98 Acres Resort and Spa Review

During our absolutely wonderful honeymoon in Sri Lanka. We found a slice of paradise we must share with you – the 98 Acres Resort and Spa.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination that combines romance, luxury, and a dash of adventure. 98 Acres Resort and Spa should be on your list.

Imagine waking up in the morning, sipping your tea while gazing at the sunrise over the mountains. Then, as night falls, the place transforms into a magical wonderland with a mesmerising spectacle of fireflies. Lighting up the night like tiny stars.

It’s as if these little creatures were putting on a special show just for us. A perfect romantic backdrop! Let us tell you more about it!

We arrived at this destination after our thrilling safari experiences in Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park. Seeking well-deserved relaxation.

Video of 98 Acre Resort and Spa

98 Acres Resort and Spa Location

Located in the picturesque Ella mountains, alongside the captivating Little Adam’s Peak and just a short drive from the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, 98 Acres provides awe-inspiring vistas of the verdant valleys and tea plantations. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this tranquil retreat.

It is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, surrounded by scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Hotel lobby

As you step into the resort, you are greeted by an inviting lobby area that perfectly blends simplicity with elegance. The design is a nod to the surrounding nature, with wooden accents and stunning mountain views.

The lobby has a big terrace surrounded by a panoramic view of the tea plantations, Ella’s Gap and the majestic Little Adam Peak. It’s a sight that will take your breath away, instantly setting the tone for a memorable stay. You can’t help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over you as you soak in the beauty around you.

98 Acres Reception

Upon arrival, the reception staff will greet guests with a refreshing drink – traditional black tea served with jaggery.

This is a classic Sri Lankan sweetener made from palm sugar, and it adds a delightful sweetness to the robust flavour of the tea. It’s a simple yet heart-warming gesture that makes you feel at home.

While enjoying your tea and taking in the views, the friendly staff handles the check-in process. Their approachable nature and attention to detail ensure a smooth start to your stay, allowing you to relax and unwind from the moment you step in.

Getting around the resort

While all the key areas – your room, the reception, the restaurant, and the spa – are within walking distance, the resort is nestled on a hill so that some paths might be steep for some guests.

But don’t worry. The resort has thought of everything to make your stay comfortable and hassle-free. They have friendly tuk-tuk drivers right within the resort, ready to whisk you away to your chosen spot.

Whether you’re heading back to your room after a delightful meal at the restaurant or off for a relaxing treatment at the spa, these convenient rides are just a call away. It’s as simple as that!

Remember, the aim here is to enjoy your stay and take in the stunning views, not to work up a sweat getting from point A to point B. So hop on, sit back, and enjoy the short, scenic ride.

The buildings and rooms are well maintained. Check out this image of these Sri Lankan workers repairing the roofs of some rooms.

Room

We were situated a short but steep ride or walk down from reception in a small block of 4 apartments.

We stayed in a premium deluxe room that was spacious and elegantly furnished, offering all the amenities for a comfortable stay.

Bed

Upon entering our deluxe room, we were greeted with a beautiful “Happy Honeymoon” message artfully created from leaves and petals on the bed.

The bed in our nice room was impressively large, providing ample space for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. Its expansive size added to the luxury and relaxation that defined our stay at the 98 Acres Resort boutique hotel.

There are luxurious comforts, like air conditioning, a seating area with a sofa and flat screen tv with satellite channels.

Balcony

The highlight of the room, though, was undoubtedly the balcony. It provided an unobstructed amazing view of Little Adam’s Peak, a sight that took our breath away every time we stepped out.

Wake up to the melodious symphony of chirping birds, greeted by a mesmerizing view of verdant mountains through your window. End your day with a romantic spectacle of fireflies on the balcony. This enchanting fusion of romance, opulence, and serenity creates the perfect sanctuary for honeymooners.

To make our honeymoon even sweeter, the staff surprised us with a delicious sponge cake. Beautifully presented with a “Happy Honeymoon” message written in chocolate on the plate. Alongside this, a basket brimming with fresh, local fruits was delivered to our room.

These thoughtful touches truly elevated our experience at the 98 Acres Resort and Spa, making our honeymoon unforgettable.

Bathroom

The bathroom is spacious and designed for comfort, and offers majestic mountain views.

The beautiful stone, unique waterfall shower overlooks the breathtaking Ella Gap, giving you an invigorating bathing experience with unbeatable scenic views. The shower featured frosted glass up to chest height for privacy, allowing us to feel at one with nature as we bathed. The windows can also be fully opened up to enjoy the view.

They have included all free toiletries for your convenience. And let’s not forget the powerful hair dryer, a lifesaver for drying my thick hair.

Mini-Bar

The minibar in our room was thoughtfully stocked with various beverages to suit our needs. Complimentary tea and water were available.

For those who prefer something stronger or fizzy, beers and soft drinks were also available at an additional cost, with prices conveniently listed on the side for easy reference.

Wi-fi

The free WiFi at the 98 Acres Resort & Spa was impressively consistent and reliable, ensuring we could stay connected throughout our stay.

Whether we were unwinding on the balcony in complete peace in our room or lounging by the pool, the Wi-Fi signal remained strong, enabling us to share our experiences with friends and family back home and keep up with our work.

Spa

One of the highlights of this resort is its spa, a serene sanctuary that promises relaxation and rejuvenation with a stunning backdrop of nature surrounds of tea estate.

During our stay, we were particularly intrigued by the honeymoon package offered by the spa.

This package seemed the perfect way to indulge and celebrate our newfound marital bliss. It included a range of treatments tailored for couples, promising an experience of shared relaxation and bonding.

However, much to our regret, we didn’t find the time to take advantage of this amazing package. Despite this, the thought of what could have been added an extra layer of allure to our stay at 98 Acres Resort & Spa.

We left with a promise to ourselves that we would return, not only for the breathtaking views and luxurious accommodation but also for the unforgettable spa experience we missed out on.

Treatment Room

The spa at 98 Acres is a wellness haven featuring a variety of treatments designed to soothe the body and calm the mind. The spa menu is extensive, offering everything from massages to herbal treatments.

The herbal bath looking over the mountains looked amazing, and the unique herb-infused Ayurveda steam baths are a traditional Sri Lankan wellness practice known for their detoxifying and health-enhancing benefits.

It stimulates the production of endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good hormones and also works to relax muscles and soothe aches.

Gym

For those who prefer their relaxation with a side of exercise, 98 Acres Resort & Spa offers a gym fully equipped with a range of equipment, from treadmills and stationary bikes for cardiovascular exercise to free weights and resistance machines for strength training.

Situated so you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding nature whilst working out, with large windows allowing in plenty of natural light and offering panoramic views of the lush green stunning landscape.

Swimming Pool

The pool area at 98 Acres Resort & Spa provides guests with a place to cool off, soak in the sun, or enjoy the serene ambience amidst the resort’s breathtaking surroundings.

The swimming pool has been elegantly constructed with natural cut stones, blending seamlessly with the lush greenery and amazing views over the mountains that define the resort.

There is a pool bar and towels available for guests to use, making it a stunning location for a lazy afternoon with a refreshing drink in hand.

And for those who prefer to relax and bask in the sun, there are plenty of lounge chairs available around the pool area, offering both shade and sun options.

Bar 98

The bar at 98 Acres is tucked away in the resort’s main restaurant, creating an atmosphere that effortlessly combines laid-back sophistication with a hint of rustic charm. It’s been uniquely designed and built using recycled timber from old railway sleepers.

It boasts an extensive selection of beverages, from a variety of wines sourced globally to an impressive array of local and imported spirits. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or prefer adventurous, innovative mixes, the bar at 98 Acres Resort & Spa has you covered.

The bar’s location inside the restaurant provides a seamless transition from dining to winding down with a drink, all while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The relaxing atmosphere and high-quality drinks make the bar at 98 Acres Resort & Spaan essential part of the overall guest experience at the resort.

Restaurant 98

Meals are served in their restaurant with panoramic views of the lush green tea plantations and misty mountains, offering a truly magical dining experience.

The restaurant offers an indoor or outdoor dining area, allowing guests to choose between the cosy interior or basking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Now, let’s talk food because we know that’s a big part of the travel experience.

Breakfast Buffet

We thoroughly enjoyed our meals at 98 Acres Resort & Spa restaurant, with each dish expertly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients bursting with flavour.

The free breakfast spread is served as a buffet, with a delightful mix of both Western and Sri Lankan cuisines.

From freshly baked bread, tropical fruits, and your choice of eggs to traditional Sri Lankan dishes like string hoppers, dhal curry, and coconut sambal, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Don’t forget to try the egg hoppers at breakfast, too.

Paired with a cup of the freshest tea from the surrounding estates or fresh coffee if you prefer? It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the day’s adventures.

You can eat breakfast inside or enjoy the outdoor seating with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations.

Enjoy your breakfast while taking in the sights around you.

Dinner

As the sun sets over the beautiful landscape of 98 Acres Resort, dinner becomes another gastronomic adventure to look forward to.

The 98-acre à la restaurant Menu features a fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisine, catering to various palate preferences.

On our recent visit, we decided to try the Oriental set menu – a decision we didn’t regret! The star of the meal was the devilled prawns and calamari. Cooked to perfection, the prawns and calamari were tender and flavoursome.

They were served with vegetable-fried noodles that had just the right amount of crunch and a perfectly cooked fried egg on top.

To accompany this, we had a medley of stir-fried vegetables, tempered potatoes, and prawn crackers. Adding a delightful textural contrast to the meal.

The heat from the chilli paste was balanced beautifully by the tangy sweetness of the mango chutney. Making every bite a burst of flavour. Served with some sparkling wine.

The serene ambience, the attentive service, and the exquisite food made our dinner at 98 Acres a truly memorable experience.

Dessert

Our oriental set meal had a delightful choice of either ice cream or fruit salad. We decided to have one of each, sharing the delectable treats.

Activities

The resort offers a range of activities to suit all interests. For those who prefer outdoor adventures, hike to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock.

For those seeking a thrilling adventure, don’t miss out on the exhilarating experience of the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline.

As already mentioned, there is a small pool in the hotel.

Or you can enjoy the Ravana Pool Club, located a short walk away from the resort, this is an extra charge to use the facilities. It is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We will be posting a blog post about all of the places to visit soon!

There are a few friendly cats and these two cute kittens to pet around the resort.

Conclusion Review of 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Whether it’s adventure or relaxation, 98 Acres Resort & Spa offers a variety of experiences to create unforgettable memories. This is the most expensive hotel we stayed at in Sri Lanka, but it was worth it.

Our stay at the 98 Acres Resort and Spa it is a magical place, made even more special by the attention to detail shown by the staff. For example, the bed honeymoon writing and the honeymoon cake and fruit bowl.

Places to visit Nearby

Just a short walk, down big slopes (wear comfortable shoes) from 98 Acres, you’ll find the Ravana Pool Club, Ella swing, and mega zipline flying ravana. Providing plenty of adrenaline-fueled fun. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Little Adam’s Peak is nearby. Offering stunning views from the top.

Take a trip to the Nine Arch Bridge, one of the top attractions near 98 Acres Resort. If you’re willing to venture a bit further, there are numerous other attractions to explore.

Read our things to do in Ella post to see what else you can do whilst in Ella.

You could take a cooking lesson to learn about local cuisine, visit Lipton’s Seat for incredible panoramic views, or visit tea plantations and factories to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea production process. Head to Ella railway station to take an exciting train journey. Read more about our Sri Lanka train journey.

The Dambatenne area is another great place to visit, where you can give gifts to grateful children. Don’t miss out on the Ravana Waterfall, a spectacular sight, especially during the rainy season.

FAQ’s for 98 Acres Resort and Spa

More Hotels we recommend in Sri Lanka

We are writing reviews of our favourite places we have stayed while travelling around Sri Lanka. We also enjoyed our stays at the Riu Sri Lanka and the Yala Cinnamon Wild. Read more about the Riu Sri Lanka hotel here or check out our review for the Cinnamon Wild in Yala

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