Journey Insights

In the mist-kissed hills of Ella, where days roll by in lazy beauty and nights hum with a rhythm of their own, Cafe One Love lights up every Monday night with a party that sets the tone for the week. Forget the idea that Mondays are slow or dull — here, they’re a celebration of music, movement, and the art of good living.

This is where travellers, locals, and wanderers gather to dance under the open skies, sip handcrafted cocktails, share shisha with friends, and feast on wood-fired pizzas and pasta that feel like a warm hug from Italy.

The Vibe: Where the Night Comes Alive

As twilight melts into the velvet sky, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses mixes with the beat of world music and house tunes. The atmosphere at Cafe One Love is pure freedom — barefoot dancing, glowing lanterns, and the scent of tropical cocktails floating through the air.

Monday nights here are not just events; they’re mini-festivals. The dance floor buzzes with energy as the DJ spins everything from Afro-house to reggae remixes. Whether you’re swaying with a cocktail in hand or losing yourself in the bassline, there’s a sense that everyone in the room is tuned to the same frequency — joy.

Cocktails that Set the Rhythm

Every great party begins with the perfect drink, and Cafe One Love’s cocktail list is a journey of flavour and flair.

The Arrack Attack — a Sri Lankan twist on island spirit — blends local arrack with lime, honey, and ginger beer for a bold, spicy kick that’s as vibrant as the dance floor.

For something smooth and tropical, the Piña Colada is pure paradise in a glass: rum, pineapple, and coconut cream stirred to silky perfection. The Moscow Mule brings a bright snap of lime and honey with the fizzy charm of ginger beer, while the Cosmopolitan and Daiquiri keep things classic for the cocktail purists.

When the DJ drops a beat, many hands reach for the signature One Love Cocktail — a playful fusion of vodka, cranberry juice, lime, Sprite, and sugar. It’s as sweet and unexpected as a new friendship on the dance floor.

And for those chasing a little late-night adrenaline, the Espresso Martini is the ultimate pick-me-up — vodka and cold espresso shaken into smooth, caffeinated bliss. Mondays never looked this awake.

Shots Fired: Raise the Tempo

Once the party’s in full swing, it’s shot o’clock. The bar gleams with rows of bottles — from Kamikaze to B-52s and Tequila. Each one has a story; each one promises mischief.

If you’re in the mood for something bold, the Jägerbomb keeps the energy soaring, while a round of Monkey Shoulder or Chivas Regal adds a touch of smooth sophistication. The team behind the counter knows their craft — every pour comes with a smile, a joke, or sometimes, a challenge to a friendly dance-off.

Beer and Chill: The Lighter Beat

For those who prefer to ease into the night, the beer menu keeps things refreshingly easy-going. From local favourites like Lion Draft and Lion Ice to crisp international picks like Heineken, Carlsberg, and Somersby Cider, there’s something for every palate.

Pair your drink with a plate of hot Garlic Bread Pizza or a tangy Pesto Pasta, and you’re set for a perfect pre-dance warm-up.

Flavours to Keep You Dancing

When hunger strikes — as it inevitably does after a few songs — Cafe One Love’s kitchen delivers culinary comfort.

The wood-fired pizzas are a highlight, with choices like Margherita, Mushroom, and Chicken Bacon, each bubbling with mozzarella and kissed by Italian olive oil. The Pesto Pizza bursts with herbaceous freshness, while the Spicy Pizza turns up the heat with local chillies that match the fire on the dance floor.

For pasta lovers, the Arrabbiata offers a zesty tomato-chilli punch, while Pasta alla Norma wraps roasted eggplant in silky tomato sauce.

And because no night should end without something sweet, order the Banana Fritters with vanilla ice cream or the Nutella Banana Pizza — both dangerously addictive after a cocktail or two.

Shisha, Smoke, and Slow Conversations

As the music pulses, some guests drift to the shisha lounge, where soft cushions, low tables, and the scent of fruit-infused smoke create a relaxed counterpoint to the dance floor’s frenzy.

Flavours swirl through the air — mint, apple, berry — mingling with laughter and quiet conversation. It’s the perfect space to catch your breath, share a story, or fall into the kind of easy talk that only happens on travel nights far from home.

Mocktails and Smoothies for the Easy Riders

Not every good night needs alcohol, and Cafe One Love celebrates that too. Their mocktail lineup sparkles with creativity — the Virgin Passionfruit Mojito and Watermelon Mojito are refreshing bursts of island sweetness, while the Virgin Piña Colada brings creamy coconut comfort without the rum.

Add a Mixed Fruit Smoothie or a Tropical Feel Juice (banana, mango, passionfruit) for a healthy twist that keeps your body happy even as your feet refuse to stop moving.

The One Love Spirit

What truly makes Monday nights at Cafe One Love unforgettable isn’t just the music, food, or cocktails — it’s the people. The bartenders who dance while pouring drinks, the travellers swapping stories about train rides and waterfalls, the locals who treat every guest like a friend.

There’s a sense of unity here, a rare kind of joy that reminds you life doesn’t need a weekend to be celebrated. One beat, one sip, one laugh at a time — this is One Love in motion.

Why Monday?

Why not? In Ella, the days blur between adventure and serenity — hiking Little Adam’s Peak, chasing waterfalls, exploring tea estates. Monday night at Cafe One Love becomes the natural exhale, the moment to let go and just be.

It’s where the week begins not with stress, but with rhythm; not with caffeine, but with cocktails and connection. You’ll leave lighter, happier, and probably humming the DJ’s last track all the way back to your hotel.

Plan Your Monday Night Escape

Cafe One Love, Ella sits right in the heart of this hill-country paradise. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a group of friends, or a couple chasing a little night magic, this is where you’ll find it.

Dance under the stars, toast with a Long Island Iced Tea, share a shisha with strangers who might just become travel companions. The party starts as the sun dips — and goes on till the hills echo with laughter.

So when Monday rolls around, don’t stay in. Head to Cafe One Love and start your week the only way that makes sense — with a bang.

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