EKHO Ella has been recognised as a top 1% hotel globally, earning TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best 2025 award. This distinction celebrates its railway-inspired boutique experience, personalised service, and immersive Sri Lankan heritage for travellers seeking memorable stays.
EKHO Ella earns TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best 2025 award
EKHO Ella, the boutique hotel nestled in Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being placed among the top one percent of hotels worldwide. The recognition comes through TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Award, an honour bestowed solely based on guest reviews and ratings. This accolade highlights EKHO Ella’s dedication to warm hospitality, thoughtful design, and memorable experiences.
The hotel’s unique railway-inspired concept sets it apart in the luxury boutique segment. Each room pays homage to Sri Lanka’s rich railway legacy, featuring vintage seating, signal lights, and curated elements reminiscent of local trains while blending seamlessly with modern comforts. Positioned above the iconic Ella Gap, the property offers breathtaking views and convenient access to landmarks such as Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge, making it a prime destination for travellers exploring the hill country.
This recognition underscores the growing global trend favoring boutique hotels that offer character, cultural depth, and meaningful experiences. EKHO Ella’s approach focuses on authenticity and personalisation, ensuring that each guest enjoys a stay that reflects local culture and heritage. The property’s compact size allows for attentive service and a close connection between staff and visitors, enhancing the overall experience.
To celebrate this achievement, EKHO Ella hosted an Employee Felicitation Ceremony, acknowledging the team whose dedication has shaped the hotel’s reputation. Staff members who consistently provide attentive and heartfelt service were recognised, reaffirming the hotel’s belief that its people are central to its identity. CHC Hotels Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Adrian Jansz, remarked, “This award reflects our commitment to thoughtful hospitality and cultural storytelling through luxury. Our railway-themed concept honours Sri Lanka’s hill country journey, and guests clearly value this blend of heritage and service.”
The hotel’s dining offerings also reflect a commitment to local culture. The on-site restaurant and bar, named after nearby waterways, present authentic Sri Lankan cuisine using fresh herbs grown on the property. This attention to detail, combined with a sustainable and conscious operational approach, further enhances the boutique experience. Guests are not only treated to luxury accommodations but also engaged in a narrative rooted in the region’s history and environment.
Looking ahead, EKHO Ella plans to expand its cultural and sustainability initiatives while maintaining the railway-inspired identity that defines its charm. By fostering local community engagement and curating authentic experiences, the hotel aims to provide meaningful stays that resonate long after guests depart.
This international recognition places both EKHO Ella and the broader Ella region in the global spotlight. Travellers seeking boutique experiences with character and cultural depth are increasingly drawn to properties like EKHO Ella, where every detail tells a story and every stay becomes an immersive journey through Sri Lankan heritage. With its combination of comfort, storytelling, and personalised service, EKHO Ella exemplifies how boutique hotels can lead in both guest satisfaction and cultural preservation.
EKHO Ella invites visitors to experience a Sri Lankan escape that begins with the spirit of a train story, offers luxurious comfort at every step, and leaves lasting memories. The 2025 TripAdvisor accolade is not only a testament to its excellence in hospitality but also a reflection of the growing appeal of intimate, experience-driven hotels in global tourism.