Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

The luxury Tea Trails bungalow concept

Tea Trails is a new concept which combines boutique luxury with the plantation bungalow experience. Set amidst a working tea estate at an altitude of 5000ft, the four luxuriously appointed Tea Trails bungalows are situated at different points around the beautiful Castlereagh reservoir in the Bogowantalawa region of the hill country.

A total of twenty rooms in four separate locations, each unique in decor and design, provide lavish comfort on an all-inclusive basis. Each bungalow is different, and you can choose to stay at one bungalow or mix your time amongst a couple of the properties. ‘Tiensin’ has six suites, wood panelled rooms and large fireplaces is in high British colonial style and eclectic ‘Castlereagh’ has five suite rooms on a lakeside setting, croquet lawn & pool. ‘Norwood’s’ five suites are reminiscent of a 60’s tropical bungalow while ‘Summerville’ has four suites and offers contemporary elegance and stunning views of the lake.

You set you own pace here; whether you wish to while away the hours reading in the grounds, lazing by the pool, pampering yourself in the tea spa or trying one of the many activities on offer. Tea Trails have teamed-up with a local adventure operator to offer some of the most varied activities in the region. Excursions from guided walks and mountain bike rides to kayaking and rafting are all available on request. This is also a great base from which to climb the sacred slopes of Adam’s Peak. Nuwara Eliya (and a golf course) is nearby, as is Horton Plains National Park. The walking opportunities here are superb and all four bungalows are linked by a trail.

Food and drink is included in the price and the standard very high. Although there is a menu, meals can be tailored to suit guests tastes. The wine is new world and excellent quality. If you are out all day a wonderful picnic hamper is packed and sent with you, so you can enjoy your lunch wherever you are.

You can also enjoy the ‘Tea Experience’ – where you follow the production process from plucking your own tea leaves right through to brewing them for you very own ‘cuppa’.

However, while the theme is tea, the emphasis is very definitely on luxury.