Amba Estate, Ella

A guesthouse spread over a farmhouse and three cottages on an organic farm in Sri Lanka's tea country, Amba is also an organic working farm and a social enterprise working with the local community. The simple rooms are bright with traditional furnishings and decor. Those in the houses have access to a kitchen and communal living area and meals are served together. The smaller line rooms have balconies to enjoy the view from. The meals are all traditional Sri Lankan cuisine cooked by local ladies who have worked on the estate, the emphasis is on fresh local produce and the estate produces many of its own products. There is plenty of hiking in the area and the opportunity to see wildlife, guests can also take a tour of the farm, try some tea and learn about the organic farming methods. The ethos at Amba is to increase economic opportunities for local citizens whilst also protecting the natural environment, all those employed at Amba come from the local area as do the many goods and products needed to run the guesthouse. The estate is working to restore natural habitats and eco systems in the area and minimise any negative impact.