Browns Hotels and Resorts expands its presence in Sri Lanka’s hill country with the launch of Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort, a heritage-inspired property that blends history, sustainability, and refined hospitality.
In the mist-veiled heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, where Ella has earned global recognition as one of the island’s most photographed destinations, Browns Hotels and Resorts introduces a new chapter in experiential hospitality with the unveiling of Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort. Once a thriving tea factory, the century-old estate—originally established in 1903 by legendary Scottish tea planter George Thomson—has been thoughtfully transformed into a luxury resort.
The restoration carefully preserves the property’s industrial character and historical soul while elevating it into an immersive contemporary retreat.
Set against dramatic mountain backdrops and distinguished by its iconic orange chimney, the resort commands panoramic views of the world-famous Ella Gap, framed by Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak—where landscape, legacy, and luxury converge. In January 2026, Newburgh Ella officially opened its doors to travelers from around the world with a ceremonial launch attended by Eksath Wijeratne, CEO, Browns Hotels and Resorts; Gangadaran Velsamy, General Manager, Newburgh Ella; Priyal Perera, Head – Projects and Procurement; Nishad Rajapakse, Manager – Engineering; along with key officials from Browns Hotels and Resorts.
Set against dramatic mountain backdrops and distinguished by its iconic orange chimney, the resort commands panoramic views of the world-famous Ella Gap, framed by Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak—where landscape, legacy, and luxury converge.
The event featured traditional regional performances and a ceremonial presentation of the first keycards to the resort’s inaugural guests by its staff. This unveiling marks the soft opening of Newburgh Ella, with the property currently progressing through its LEED and green certification processes.
As part of its sustainability journey, the resort operates under a fully paperless concept, offering digital check-in and menu systems—reinforcing Browns Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to responsible, future-ready hospitality.
Strategically located on the Ella–Passara main road, near the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and the Pekoe Trail, Newburgh Ella features 41 thoughtfully designed rooms categorized as Silver, Gold, and Bronze—an elegant nod to the hierarchy of tea tips. The resort offers family rooms, signature suites, and full wheelchair accessibility, ensuring inclusive luxury for all guests.
From sunrise to sunset, each room frames sweeping emerald vistas, connecting guests to the natural rhythm of the hills. Dining at Newburgh Ella celebrates the estate’s enduring relationship with tea, land, and craft. 1903 – The Dining Room offers all-day dining featuring local and international flavors. Eastern Valley, an open-air restaurant, presents refined Pan-Asian cuisine. Three Tips, the tea lounge, invites guests to savor the estate’s finest teas.
The resort’s bar, George Thomson – The Founder’s Tavern, features specially curated beverages inspired by the region, reflecting the warmth and character of Browns hospitality. Beyond its elegant spaces, guests can explore Ella through curated experiences—from estate walks and excursions to Ravana and Diyaluma Falls, to scenic railway journeys through the hill country. SKY, the resort’s observation deck, offers breathtaking vistas across tea-carpeted valleys and the iconic Ella Gap.
Eksath Wijeratne, CEO, Browns Hotels and Resorts, stated: “Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful global stories, and with Newburgh Ella, we wanted to honor that legacy while creating an experience that goes beyond aesthetics. Guests can connect with the very process, the people, and the land that give Sri Lankan tea its global recognition. At the same time, this project supports the local community, with many former factory staff now part of the resort team—ensuring heritage, sustainability, and hospitality thrive together.” With the unveiling of Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort, Browns Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its portfolio of story-led destinations across Sri Lanka—inviting travelers to experience tea country differently, where the finest grade of tea meets the finest grade of stay, steeped in history, character, and heart.
Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort Passara Road, Ella
+94 117 930 930
reservations@brownshotels.com
brownshotels.com/newburghella
