Villa Verde Ella

The rooms had flickering lights, dust everywhere, and no order to them. Door glass was broken and patched with cardboard, the bathrooms were in very bad condition, and the floor carpet was burnt down to the iron. The road there is terrible, too. Don’t be fooled by the photos; the actual place is quite different. I’m writing this because foreigners visiting our country are inconvenienced by these false impressions. If you can’t run a place properly, please close it down.

The Sri Lankan food was really good, thanks to Sahan and the staff for preparing such lovely meals. When I told Sahan the linen was old, he apologised and changed it. The room, near the kitchen on the lower level, was dusty and shabby, with brown carpets marked by iron stains. The toilets felt damp and needed more cleaning. We parked the car in a safe place near town, then staff took us to the villa. The ride took 20 minutes and was a bit bumpy. We stayed for two nights and three days. If you’re phobic about insects, frogs (ata gembas), or bats, think twice. The staff can’t control many of them since the property is in the mountains. It could be a great place if it were maintained properly.

The food was the highlight, so tasty that we loved every bite. Staff were fantastic, kind, and helpful. Villa Verde Ella felt like a peaceful oasis away from busy Ella, with a quiet atmosphere that gave us a sense of freedom and calm. The villa does look a bit old and could be cleaner, but we had a great time. We’re thankful for the lovely staff and can’t wait to go back. Thanks, Villa Verde Ella, for a wonderful getaway.

The drive and views on the way to Villa Verde Ella were beautiful, and the property is away from the city. We stayed two nights with six adults and needed three rooms. But the place didn’t quite match the online photos or the pictures from the manager. The walk up to the first villa was manageable; getting to the second was a tough climb, especially after exploring the city and hiking. The paths were poorly maintained. Rooms were cramped with little luggage space, and the carpets were dirty and dusty. We even found a dead gecko. The outdoor bathroom idea was interesting, but it was dusty and had ants. The villa had no secure entrance, the doors didn’t lock, and some windows were open, which made us uneasy at night. Hot and cold water were unreliable even after we told the manager several times. Showering became a nightmare, with barely a few drops coming out. There were no lights on the path from the main building to the villas, so walking through dense thicket at night was unsettling. The main building where meals are served was also dusty and unclean. Food was basic at best, tableware was subpar, and there often weren’t enough glasses or other essentials. The road to the villa makes the place seem rundown, but it’s advisable to bring your vehicles onto the premises. Villa Verde Ella has potential, but it needs better management, planning, security, and refurbishment. It falls short of expectations and seems to have deteriorated over time. Disappointed.