Picolo recommends · Tea estate in Sri Lanka
Ceylon Tea Trails: stay in an old tea planter’s bungalow
Colonial-era bungalows among the tea estates of Sri Lanka’s hill country, all inclusive, with afternoon tea on the lawn. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10.
The hill country
Green tea hills in Sri Lanka’s highlands.
The mist still lies in the valley as the tea pickers head out between the bushes. Tea is waiting on the veranda, and the only decision you need to make is whether to walk before or after breakfast.
Ceylon Tea Trails is a group of old colonial bungalows spread across the tea estates in the hill country near Hatton. Everything is included, and that is the point: you come here so you do not have to think.
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The lounge
Big windows facing the hills.
The estate
The tea pickers start early.
Afternoon tea
Served on the lawn.
The veranda
A view over the tea hills.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we like Ceylon Tea Trails
There are only 27 rooms, spread across bungalows in the middle of the estates. It feels like staying with a tea planter, not at a hotel.
Everything is included, and there is a spa, a tennis court and several outdoor pools. Ask for a private picnic among the tea hills.
The train
The train ride through the hill country is an experience in itself.
A tea estate as a hotel
Ceylon Tea Trails: all inclusive in Sri Lanka’s hill country
The bungalows have fireplaces, verandas and gardens overlooking the tea hills. Meals are served wherever you like, including private dinners or picnics, and afternoon tea is a fixed appointment.
The spa offers massages, aromatherapy and reflexology, and between meals there are trails straight out into the estates. It is a place for long days without a plan.
Book your stay: See rooms at Ceylon Tea Trails
Book your stay
Ceylon Tea Trails in Hatton
Bungalows in the tea estates, all inclusive, with a spa and pools.
Hatton
Lake and green hills around Hatton.
How to get to the tea estates
Hatton lies in the hill country between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Many arrive by train through the highlands, one of the finest train rides in Sri Lanka, or by car with a driver from Colombo.
Evenings can be cool in the hills, so pack a jumper. The stay pairs well with the Cultural Triangle around Sigiriya and Dambulla.
Alternatives
Would you rather stay somewhere else?
Two other remarkable hotels in Sri Lanka.
Frequently asked questions about Ceylon Tea Trails
Where is Ceylon Tea Trails?
Ceylon Tea Trails is in the tea estates near Norwood and Hatton in Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Is it all inclusive?
Yes, stays are all inclusive.
Does Ceylon Tea Trails have a spa and pools?
Yes, there is a spa offering massages and aromatherapy, and several outdoor pools.
Is it suitable for children?
At least one guest must be 18 to check in. Check the terms for children on Hotels.com before you book.