint of fuss.
For those who like a little light adventure, the surrounding hill country is rich with possibilities. Walks through tea plantations can be taken independently or with your butler, and nearby excursions include the Nine Arch Bridge, Finlay’s Tea Factory, and scenic day trips to Haputale, Bandarawela, or Ella Rock. Guests on an all-inclusive basis enjoy complimentary experiences, such as a guided tea tasting or Sri Lankan cookery demonstration, adding an extra layer of immersion to the stay.
With no televisions, no forced entertainment, and no unnecessary distractions, Nine Skies is a place to properly unplug — where the days unfold with gentle rhythm, and luxury means space, privacy, and the sense that everything is exactly as it should be.
Why Book Nine Skies?
Because it’s everything a boutique hill country retreat should be — intimate, elegant, and steeped in character. With just five thoughtfully styled bedrooms, sweeping views over Demodera and Ella, and quietly impeccable butler service, it feels more like a private home than a hotel. Add a countryside-facing infinity pool, curated experiences from tea tastings to scenic walks, and the option of a luxury all-inclusive stay, and you’ll see why Nine Skies is one of our most cherished finds in Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. Nine Skies is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary. To explore how this hotel might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Nine Skies Details
Dining At Nine Skies
Slow mornings. Candlelit suppers. And every delicious moment in between.
Dining at Nine Skies is an unhurried affair — a chance to savour exceptional food in a setting that feels both elegant and warmly personal. All meals are served à la carte, with a daily-changing menu featuring a thoughtful balance of Sri Lankan favourites, international classics, and lighter, health-led options. While you’ll always order from a menu, in true Sri Lankan fashion everything is prepared entirely from scratch — so guests are kindly asked to pre-order lunch and dinner a little in advance.
Breakfast is a glorious ritual. Expect seasonal fruit platters and freshly pressed juices, still-warm bread and pastry baskets with butter, jam and even marmite, plus signature dishes like homemade pancakes, overnight oats, or a full English with all the trimmings — taken indoors or out on the breezy garden veranda overlooking the tropical hillsides.
The ingredients used at Nine Skies are rooted in the landscape. Much of the fruit, herbs and vegetables are grown in the bungalow’s own gardens, while meat and seafood are sourced daily from nearby markets. It’s a farm-to-fork ethos that feels as nourishing as the food itself.
For those who opt for the luxury all-inclusive package — our most recommended way to experience the house — all meals are included, along with an excellent selection of house wines, beers, and premium spirits, served with quiet grace by your personal butler. From an alfresco lunch overlooking the tea terraces to a nightcap in the softly lit sitting room, every detail is taken care of.
At Nine Skies, mealtimes are never just about eating — they’re about savouring, pausing, and being delightfully looked after in a place that feels every bit like home.
Bar
There’s no formal bar at Nine Skies, but the sitting room features a drinks cabinet arrangement where your butler will be delighted to pour and serve your preferred tipple. For guests on the luxury all-inclusive package, there’s an excellent selection of included wines, spirits, and sparkling wines to enjoy. It’s all beautifully relaxed and unhurried — just the kind of quiet sophistication that defines life at Nine Skies.
Room Service
While there isn’t a formal room service menu, your butler will be happy to serve meals in your room during regular dining hours with a little notice. Whether it’s breakfast on the terrace or a quiet dinner in, just ask — they’ll take care of everything.
Packing Tips
There’s no formal dress code at Nine Skies, but many guests enjoy changing for dinner — it’s part of the pleasure of slow, elegant evenings in the hills. By day, light layers and comfortable shoes are ideal for plantation walks, and when the clouds roll in or the ground is damp, the hotel provides wellies to borrow. As the evenings can be cooler, a cardigan, shawl or pullover is always a good idea. It’s all about laid-back luxury with a touch of polish — nothing fussy, just quietly refined.
Arrival and Departure
Check in from: 14:00
Check out by: 12:00
Both are usually flexible, depending on availability — and if your room isn’t quite ready, the team will be happy to store your luggage so you can begin to unwind and make the most of the hotel’s beautiful spaces.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Nine Skies, Nine Arches Bedroom - Twin
Tucked at the end of the bungalow’s central hallway, the Nine Skies Bedroom is a charming twin room — perfect for children or friends travelling together. With a footprint of 25m², it features four-poster twin beds, a writing desk, and an ensuite bathroom with both rain shower and bathtub. French doors open onto a private terrace overlooking the back garden, offering a quiet spot for morning tea or a moment of calm. For families or groups, this room can be linked with a neighbouring Demodera Bedroom, creating a flexible and connected space.
Sleeps up to two guests.
Demodera Bedroom
Each of the three Demodera Bedrooms is individually styled, blending handpicked antiques with custom-made pieces that strike just the right note between character and comfort. With a generous footprint of 35m², these light-filled rooms feature a king-size four-poster bed, seating area, and French windows that open onto a private furnished terrace — ideal for quiet reading or garden gazing.
All rooms include air conditioning, ample wardrobe space, and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower. One of the bedrooms can also be paired with the adjacent Nine Skies Bedroom to create a spacious two-bedroom family suite.
Sleeps up to three guests ( 2 adults and 1 child).
Ella Rock Suite
The most spacious of the five rooms at Nine Skies, the Ella Rock Suite offers privacy, indulgence, and sweeping views over the tea-carpeted hills of Demodera. Its 45m² open-plan layout includes a four-poster king-size bed, a separate sitting room with plush sofas, and French windows that lead to a private garden veranda — a peaceful spot for sunrise tea or evening sundowners.
The suite features air conditioning and an elegant ensuite bathroom with a rain shower and bathtub. While it’s a natural choice for couples, the sitting room can also be converted into a second bedroom, making it equally well-suited to families.
Sleeps up to four guests ( 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults).
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Nine Skies, Nine Arches Bedroom - Twin
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: luxury all-inclusive.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. Flexible board basis; a choice of half board or luxury all-inclusive. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us info@discerningcollection.com

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, an additional bed for a child or supplementary guest is available on request and will be charged in line with the property’s policy. Please contact us prior to booking to discuss your requirements.
Demodera Bedroom
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: luxury all-inclusive.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. Flexible board basis; a choice of half board or luxury all-inclusive. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us info@discerningcollection.com

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, an additional bed for a child or supplementary guest is available on request and will be charged in line with the property’s policy. Please contact us prior to booking to discuss your requirements.
Ella Rock Suite
As prices for this beautiful property are fluid and subject to change, we recommend contacting our knowledgeable reservations team for the latest availability and a tailor-made quote. Recommended board basis: luxury all-inclusive.
Many guests travelling to Sri Lanka choose a personalised itinerary or multi-centre stay, which we’ll be delighted to arrange. This can be enhanced with a carefully curated selection of experiences and the added comfort of a private driver and vehicle throughout. Flexible board basis; a choice of half board or luxury all-inclusive. We also include a complimentary 3GB eSIM for the lead guest—so you can stay connected from the moment you arrive.
Call us 01784 817720 or email us info@discerningcollection.com

Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing. If your party is larger than two, an additional bed for a child or supplementary guest is available on request and will be charged in line with the property’s policy. Please contact us prior to booking to discuss your requirements.
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Experiences at Nine Skies
Many guests travelling with Discerning Collection choose to stay at Nine Skies as part of a tailor-made journey through Sri Lanka — often with a carefully curated selection of experiences already woven into their itinerary. Others arrive with the intention of doing nothing at all, save for curling up with a book and watching the mist roll over the hills. Both approaches are equally welcome here.
For those who wish to explore, the options are as rich and rewarding as the landscape itself. From tea estate walks led by your butler to scenic train journeys across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, from private picnics in hidden corners of the valley to visits to the charming colonial towns of Haputale and Bandarawela — the experiences here are quietly spectacular.
Below is just a taste of what can be arranged either in advance as part of your tailor-made itinerary, or more spontaneously, with the help of the ever-attentive team at Nine Skies. Whether you’re after slow adventure or simple pleasures, everything can be tailored to your pace, your rhythm, and your idea of perfect.
Sri Lankan Cookery Experience
For guests curious to unlock the secrets behind Sri Lanka’s most beloved dish, this immersive curry-making experience is an absolute delight. Hosted by the talented chef at Nine Skies, this intimate demonstration offers a window into the artistry of preparing an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry feast — using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
Before the cooking begins, the chef hand-selects ingredients from the estate’s own vegetable garden and local markets. Everything is prepared using traditional clay pots known as chatties, prized for the distinctive, smoky flavour they lend to each dish.
You’ll learn about the key spices and methods that give Sri Lankan cuisine its rich depth — from gently simmered dhal and vibrant seasonal vegetables to your choice of fish, chicken, or seafood curry. Afterwards, sit down to enjoy the very meal you helped create, served with flair and followed by a traditional Sri Lankan dessert.
This is more than just a lesson in flavour — it’s a delicious way to connect with the culture of the island, and a memory you’ll carry home long after the spices have faded. We’d be happy to arrange this as part of your tailor-made itinerary or locally with the team at Nine Skies.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Host: Nine Skies Head Chef
Capacity: Max 6
Price: On request
A Visit to a Local Tea Factory
Step inside one of Ella’s historic tea factories and discover the journey from leaf to cup. Guided by a resident expert, you’ll explore the century-old machinery, learn about each stage of production, and finish with a curated tasting of local brews. A beautifully immersive experience—and a lovely chance to pick up some tea to take home.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Host: Factory Manager
Capacity: 4
Price: On request
Walks Through the Tea Country
Step straight from the bungalow into a landscape of rolling tea fields, quiet shrines, and breathtaking valley views. The team at Nine Skies have curated a series of walking trails — some gentle, others more challenging — that meander past tea pluckers at work, weigh stations, and villages where friendly waves are never far away.
Each route is available via a simple app for independent exploration, though we highly recommend walking with the resident naturalist when available — it’s a wonderful way to uncover the stories, wildlife and hidden details of the hill country. This experience can be pre-booked as part of your tailor-made itinerary or arranged locally with the hotel team.
Duration: Depending on Trail
Host: Self Guided or Naturalist
Capacity: Any
Price: On request
The Iconic Nine Arches Bridge
Just a short hop from Nine Skies, the Nine Arches Bridge is one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmarks — a graceful colonial viaduct nestled between Demodara and Ella stations. Visit early for a peaceful walk or time it with a passing train for that iconic shot as the carriages curve across the arches. For those keen to ride the rails, the stretch from Demodara to Nanu Oya is widely hailed as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Duration: 2 hours
Host: Self Guided or Naturalist
Capacity: Any
Price: On request
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
An easy and rewarding trail through lush tea plantations, Little Adam’s Peak offers panoramic views across the Ella Gap and misty hill country beyond. The path is gentle, clearly marked, and just 2km in length — perfect for a light morning adventure. Go solo or let us arrange a local guide to bring the landscape to life. Either way, the views from the top are more than worth the climb.
Duration: 2- 4 hours
Host: Self Guided or Local Guide
Capacity: Any
Price: On request
Hike to Ella Rock
A more rugged and rewarding climb, Ella Rock is for those craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The trail winds through tea fields, forested slopes, and local villages before opening out to jaw-dropping views over the Ella Gap. It’s unmarked in parts, so we recommend heading out with the resident naturalist when available—or speak to the butlers for guidance if going it alone. A king coconut at the top is the perfect finish.
Duration: 3- 5 hours
Host: Local Guide or Naturalist
Capacity: Any
Price: On request
Flying Ravana Adventure Park
For a shot of adrenaline in the heart of tea country, Flying Ravana offers a thrilling contrast to Ella’s slower pace. Glide above the valley on Sri Lanka’s longest zip line, try your hand at archery or air rifling, or take to the hillside on an ATV. For the brave, there’s abseiling too—with staggering views to steady your nerves. A brilliant way to add a little adventure to your escape.
Duration: 2- 4 hours
Host: Self-Guided or Naturalist
Capacity: Any
Price: On request
In a nutshell
Our guests love
Tailor-Made Itineraries
Sri Lanka is a land of remarkable variety — wild national parks, timeworn temples, emerald tea country, and golden coastlines. For many of our guests, the most rewarding way to experience the island is through a thoughtfully crafted, multi-centre itinerary that captures the distinct character of each region.
We are proud to present a selection of our favourite handcrafted itineraries, curated from our own on-the-ground discoveries. However, these are just a flavour of what’s possible — designed to be the beginning of a conversation. Every journey is bespoke, built entirely around your interests and at a pace that suits you best.
We work exclusively with a handpicked collection of boutique hotels — including this one — and trusted, English-speaking private drivers who bring the island’s culture and landscapes to life. We also offer access to a bespoke range of experiences that are otherwise unavailable to the average traveller, giving our guests the chance to experience Sri Lanka in a way few others can.
Whether it’s exploring sacred cities, spotting elephants on a boat safari in Gal Oya, or winding through the tea country by vintage train, our itineraries are designed to take you far beyond the ordinary. Your stay at this property can be part of a much wider adventure — one that’s entirely tailored to you.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Sri Lanka
Highlights Of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka En Famille
Flavours Of Sri Lanka
Get in touch to discuss your tailor-made itinerary across Sri Lanka with The Discerning Collection: info@discerningcollection.com or call us: 01784 817720