Browns Hotels and Resorts brings century of tea heritage to life at Newburgh Ella

• Located near the Nine Arch Bridge and Pekoe Trail, Newburgh Ella features 41 thoughtfully designed rooms, categorised as Silver, Gold, and Bronze inspired by the hierarchy of tea tips

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 Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort. Once a working tea factory, the century-old estate, originally established in 1903 by the legendary Scottish tea planter George Thomson, has been carefully transformed into a luxury resort, preserving its industrial character and historical soul while elevating it into an immersive experience. Set against dramatic mountain backdrops and defined by its iconic orange chimney, the resort commands world-famous views of the Ella Gap, framed by Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak — where landscape, legacy, and luxury converge. 

On 30 January 2026, Newburgh Ella officially opened its doors to travellers from around the world with a ceremonial launch attended by Browns Hotels and Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne, Newburgh Ella General Manager Gangadaran Velsamy, Browns Hotels and Resorts Head of Projects and Procurement Priyal Perera, and Manager Engineering Nishad Rajapakse along with key officials from the company. The event featured traditional regional performances and a ceremonial presentation of the first keycards to Newburgh Ella’s inaugural guests by the resort 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 on a fully paperless concept, with digital check-in and digital menu systems in place, reinforcing Browns Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to responsible and future-ready hospitality. 

Located on the Ella–Passara main road, near the Nine Arch Bridge and Pekoe Trail, Newburgh Ella features 41 thoughtfully designed rooms, categorised as Silver, Gold, and Bronze — inspired by the hierarchy of tea tips. The resort includes special family rooms, exquisite suites, and full wheelchair accessibility, offering inclusivity without compromise. Guests can witness sunrises and sunsets unfold directly from their rooms, framed by emerald vistas, connecting them to the rhythm of the hills. 

Dining at Newburgh Ella celebrates the estate’s relationship with tea, land, and craft. 1903 – The Dining Room offers all-day dining with local and international flavours. Eastern Valley, an open-air restaurant, presents Pan-Asian cuisine, while Three Tips, the tea lounge, invites guests to savour the estate’s finest teas. The resort’s bar, George Thomson – The Founder’s Tavern, features specially curated beverage menus inspired by the region, reflecting the warmth of Browns hospitality. Together, these experiences offer the luxury of tea factory living, blending heritage, craft, and modern comfort. 

Beyond its spaces, guests can explore Ella through curated experiences — from estate walks and visits to Ravana and Diyaluma Falls to scenic railway journeys. SKY, the resort’s observation deck, offers breath-taking vistas over tea-carpeted valleys and the world-famous Ella Gap.

Commenting on the launch, Eksath Wijeratne said: “Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful global stories, and with Newburgh Ella, we wanted to honour 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 Lanka 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 travellers to experience tea country differently — where the finest grade of tea meets the finest grade of stay, steeped in history, character, and heart.