Gaia Ella Ecolodge and Yoga Center

Gaia Ella is more than just an ecolodge. It’s a small mountain community built for people who want to slow down, breathe properly again, and experience Ella away from the crowds and noise below.

We’re located high on the edge of Ella, surrounded by jungle and overlooking Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and the Kuda Ravana waterfall. Reaching Gaia involves around 152 stairs — we promise the view will take your breath away anyway, the stairs just make you healthier first. And if your bag isn’t sharing the wellness mindset, our staff are always happy to help carry it up.

Gaia was built in 2024 using natural materials and low-impact systems designed to work with the environment around us. Our hot water is heated by the sun, we don’t use air conditioning — up here the mountain breeze does the job naturally. Filtered drinking water is available if you want to reduce your plastic waste, and most of the food served in our kitchen comes either from our garden or nearby farms. The people who run Gaia are local too, this place is deeply connected to the community around it.

Mornings here usually start slowly: mist moving through the valley, fresh fruit and homemade breakfast, tea before yoga, birds and squirrels louder than traffic. Some guests head out hiking, others stay all day in the yoga shala, reading in the chill spaces, cooling off in the ice bath, or watching the clouds roll over the mountains.

Our yoga classes are open to everyone, whether you practice every day or have never stepped on a mat before. More importantly, every class directly supports local village projects. The yoga proceeds go into school renovation initiatives and bringing yoga programs to children and teachers in nearby communities.

Gaia is not a party hostel, and it’s not a luxury resort pretending to be “eco.” It’s a peaceful space for travelers who enjoy nature, good food, meaningful conversations, and waking up somewhere that actually feels different from the rest of the world.

Arriving and settling in

When you reach the Gaia Ella sign downstairs, you’re at the last little climb before the property. Reception is upstairs, but if you would like help with your bags before coming up, just call the phone number on the sign downstairs and our staff will come down to assist you.

Once you arrive upstairs, if nobody is at reception at that moment, simply ring the doorbell and someone from our team will be with you shortly.

Gaia Ella is a cash-only property, so we recommend bringing cash before heading up the hill. You’ll need it for your stay, meals, drinks, activities, and any extras you may want to add.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, yoga classes, ice bath sessions, towels, and laundry are available for an additional charge. Yoga classes and ice bath sessions are open to both staying guests and outside visitors, but spaces are limited and need to be booked or registered in advance. Please check the schedule with our staff and sign up during your stay.

If you want to explore Ella, arrange a pick-up or drop-off, or continue your journey from here, we can help organise tuk tuks and taxis for an additional charge. You can also contact us before arrival if you would like help arranging transport.

Families with children are welcome, especially if you are comfortable with a nature-based hillside stay. Gaia Ella is not child-proofed, and some private rooms have elevated/bunk-style beds, so children must stay under full parental supervision and responsibility. Please contact us before booking if you have any questions about whether Gaia is suitable for your family.

And one thing you really need to know: most people come for a few nights. Quite a few end up changing their plans and staying longer. We can’t wait to welcome you to our sanctuary in the hills.