Ceylon Tea Trails

The leading hotel in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ceylon Tea Trails is a collection of four superbly restored original tea planters’ bungalows. At approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, dotted around the alluring Sri Lankan hill country, the Raj-style bungalows were built between 1888 and 1950 and have high ceilings and period furnishings and offer guests a unique opportunity to experience gracious colonial-style living. Each converted bungalow has between four and six exquisitely decorated rooms and is fully staffed with its own manager, chef, and butler.

Dining always includes several colonial traditions, such as a gentle wake-up call with bed tea and a single malt accompanied by spicy Sri Lankan finger food at the end of a long day. Meals feature a combination of delicious, healthy Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. One of the many highlights is afternoon high tea served with freshly made scones, biscuits and cakes. Activities included guided walks around the tea estate. There is also the option to join an early morning expedition that takes you to the top of Adam’s Peak and an opportunity to join resident planter Andrew Taylor and learn the basics of the art of tea blending.

Castlereagh, Ceylon Tea Trails: Built over a century ago, Castlereagh Bungalow, with five tastefully furnished rooms and suites that evoke memories of the glory days of colonial life, offers unrivalled views of the Castlereagh reservoir. The bungalow, set amongst mature manicured gardens, features a dining and drawing room with open fireplaces, a small library, an outdoor pool, croquet playing area and summerhouses.

Summerville, Ceylon Tea Trails: With the atmosphere of a traditional country cottage, Summerville, set on the edge of a working tea estate, high above the Castlereagh reservoir with spectacular views, features four gracefully furnished rooms and suites with some having direct access to the lush gardens. Facilities include an infinity-edge swimming pool, a summerhouse, and a cosy living room with a working fireplace. Meals are usually served either in the indoor formal dining room or on the verandah overlooking the reservoir.

Tientsin Bungalow, Ceylon Tea Trails: Named in honour of the Chinese city from where it is believed that tea originally came to Sri Lanka, the Tientsin Bungalow, built in 1888, was among one of the first plantation bungalows to be built in the region. The six rooms and suites at Tientsin, set among wonderful English gardens, with their polished wooden floors, high ceilings and some with working fireplaces, exude a romantic colonial charm. Leisure facilities include an infinity pool and a tennis court.

Norwood Bungalow, Ceylon Tea Trails: In the heart of the Norwood Tea Estate, at the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa Valley, Norwood Bungalow was rebuilt in 1950 (it was originally constructed in 1890) and features six rooms and suites that are generously sized and immaculately furnished in colonial style. The spacious lounge with a working fireplace is a great place to soak up the atmosphere. Other facilities include a small library, a croquet lawn and an outdoor swimming pool.

Dunkeld Bungalow, Ceylon Tea Trails: Perched high above Castlereagh Lake, Dunkeld Bungalow is the newest addition to the Ceylon Tea Trails family. Offering spellbinding views of the Great Western mountain range as well as the Castlereagh Lake, this bungalow was originally built in 1925 and is set overlooking the lush tea gardens of Dunked estate and the tea factory. Accommodation is in five spacious rooms and suites, including the secluded ‘Owner’s Cottage’, which is hidden amongst the tea fields and is ideal for honeymooners. Facilities include an infinity-edge swimming pool.