Browns Hotels & Resorts has announced the soft opening of Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort, introducing a distinctive hospitality offering that blends Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage with contemporary experiential travel in the heart of the hill country.

The soft opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of Browns Hotels & Resorts, including Eksath Wijeratne, Chief Executive Officer, Gangadaran Velsamy, General Manager of Newburgh Ella, along with other key officials. The occasion was enhanced by traditional Bharatha and Kandyan dance performances, paying tribute to the cultural legacy of the region.

A Heritage Property Reimagined

Newburgh Ella is housed within a restored tea factory originally established in 1903, offering guests an immersive experience rooted in Sri Lanka’s plantation history. Rather than transforming the site into a conventional hotel, Browns Hotels & Resorts has retained the industrial character and architectural integrity of the former factory, allowing its historical identity to remain central to the guest experience.

Set high above the tea-covered slopes of Ella, the property commands sweeping views of the Ella Gap, framed by Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak one of the most iconic natural landscapes in Sri Lanka.

Experiential Hospitality in Tea Country

The resort’s design philosophy emphasises authenticity and restraint. Original stonework, steel structures and timber elements have been preserved and thoughtfully integrated with modern comforts, creating spaces that reflect both heritage and functionality. Guests are encouraged to engage with the property’s past while enjoying contemporary hospitality standards.

Accommodation at Newburgh Ella draws inspiration from Sri Lanka’s tea culture, with rooms named after renowned tea grades such as Golden Tip, Silver Tip and Bronze Tip. Each room offers expansive views, private balconies and interiors that balance understated luxury with a strong sense of place.

Dining and Wellness with a Sense of Place

Tea remains central to the Newburgh Ella experience. With an in house tea facility and dedicated tea lounge, guests are invited to explore tea not merely as a beverage, but as a living tradition. Dining venues blend local flavours with international influences, offering a curated culinary journey that reflects the diversity of the region.

Complementing the resort’s tranquil setting is a dedicated wellness offering, including spa facilities designed to align with the calm and restorative atmosphere of the surrounding hills.

A Strategic Addition to the Browns Portfolio

With its location in close proximity to key attractions such as the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, Newburgh Ella strengthens Browns Hotels & Resorts’ presence in Sri Lanka’s premium experiential travel segment. The property is positioned to appeal to discerning travellers seeking heritage-led stays, scenic landscapes and meaningful travel experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives of Browns Hotels & Resorts highlighted that Newburgh Ella reflects the group’s broader vision of developing properties that respect local culture, history and environment, while delivering long-term value to both guests and the destination.

Bringing Tea Heritage to Life

More than a resort, Newburgh Ella represents a celebration of Sri Lanka’s tea legacy offering travellers an opportunity to experience the country’s hill country in a way that is immersive, authentic and thoughtfully curated.

With its soft opening now complete, Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort invites guests to discover tea country through a lens that brings together heritage, landscape and contemporary hospitality.

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Global hospitality leader Minor Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Dueker as Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort, effective September 2025.

With more than 20 years of international experience, Christoph has worked with some of the world’s most respected luxury and lifestyle hotel brands across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Having started his career with Four Seasons, he has held senior management positions with Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, and Marina Bay Sands, among others. His leadership style combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people and place, creating hotels that are both high-performing and deeply connected to their local communities. His focus on guest-centric innovation, destination-inspired design, and meaningful community engagement has consistently translated into elevated experiences and sustainable performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Christoph said, “I’m truly excited to be in Sri Lanka and to work with the talented teams at Anantara and Avani Kalutara. Both resorts have distinctive personalities: one a peaceful Sir Geoffrey Bawa–inspired luxury sanctuary, the other a vibrant lifestyle beach escape. My focus will be on strengthening their individual character while deepening their connection to this beautiful destination.”

Nicholas Smith, Vice President Operations – Asia, at Minor Hotels, added: “We are delighted to welcome Christoph to this pivotal leadership role in Sri Lanka. His global experience and commitment to thoughtful innovation will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the distinct positioning of our resorts. With a sharpened focus on destination awareness and sustainability, Christoph is well-placed to lead the next phase of growth for our properties in Kalutara.”

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu River, Anantara Kalutara Resort offers a unique sanctuary where contemporary luxury meets Sri Lanka’s coastal charm, blending the architectural vision of Geoffrey Bawa with heartfelt hospitality. Next door, Avani Kalutara Resort invites guests to embrace a vibrant island spirit with laid-back elegance and refreshing experiences for families and leisure travellers alike. Together, the two resorts form a distinctive riverside and oceanfront haven on the island’s southwest coast, uniting Anantara’s refined sophistication and Avani’s upbeat energy to deliver meaningful journeys and unforgettable moments under Minor Hotels’ world-renowned ethos of inspired living.

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