Gaia Ella Ecolodge and Yoga Center

Ella · Sri Lanka

Gaia Ella Ecolodge and Yoga Center

HostelPunk Score
73% NOT BAD
Medium confidence 92 reviews
Bed bug check pending 95 of 100 reviews analyzed
Incentivized-review check pending 95 of 100 reviews analyzed

Tags

Facilities

👕 Laundry 🌅 Outdoor Terrace 🌿 Garden 🌆 Rooftop ☕ Cafe 🍳 Breakfast
Other facilities (26)
Luggage Storage Housekeeping Reception (Limited Hours) Book Exchange Board Games Wi-Fi Restaurant Meals Available Filtered Water Dispenser Recycling Bins Towels For Hire Security Lockers CCTV in Common Areas Fire Extinguishers First Aid Kits Hot Showers Free WiFi Free Internet Access Free Security Lockers Free Luggage Storage Panoramic Views Reading Light Ceiling Fan Towels Not Included Charging Plugs Social Balcony

Prices

Dorms $10 / night

HW prices from today

Unusual phrases

Worst reviews

Spain FEMALE 18-24 Feb 25, 2026 2.0/10

Nos estafaron dinero. Me han cobrado más en la app y no lo devuelven.

Translated to English

They've overcharged me on the app and won't return it.

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England FEMALE 25-30 Nov 13, 2025 4.0/10

Lovely location, really close to the city and walkable to little Adam’s peak, nine arch bridge and waterfalls. Amazing view of the mountains. Unfortunately the rooms were not clean, my dorm and bathroom both had mould in them. All of the yoga classes came at an extra cost (not as advertised) and there was no WiFi.

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England FEMALE 18-24 Sep 3, 2025 4.0/10

The views are nice but the rooms are unbearably hot because there’s no AC and there are loads of stairs which are difficult to manage with big bags, also the taxi service is expensive - theres a list of prices put up everywhere but they have upped these now

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England MALE 25-30 Apr 12, 2026 6.0/10

It’s not free yoga but doesn’t state that. Stayed in a dorm with a clear sewage problem. Absolutely stunk of faeces the entire time unfortunately, got laundry done & clothes came back equally dirty with no laundry detergent used. Room is clean though, lovely view, not far from town at all. Absolute hike to get up to the property though not for the weak hearted!

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Switzerland FEMALE 18-24 Feb 5, 2026 6.0/10

The views are beautiful ! And the rooms are great as well. The location is okay just get ready to walk a lot of steps but it’s worth it ! Otherwise just a bit of construction going on so a bit noisy and a small lack of social activities.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Dec 18, 2025 6.0/10

Lovely space common space with great yoga classes and a stunning view. Sadly the dorm beds had issues with mold due to the high humidity and the bathrooms were smelly and damp which transfered to the rooms.

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Germany COUPLE 25-30 Nov 16, 2025 6.0/10

Location is mostly outdoors and the view is superb (up the mountain - you have to climb a couple of stairs to get up). But the bathroom was not clean and had mold (it smelled to badly we couldn't even brush our teeth in there). Also the public toilet was never cleaned in 3 days. The room doors do not properly close which resulted in a bug infestation with a couple hundred termites one night. The staff directly cleaned it and also was very helpful in general. The offered Yoga sessions were great.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Nov 15, 2025 6.0/10

There is quite a big issue with mold in this hostel. There was lots of mold in the bathroom as well as on our pillows. The owner is aware of it but not really willing to do something about it. Positive aspects: The view in the shared space is great and the breakfast was good. I also enjoyed the yoga classes. Because of the mold and hygiene aspect, I would not recommend staying at the hostel. For yoga it is a lovely place though.

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USA FEMALE 25-30 Nov 14, 2025 6.0/10

Mold in the bathroom and even on the pillows. Dorms were in bad condition. Beautiful view and nice food in cafe. The staff from the cafe was kind and helpful. But when we told the owner about the mold in the room he didn’t care much. So I would recommend to come here for the yoga classes and cafe but not to stay in the dorms

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Netherlands FEMALE 31-40 Nov 9, 2025 6.0/10

After the climb the view on the mountain was gorgeous. Also the yoga session and the yoga space was very nice. The staff wasn’t very helpful with discussing hikes or other activities outside the yoga. Also the bathroom had lots of mold and smelled badly. The shower was hot though. In the room was only a fan (no AC), the fan could have used some dusting and on the ceiling there was also mold

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Recent reviews

France FEMALE 25-30 May 10, 2026 Atm 80%

What a view… make sure to try the yoga with Hanna, it was one of the best class I had in my life 🙌🏻

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Austria FEMALE 25-30 May 9, 2026 Atm 100%

This was the place I got my groove back! Hanna, Jan and Zsuzsi were so wonderful, it was the best yoga I’ve ever done and the food was incredible and affordable! The work they do in the schools is so great, this may really have been the best hostel experience I’ve had! Cannot recommend enough for anyone looking to recharge!

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 May 7, 2026 Atm 100%

Sehr schön, nice Angebote wie Yoga, Kochkurs… Einziger kleiner Nachteil ist die Lage - man muss immer so 10-15min laufen und hat sehr steile und viele Treppen um dorthin zu gelangen

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 Apr 29, 2026 Atm 60%

Amazing view and comfortable beds. Yoga classes take place twice a day, but you have to pat for them. The breakfast is amazing! Would have wished for some more planned social activities rather than just the yoga classes. It is also a little bit far from ella city, like a 10-15 minute walk

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Belgium FEMALE 18-24 Apr 26, 2026 Atm 100%

So grateful I came here! Absolutely stunning views, the yoga is incredible and feels very personal, the food is delicious and if you have the chance please talk to the owner Jan about his great work with the local schools. I had an incredible time here that I won’t soon forget! I left this stay with a new breath of energy.

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Denmark COUPLE 18-24 Apr 17, 2026 Atm 100%

Such an amazing hostel - the best we’ve stayed in. Very beautiful surroundings and with a view of Ellas gorgeous mountains. The staff is really nice, the rooms are clean and the food is good. The yoga is incredible as well, very authentic. We would definetely love to come back one day!

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USA FEMALE 31-40 Apr 13, 2026 Atm 80%

Such a beautiful property. Excellent yoga classes. The food was so good. The probiotic yogurt amazing. They use quality ingredients and for ella it is a good price. Feedback: - I wish they would WhatsApp or email you before arriving that they would help you with your bags up the 131 uneven (one section crumbling) stairs. There were not railings on all the sections. Not a super safe or pleasant experience with heavy cumbersome bags. - Maybe tell people the experiences or services you offer when...

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England MALE 25-30 Apr 12, 2026 Atm 40%

It’s not free yoga but doesn’t state that. Stayed in a dorm with a clear sewage problem. Absolutely stunk of faeces the entire time unfortunately, got laundry done & clothes came back equally dirty with no laundry detergent used. Room is clean though, lovely view, not far from town at all. Absolute hike to get up to the property though not for the weak hearted!

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Apr 6, 2026 Atm 100%

So ein schönes Hostel, große bequeme Betten mit Vorhängen, die Yoga Kurse sind super und nette Mitarbeitende. Wären gerne länger geblieben

Translated to English

So ein schönes Hostel, large bequeme Beds with Curtains, the Yoga Courses are super and neat Staff.

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Finland FEMALE 25-30 Apr 3, 2026 Atm 100%

This hostels is definitely one of the best ones in Sri Lanka. It is super clean (they clean everyday), the beds are super comfy and big. I’m in the female dorm. The athmospere is super calm and friendly. Perfect for someone who likes to socialize, but also do their own thing. The best thing with this hostel is the incredible view for this price. I don’t think you can find it anywhere else in Ella for this price, with this view and cleaness. The breakfast is amazing, very filling and health...

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USA FEMALE 25-30 Apr 3, 2026 Atm 100%

Breathtaking views right from your bedroom! I had a wonderful stay at Gaia: tasty and affordable breakfast, incredibly kind staff, and gorgeous views throughout the property. It feels like an oasis in the mountains! Just be prepared for the insane stairs to the top-- I think 120 in total. And they're steep. But the staff is so kind and helps you carry your luggage up and down. Be sure to leave them a great tip because those stairs are no joke! Certainly worth the trek for such a relaxing stay he...

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Australia FEMALE 25-30 Mar 31, 2026 Atm 100%

Could not recommend this hostel more. Truly an oasis in the mountains of Ella but close to everything you need. Jan, Damian and all the staff are lovely and there to help with anything you need. The rooms are clean and I met beautiful people during my stay - great for solo travellers, and give back to the community. Food is also super reasonably priced and delicious. Wish I could have stayed longer!

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Italy FEMALE 18-24 Mar 26, 2026 Atm 100%

I stayed at Gaia for two weeks and had an amazing experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed by Jan and the whole staff. I especially want to highlight Damian and Akash, who were truly wonderful, kind, present, and incredibly caring. All the staff took care of me after I sprained my ankle, always checking on me and helping with everything I needed. The atmosphere is special, with daily yoga supporting a local school. Beautiful nature, great food, and very comfortable spaces

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 Mar 20, 2026 Atm 100%

Cooles Hostel. Alle waren super lieb. Super modern. Die Yoga Stunde war toll und der Betrag wird an eine local Schule gespendet. Ich hab mich super wohl gefühlt, nicht super Social aber die Aussicht war ein Traum.

Translated to English

Cooles Hostel. All were super cute. Super modern. The Yoga Hour was awesome and the money is being donated to a local school. I felt super well, not super social but the view was a dream.

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England FEMALE 18-24 Mar 14, 2026 Atm 100%

lovely hostel only thing is the bathroom is very very smelly

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France FEMALE 25-30 Mar 11, 2026 Atm 100%

A stunning spot that’s well worth the climb up all those steps! The food is INCREDIBLE. The tea is too. The yoga classes are brilliant; I wish I could have attended them all. And the money raised from these classes goes towards renovating a school and helping to buy school supplies for the children. The rooms are really comfortable. Absolutely no complaints.

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England MALE 31-40 Mar 3, 2026 Atm 100%

It’s an incredible hostel worth every penny. Rooms are clean and spacious and the views from the hostel are stunning. The Yoga shala is the best i’ve seen in a while and the teachers are amazing (2 yoga classes available, 7 am and 6pm) Food is also so good and definitely try the probiotic yoghurt set for breakfast!

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Spain FEMALE 18-24 Feb 25, 2026 Atm 20%

Nos estafaron dinero. Me han cobrado más en la app y no lo devuelven.

Translated to English

They've overcharged me on the app and won't return it.

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Germany FEMALE 31-40 Feb 22, 2026 Atm 100%

Gaia Ella Ecolodge and Yoga Center is a beautiful peaceful place upon a hill in Ella with an amazing view towards Ella Rock, a lot of green and a waterfall. Just keep in mind, that it is not so easy to reach because of the steps, but for people in a normal health condition it should be no problem. I like the idea behind the whole concept (supporting local communities, kids) and met lovely people there, had amazing food and one of the best yoga classes in my life, thank you Jan for creating �...

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England FEMALE 31-40 Feb 19, 2026 Atm 60%

Amazing views and good food! There wasn’t much of a social scene when I stayed but I enjoyed the yoga class with Hannah.