Ceylon Tea Trails, Kandy & The Hill Country

bushbaby rating: five/five

Ceylon Tea Trails - Sri Lanka's first Relais & Chateaux resort, comprises four luxurious colonial-era tea planter bungalows, connected by walking trails through stunning Ceylon tea gardens. Follow the Tea Trail from one unique bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each or just spend a lazy few days in one. Trek, bike or picnic at spectacular locations each day before returning to the cool comfort of your beautifully presented bungalow.

call:: 0845 1244455
email:: info@bushbaby.travel

rooms

The four bungalows are between 4 and 15 km apart. Rooms are named after the former estate managers who lived in the bungalow.

Master Suites have separate living rooms and private gardens (nb. with the exception of Tientsin which does not have a garden). Garden Suites have tranquil private gardens. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with twin washbasins and a traditional bathtub with shower.

A communal TV is available with a selection of classic DVD’s. All bungalows enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi.

Norwood Bungalow (2 Garden suites, 1 Master Suite and 3 luxury rooms)

Built 1890 and rebuilt 1950.
Altitude 1310 meters,
Swimming pool, summer house, croquet, conservatory, library, garden dining, in-room spa treatments.

Castlereagh Bungalow (3 Garden Suites and 2 luxury rooms)

Built 1925.
Altitude 1227m.
Swimming pool, summerhouses, croquet, library, garden dining, in-room spa treatments.

Summerville Bungalow (1 Master Suite, 2 Garden Suites and 1 luxury room)

Built 1923, altitude 4000 feet/1219 meters,
Swimming pool, summer house, sunbathing deck, garden dining, in-room spa treatments

Tientsin Bungalow (1 Master Suite, 3 Garden Suites and 2 luxury rooms)

Built 1939, altitude 4600 feet/1402 meters,
Swimming pool, tennis court, library, garden dining, in-room spa treatments.
facilities & activities

The bungalows are all luxuriously appointed, each with a swimming pool (unheated) and are booked on a fully-inclusive basis (including meals, laundry, international branded spirits/wine and indulgent cream teas). The Tea Experience, with the resident tea planter, who will demonstrate the age-old tea-making process is a definite highlight.

For those looking to stay active, there is a clay tennis court at Tientsin and guests can make their own way over to the bungalow or transport is provided. Climbing Adam’s Peak, Sri Pada, is an experience that should not be missed. Whilst it is not the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, it is probably the most revered of the three main religions, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Mountain biking, spa treatments, hiking are all activities which can be enjoyed whilst staying at Tea Trails.

White-water rafting at Kitulgala (75 minutes away) is an experience that will undoubtedly appeal to older children and teens - definitely worth the journey!
dining

The day starts with the wonderful colonial institution of 'bed tea'; served by your butler as part of a gentle wake-up call, this must be the most civilised way to start the day. The butler will also draw your bath before you enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Menus for lunch and dinner are drawn up by the chef in the morning and most dietary requirements can be met. Full cream tea is served mid-afternoon.
family

Children are welcome at Ceylon Tea Trails but should remain under parental supervision at all times so as not to disturb other guests’ enjoyment.
location

Ceylong Tea Trails perches at an altitude of 1250m in Sri Lanka’s tea region, bordering the World Heritage Central Highlands. The nearest major town is Hatton which is approx. 20 minutes away from the nearest bungalows. The hotel is 5 hours from Galle or Colombo by car, but many clients try to incorporate the beautiful train ride from Kandy (5 hours).