If you like something dramatically different, environmentally exciting and unusually unpretentious then this hotel is for you! We arrived at Ella Adventure Park fairly late after dark and were met by friendly staff who provided us with a glass of fruit punch, checked us in, asked when we wanted dinner to be served (!) before carrying our bags to our room.
First impressions worried me- I thought we were going to be sleeping in a tent. I needn’t have worried as our jungle based cottage was about 2 minutes walk along some dimly lit pathways (torches are provided for guests) and was decidedly unique! Constructed from natural materials in an aesthetically and environmentally pleasing style, it was surprisingly plush inside. Being a total insect-phobe I was concerned about staying in the middle of a forest, but a ceiling fan, mosquito net and an electric mosquito repellent meant neither of us were bitten during our stay. The bathroom was romantic, quirky and fun with a stone built sink and a semi-outdoor shower (cold water only) that left you feeling you were showering in the jungle. We loved all the unique features such as mirrors, lamps and furniture made out of reclaimed wood which was beautifully gnarled and twisted.
Each cottage had a patio area where the flora and fauna of the jungle could be watched/heard although not without some trepidation and each rustle of leaves left us poised with hands on cigarette packets ready to make a rush for the safety of the room! The hotel also has on offer a range of adventure activities which due to time limitations we didn’t check out.
Dinner was a fixed menu and it was only when we got our soup that we realised we were not going to be asked to order and were simply going to be eating what we were given. For any fussy eaters or people with special requirements make sure you tell them in advance.
The owner is an artist who has painted murals on the walls of each cottage and one of the highlights was meeting the owner’s father who is a sprightly 70 something and a well educated writer who took us for a tour around the whole complex. Some of the cottages were much nicer than others and had incredible views of Ella Gap. The tree-house was truly amazing, reached via a rope bridge and I really would advise paying the extra to experience the superior cottages.
Ella Adventure Park seemed quiet and we were the only guests that night but this seemed to add to the magic of this unique hotel. It was perfect for non-backpacking people like us who like a few simple comforts while still taking in nature. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and only wished we had arrived earlier so that we could have spent more time exploring the surrounding jungle.