Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella stopover
Hilldale Retreat is perfectly positioned for travelers touring Sri Lanka's hill country who want an easy route stop, beautiful views and a quiet night away from crowded town hotels.
Hilldale Retreat in Labookellie is the premier boutique stopover on Sri Lanka's A5 scenic route. Located at the 57 km post—approximately 2.5 hours from Kandy and 2.5 hours from Ella—it offers travelers a tranquil 7-room haven with a heated infinity pool, dry sauna, and in-house fine dining restaurant without entering congested town traffic.
At a Glance
| Exact Highway Position | A5 Highway, 57 km post, Labookellie 80m past Police checkpoint / Saman Stores |
|---|---|
| Distance to Kandy | ~68 km (approx. 2.5 hours) Scenic drive past Ramboda Falls and tea valleys |
| Distance to Nuwara Eliya Town | 9 km (approx. 18 minutes) City altitude ~1,868 m; Pidurutalagala peak 2,524 m (30 min) |
| Distance to Nanu Oya Train Station | 16.8 km (approx. 38 minutes) Main departure hub for the scenic blue train to Ella |
| Distance to Ella | ~65 km (approx. 2.5 hours by car) Or 3.5 hours scenic train ride from Nanu Oya |
| Distance to Colombo Airport (CMB) | ~155 km (approx. 4.5 – 5 hours) Private transfer can be pre-arranged with hosts |
| On-Site Road Amenities | Secure Parking, EV Charging (15A), Driver drop-off Free private parking for all guest vehicles |
| Direct Booking | www.hilldaleretreat.com WhatsApp host concierge: +94 77 905 6363 |
Located along the Kandy - Nuwara Eliya Main Road at the 57 km post.
Only around 18 minutes from Nuwara Eliya town by scenic drive.
Ideal for Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya to Ella and Ella to Kandy routes.
Seven-room boutique retreat for a quiet overnight or two-night pause.
Strategic hill country location
Hilldale Retreat sits along the Nuwara Eliya - Kandy Main Road (A5), making it a practical and breathtaking stop for travelers moving through Sri Lanka's hill country.
Unlike a busy town hotel, Hilldale gives guests space to rest, breathe and recover between longer road journeys, with panoramic mountain and tea plantation views directly from your private balcony.
Suggested routes
Travelers often use Hilldale as a quiet stop while moving from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya to Ella or Ella back toward Kandy.
The retreat gives couples and international guests the comfort of a boutique stay without losing convenient access to the main hill country route.
Rest before the next road
A stopover should feel restorative, not just practical. At Hilldale, guests can enjoy the Temperature Controlled infinity pool, dry sauna, exclusive in-house fine dining restaurant and a quiet night's rest.
For couples and mature travelers, it is a comfortable way to break up the journey while still experiencing the authentic beauty of Sri Lanka's central highlands.
Romantic celebrations
Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or simply a special evening together, Hilldale Retreat can arrange intimate candlelight dinners crafted for couples.
Choose a setting that feels right for your moment: the picturesque restaurant, the pool deck beside the Temperature Controlled infinity pool, the open deck under the stars, or the Summer Terrace surrounded by peaceful mountain air.
Every celebration can be personalized with quiet elegance, cool Nuwara Eliya breezes, breathtaking views and the feeling of having the evening gently prepared just for you.
Helpful answers
Nuwara Eliya town center can be congested with vehicle traffic and commercial noise. Labookellie, located 9 km (18 minutes) north along the A5 scenic route at ~1,700 m altitude, offers uninterrupted tranquility, fresh highland air, and panoramic tea plantation views while keeping town sights like Gregory Lake easily accessible.
Nanu Oya railway station is approximately 16.8 km (38 minutes drive) from Hilldale Retreat. Many foreign travelers spend one or two nights resting at Hilldale before boarding the world-famous scenic blue train from Nanu Oya to Ella.
While a one-night stopover provides a comfortable pause to break up the drive, a two-night stay allows you to fully enjoy our heated infinity pool, dry sauna, and in-house dining without rushing, while exploring nearby Damro Labookellie Tea Factory (5 minutes away) and Horton Plains.
Yes. Hilldale Retreat is directly accessible off the A5 highway at the 57 km post (80 meters past Saman Stores) with spacious, secure on-site private parking free of charge for all guest vehicles and hired vans.
Yes, Hilldale Retreat provides a dedicated 15A electric vehicle charging socket on-site for eco-conscious travelers and EV owners touring Sri Lanka. Advance reservation is recommended to ensure plug availability.
Travelers can book directly on our official website at www.hilldaleretreat.com or connect via WhatsApp at +94779056363 to confirm room availability and coordinate check-in times.
