Negombo

Horathapola, a family-owned mansion dating back to the 1920s lies tucked within a vast green coconut belt that stretches up the west coast from Negombo to Puttalam and inland to Kurunegala. Its relative proximity to Colombo International Airport makes it a perfect base for those who want to unwind, slow down and recover after a long flight, or a place to relax before leaving, although Horathapola is well worth at least two nights. The estate is also located en route to the Cultural Triangle.

The main house which is elegantly furnished, lies within a 50 acre coconut plantation. Coconut, rice, cashew nuts, mangoes and other fruits, as well as spices and hardwood trees are all grown on the estate.

An elegant hall greets you upon entrance with beautiful terracotta floors, ceiling beams and furnished with simple, stylish antiques. There is an extensive library and plenty of hidden nooks for those wanting to read a good book or relax in peace and tranquility.

Activities during your stay

• Recuperate after the long flight with a dip in the pool
• Explore the 50-acre estate to discover tropical fruits and spices
• Go on a traditional bullock-cart ride or visit the local market

Kandy

Set amidst a 100-acre tea estate just one hour north of Kandy, Ashburnham Estate is a stylish boutique hotel boasting generous views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Lovingly renovated to retain its 1930s charm, the bright interiors are splashed with soothing colors whilst the polished white floors enhance the old-world feel. Comfortable sofas in the living space instantly ease a weary traveler. Ashburnham has six rooms, each with unique décor; the absence of air-conditioning will hardly be felt as the weather here is cool. The resident naturalist ensures plenty of outdoor exploring; the estate is home to waterfalls and a variety of birds, squirrels, monkeys and butterflies. Ashburnham is ideal for those seeking some quiet adventure and picturesque surroundings.

Activities during your stay

• Enjoy a cup of tea on the terrace and absorb the stunning vista
• Wander through the garden until you reach the waterfall
• Go walking through the surrounding tea plantations for sensational views

Kandy

Madulkelle Tea Eco Lodge boasts one of the most scenic and serene settings in the tea country with a quiet valley below and the majestic Knuckles Mountain Range looming up ahead. Enveloped by lush green pine forests and undulating tea hills, Madulkelle’s modern and comfortable accommodation is set amidst mountainous countryside, dotted with small village hamlets and Hindu temples.

Located 1000 meters above sea level, the area’s climate is similar to that of the highlands; the days are clear and sunny while the evenings are cool and best spent by the fireplace at the tastefully furnished estate bungalow. In addition it also houses the reception, restaurant and lounge and the infinity swimming pool is only a short stroll away.

The 19 serene, tented and isolated lodges are divided into Deluxe and Honeymoon Suite. Named after birds that can be spotted in the area, each offer sweeping views of the valley below and the surrounding Knuckles mountain range.

Activities during your stay

• Look out for the wide variety of birds which fly over the hills
• Explore the tea estate and town nearby
• Relax by the pool after the day’s long walk

Kandy Victoria Golf

Surrounded by verdant mountains in Digana, an hour from Kandy, Santani is the latest wellness resort in Sri Lanka that promises to pamper the mind, body and soul. Influenced by holistic wellness, Santani is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and reconnect with nature. The resort’s minimalist architecture affirms Santani’s philosophy of connecting with the simple things in life.

Santani is scattered across 48 acres of lush green vegetation with the Knuckles and Hunnasigiriya mountain ranges towering at a distance. The resort’s main living area and restaurant is located on a two-story glass building on a hillock offering a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding.

Referred to as Ambalamas after the traditional Sri Lankan word for overnight abodes, Santani has 16 stand-alone chalets and two additional rooms housed in a villa.  As Santani focuses on wellness for both body and mind and such, they do not have televisions in the rooms. Wi-Fi is available on demand.

The resort has a resident ayurvedic doctor, who guests can consult for specialized ayurvedic treatments such as detox, stress relieving and slimming, among others.

Activities during your stay

• Indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa
• Join a morning yoga class in the spectacular shala
• Visit the awe-inspiring Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

Hatton

Welcome to Ceylon Tea Trails, a range of luxurious planters’ bungalows in Dickoya, found approximately 4,000 feet above sea level in the southern highlands of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Tea Trails comprises five classic colonial bungalows, all of which are Relais & Châteaux bungalows, built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. Each bungalow is different, combining both classical and contemporary styles: the effect is quintessentially luxurious and colonial, a stroll back in time but entirely resplendent in modern amenities. Within the confines of each bungalow guests will find over-sized rooms with four-poster beds, lavish bathrooms and a blazing log fire in the dining and drawing rooms. The meticulously maintained gardens also feature sun-decks and summer houses where traditional English Cream Teas are served by the bungalow’s resident butler. Enjoy reading by the pool, having high tea in the summerhouse or a gin and tonic on the terrace.

Built in 1888, Tientsin Bungalow is the oldest of the five bungalows and has been beautifully restored with all the features including fireplaces and old wooden floors intact. With rose terraces, leafy arbors and pergolas covered in flowers, the garden was originally designed by a tea planter’s wife. All Tea Trails bungalows have three types of rooms; Luxury Suites, Garden Suites and Master Suites, each named after former tea planters who served the estate.

Activities during your stay

• Cool off in the swimming pool
• Enjoy afternoon tea on the lawn whilst taking in the glorious views

Hatton

Welcome to Ceylon Tea Trails, a range of luxurious planters’ bungalows in Dickoya, found approximately 4,000 feet above sea level in the southern highlands of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Tea Trails comprises five classic colonial bungalows, all of which are Relais & Châteaux bungalows, built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. Each bungalow is different, combining both classical and contemporary styles: the effect is quintessentially luxurious and colonial, a stroll back in time but entirely resplendent in modern amenities. Within the confines of each bungalow guests will find over-sized rooms with four-poster beds, lavish bathrooms and a blazing log fire in the dining and drawing rooms. The meticulously maintained gardens also feature sun-decks and summer houses where traditional English Cream Teas are served by the bungalow’s resident butler. Enjoy reading by the pool, having high tea in the summerhouse or a gin and tonic on the terrace.

The Norwood bungalow, built in 1890 and rebuilt in 1940, is located 4,300ft above sea level and sits at the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa Valley, high-up above Castlereagh Lake. It’s set in a beautiful garden with towering bamboo plants, manicured croquet lawns and a stunning pool. Like all the Tea Trails bungalows, Norwood is intimate with only five large suites. The interior décor is comfortable and airy whilst retaining a traditional feel with unique pieces of colonial architecture.

Activities during your stay

• Take a refreshing dip in the pool
• Enjoy a game of boules or afternoon tea on the lawn

Hatton

Welcome to Ceylon Tea Trails, a range of luxurious planters’ bungalows in Dickoya, found approximately 4,000 feet above sea level in the southern highlands of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Tea Trails comprises five classic colonial bungalows, all of which are Relais & Châteaux bungalows, built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. Each bungalow is different, combining both classical and contemporary styles: the effect is quintessentially luxurious and colonial, a stroll back in time but entirely resplendent in modern amenities. Within the confines of each bungalow guests will find over-sized rooms with four-poster beds, lavish bathrooms and a blazing log fire in the dining and drawing rooms. The meticulously maintained gardens also feature sun-decks and summer houses where traditional English Cream Teas are served by the bungalow’s resident butler. Enjoy reading by the pool, having high tea in the summerhouse or a gin and tonic on the terrace.

This bungalow, built in 1925, lies nestled on the banks of Castlereagh Lake in a woody glade and is perhaps the most romantic of the five. It is also the most remote and is reached along a windy, sometimes bumpy road that passes through tea plantations where pickers are busy at work. All the bungalows have three types of rooms: Luxury Suites, Garden Suites and Master Suites, each with its own touch of opulence, and individually named after former tea planters who served the estate. With the exception of Tate Luxury Room, which has twin beds, the rest of the rooms at Castlereagh include king-sized beds. The Garden Suites have sensational views over the glassy waters of the lake.

Activities during your stay

• Visit a nearby tea factory
• Go cycling through the estate and along the lakeside
• Relax on the lawn or by the pool

Colombo

A grand family home hidden unsuspectingly down a busy street in the heart of Colombo, Maniumpathy is an ideal abode for those looking to combine shopping, sightseeing and home-like luxury. Having been home to five generations of a family hailing from Jaffna, this refurbished colonial villa evokes feelings of old world charm mixed with modern comforts. 

Named after the town of Manipay – a wealthy area in Jaffna – this eight-bedroom boutique hotel whose original structure is over a hundred years ago, offers large expanses of greenery with a pool tucked away in the centre. Restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and historical sites of Colombo are not too far away and ensures there’s much to do while here.

Activities during your stay

• Explore the lively streets of Colombo with a guide
• Try out one of our recommended restaurants for dinner
• Enjoy sundowners at the beautiful setting of Galle Face Hotel