Luxury Tea Bungalows in Sri Lanka
Steeped in history and immersed in the verdant scenery of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect blend of past and present. Perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, the five historic tea-planter bungalows embody their natural hospitality: effortlessly relaxed and refined without pretence. Guests are invited to slow down amid our fern and flower-fringed landscape, where gourmet cuisine, tea adventures, shimmering swimming pools and timeless classic pursuits await, from afternoon tea to tennis and croquet.
Who else but the pioneering family behind Dilmah Tea could conceive of Ceylon Tea Trails’ perfect blend? With its sustainable ethos and social initiatives via the Merrill J Fernando Foundation, Tea Trails is styled with love and has earned the resort Sri Lanka’s first inclusion within Relais & Châteaux.
Norwood Bungalow
The bungalow at Norwood commands a fine view of the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa valley and rests in the shelter of one of the finest bamboo stands to be found anywhere. The suites are oversized with imposing heritage style furniture, some with four-poster beds and very elegant bathrooms. A spacious lounge and billiard room lead out to a croquet lawn, a large swimming pool, sun deck and jacuzzi with scenic views. It is here where planters of the past invited friends to enjoy the pristine air and glorious outlook. You too can wander the gardens unchanged since yesteryear, soaking up the atmosphere of a time gone by.
Dunkeld Bungalow
Poised high above Castlereagh lake, the Dunkeld bungalow looks down on the verdant tea fields of Dunkeld estate and the tea factory, with spectacular views of the Great Western mountain range. The infinity-edge swimming pool offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, whilst the hot tub seemingly floats above the lake surface. The secluded ‘Owner’s Cottage’ offers a romantic one-bedroom residence hidden privately in the tea fields.
Castlereagh Bungalow
Travellers approaching Castlereagh from the road can glimpse tantalising views across the lake of this magnificent symbol of the glory days of the tea planter’s life. Nestled in a wooded dell close to the water, this century-old bungalow offers unrivalled water views and superb garden suites to suit every taste. Elegant parquet floors all around with open fireplaces in the dining and drawing rooms, evoke recollections of the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. In the extensive grounds, summerhouses can be found where tea is served, and a good book enjoyed until the sun goes down over the water and it’s time for sundowners on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Summerville Bungalow
High above the lake at the edge of a tea plantation, Summerville stands sentinel. This five-room bungalow enjoys magnificent views of the water and beyond to tea planted mountains in the distance. Some suites open to private gardens and all accommodations have easy access to the cozy lounge where picture windows provide a backdrop to a roaring fire as the evening mist draws in. Summerville offers individual accommodation, or the entire bungalow can be booked for a group to enjoy the very personal atmosphere of this great house.
Tientsin Bungalow
Step into the world of Tientsin and step back in time. Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came, this very British residence is a historical landmark. Six glorious rooms and suites open onto magnificent English gardens still standing loyal to the planters’ wives who created ‘a little bit of home’ in a faraway land. Wander the glorious rose terraces and hide away under a leafy arbour to the myriad sounds of the many birds that make their homes there. Each suite too is faithful to the original design with polished wooden floors and high ceilings; some with four-poster beds. A large swimming pool and raised garden offers panoramic views of the tea-carpeted mountains that lead towards the World Heritage Horton Plains National Park.
Dining
Al Fresco Barbeque Lunch
Panoramic views and a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Treat yourself to an Al Fresco Barbeque Lunch created by this Relais & Chateaux kitchen. Enjoy slow living, with an afternoon observing life on a working tea plantation with a sumptuous lunch, cooked for you by fabulous chefs complemented by butler service. The team have picked a few idyllic spots which include both privacy and beautiful scenery.
Discover Sri Lankan Cuisine
A fusion of flavours. A hands on experience with one of the amazing Tea Trails chefs. Learn the basics of Sri Lankan cooking, from the range of spices and ingredients, to techniques and recipes behind the magic of the island cuisine. Guests are invited to get hands on with mixing spices, preparation and cooking to immerse themselves in this fun and sensory experience. An ideal prelude to a full Sri Lankan dinner option on the same night.
Junior Chef
Surprise your parents! The team have a collection of yummy, interactive and immersive culinary experiences for kids with a local twist, tailored for various age levels. Kids will enjoy the first-hand experience of making local favourite ‘coconut and treacle pancakes’, or coconut and cinnamon cookies.
Tea Planter’s Tiffin Lunch
The “Planters’ Lunch” is a plusher version served in tiffin boxes in a picnic setting. You could say it is a fancy excuse for a private picnic with wine! In the early days of the tea industry, before motorised travel came to its assistance, tea planters conducted field inspections across a vast area of tea fields and forests, either on foot or horseback. At mid-day, they would take a break under the shade of a tree or the shelter of a makeshift hut for lunch and a rest. The ‘Planters’ Tiffin Lunch” is a plusher version (to Relais and Chateaux standards no less!) served in tiffin boxes in an idyllic setting. The location is on the hillside above Dunkeld Bungalow flanked by tea and jungle on either side, with vistas of the rolling tea fields that begin from the glassy Castlereagh Lake and creep on to jagged mountaintops. The way up to the picnic spot is via a scenic trail that commences at Dunkeld Bungalow and we recommend guests take the walk either up to the picnic spot or from lunch back down to the Bungalow. The team also offer a ‘hosted’ version of this experience in the company of resident planter Bernard Holsinger, who is sure to provide a fascinating account of life as a planter in the ‘good old days’ and the experience a richer context.
Private Tea Tasting
A tongue-in-cheek interactive experience. An interactive and guided experience where guests will taste and learn to identify (and appreciate!) the unique flavour profiles that give different teas their distinction. Bernard Holsinger is the resident Tea Planter at Tea Trails and brings with him a wealth of experience, complemented with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek wit. Compared to the complimentary Tea Experience at the Dunkeld Tea factory – which is a general overview of the history of tea and its product – the Private Tea Tasting is a far more detailed, immersive and intimate experience.
Experiences
The Tea Experience
The guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory is the quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. The resident Tea Planter passionately delves into all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail – from a look back to the early days of “planting” and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers, to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates – he’s got it covered. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand, and a spot of luck. And not much has changed since! As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old, Ceylon Tea itself is part of the world’s living heritage. And this is your invitation to partake in it.
Adam’s Peak Ascent
Ascend the island’s most famous peak. There is probably no mountain anywhere more famous than Sri Pada – Adam’s Peak (7362 ft/2250m) for reasons that are cultural and spiritual. It is sacred to three religions at least; to Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. The mountain is signified by a large depression on the summit that resembles a “foot” to which all three religions draw significance. December to April has thousands of pilgrims making the climb which can cause congestion towards the top. Age 10+ advisable for kids, due to climb difficulty level.
Guided Trail Exploration
Uncover the wilderness of the hill country. In the company of a Tea Trails Naturalist or Trail Guide, walk or cycle (or both!) through trails and explore the scenery of Sri Lanka’s tea country. A broad spectrum of biodiversity exists in hill country as the plantations are interspersed with forest patches that are home to a variety of biodiversity from endemic amphibians to birds and leopards. The Naturalist will offer in-depth narrative to the surrounding flora and fauna, share insights on life on a working tea plantation, as well as interesting factoids on history and heritage that combined make for an informative experience. Guides are also privy to some fun ‘off the beaten path’ trails for more adventurous explorers. A great way to spend a full day outdoors is to hike, walk and bike between all five bungalows, stopping for refreshments, lunch and tea at each.
Ceylon Tea Trails has opened up a world of adventure and discovery in the Bogawantalawa Valley at an altitude of over 1500 meters. The unspoiled beauty of the surrounding valleys and hills are a great biking experience. For adrenaline seekers of different levels of ability, there are mountain bikes in the bungalows for your use. For short distance rides, you can go on your own but for longer rides, we recommend that you take one of the Guides along.
Spa Treatments & Luxury Baths
A world of pampering: a variety of spa treatments and luxury baths await the tired traveller in the privacy and comfort of your room. Enjoy one of the special aromatic baths to begin or complete your day…or just as an indulgence whenever you so please. Choose from Cinnamon Spice, Green Tea, Black Pepper & Orange, Jasmine or a Bergamot & Geranium Bath. Or luxuriate in a spa treatment in the privacy and the comfort of your room after a hike or bike ride and soothe any aches and pains away… treatments include the Tea Trails Signature Massage, Deep Tissue Massage & Reflex Zone Therapy.
Nuwara Eliya Heritage Excursions
An ode to the past. Nuwara Eliya, 48 km from Tea Trails, was first conceived as a health resort – a ‘hill station’ in British jargon – around the year 1825. After the area was ‘discovered’ by a British hunting party in 1819, Sir Samuel Baker, the well-known explorer, fell under its spell in 1846 and planning to make it his home, imported to Nuwara Eliya all the appointments of an English country town, including a bailiff, Hereford and Durham cows, and even a blacksmith and a forge. Nuwara Eliya is where old-world English architecture meets an evolving city striving to define a new identity, with old symbols of British Heritage standing strong. One such example is the ‘Hill Club’ – a castle-like private resort that was once a bastion of leisure and lifestyle of the elite. Visitors are welcome for a brief tour and a spot of tea on the lawn. Other sites that can be visited include Lake Gregory, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the lively commotion of the Nuwara Eliya Market. The age-old Grand Hotel which also houses Dilmah Tea Lounge is also part of the experience.The day trip to Nuwara Eliya is in the company of a Tea Trails resident Naturalist who is well versed in the significance and detail of key points of interests. Guests also have the option to experience part of the excursion by train, which we recommended for beautiful views and scenery.
Kandy Heritage Excursions
Discover one of the most significant cities in Sri Lanka’s heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage listed “Sacred City of Kandy” is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is steeped in political, cultural and religious history and indeed, played a central role in the tea plantation industry once tea production took sway in Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was previously known) in the latter part of the 19th Century. The Kingdom of Kandy was established in the 14th Century, becoming the country’s capital city in the 16th Century. Kandy is particularly famous for being home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Commonly known as the Dalada Maligawa, the temple is believed to house the left canine tooth retrieved from the Buddha’s funeral pyre. It is regarded as a symbolic representation of the living Buddha. Worshipping at the temple is believed to improve one’s karma immeasurably and the shrine receives a constant flow of worshippers and tourists alike. The day trip to Kandy is in the company of a Tea Trails resident naturalist and the first stop is at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. A picnic lunch in the gardens ensues followed by a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Guests also have the option of making part of the commute by train, as it is one of the most scenic experiences, winding its way along lush green mountains with vistas across the valleys below.
Kayaking on Castlereagh Lake
Magnificent views and blissful serenity. Enjoy magnificent views of tea-carpeted mountains as you paddle along the Castlereagh Lake in hi-spec kayaks. Mornings are most beautiful as the weather is often fairer and the sun breaks through to gleam over the glassy water, and the foreboding mountains surrounding the lake emerge from the thinning mist. Kayaking can be enjoyed and experienced in the company of one of the resident Trail Guides who will provide safety instructions as well. All of the kayaks are two-person kayaks which also make for an ideal activity suited toward couples or families. White water rafting and lake cruises are also offered, as well as tennis.
Map and travel information
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Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH