About Ceylon Tea Trails
Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters in the famous tea region of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea Trails offers a captivating blend of colonial charm, lush nature, and unparalleled hospitality. This exclusive resort, part of Relais & Châteaux, borders the Central Highlands listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides an idyllic retreat for those seeking peace and adventure.
From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by panoramic views of sprawling tea plantations, misty mountain peaks, and shimmering lakes. The atmosphere of bygone eras comes alive here in the beautifully restored bungalows, where elegant decor and personal butler service contribute to a unique and luxurious experience.
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What you can expect:
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Situated at 1,250 meters above sea level, surrounded by tea plantations bordering the UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands.
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Historic charm with stays in various colonial bungalows featuring elegant interiors, antique details, and a warm ambiance.
- Each bungalow offers multiple rooms, a swimming pool, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped English gardens.
- Gastronomic meals, high tea, and a four-course dinner with carefully selected wines.
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Opportunities for tea tastings and guided tours of a tea factory.
Impression





Your Stay
Ceylon Tea Trails consists of five beautifully restored bungalows, each with five to six elegant rooms and suites, totaling 27 accommodations. These are divided into four room types, each with a unique decor. All rooms and suites feature a spacious en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and rain shower, a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, and a workspace. Additionally, your stay is enhanced with personal butler service for the ultimate comfort.
Hotel Information
Accommodation
The bungalows are named after the tea planters who once lived there and offer a glimpse of the colonial era with solid teak furniture, antique accents, and luxurious canopied beds. The accommodations are surrounded by lush English gardens filled with roses and tropical plants.
- Luxury rooms (approximately 40 m²) – Elegant rooms with a cozy interior.
- Garden suites (approximately 50 m²) – Equipped with a private garden.
- Master suites (approximately 70 m²) – Including a separate, fully furnished living room and a private veranda.
- Owner’s Cottage (180 m²) – Located in the Dunkeld bungalow, a romantic, detached cottage with a heated outdoor Jacuzzi, a stylishly furnished living room, and a veranda.
The Bungalows
- Norwood Bungalow Built in 1890 and rebuilt in 1950, this bungalow offers charming 1950s character. Located east of Lake Castlereagh, it provides spectacular views of the Bogawantalawa valley. There is a spacious lounge, a billiard room, and a garden with a croquet lawn, a swimming pool, and a sun terrace.
- Tientsin Bungalow Named after the Chinese village where the original tea estates originated, this is a historic monument with a distinctly British appearance. The six rooms and suites overlook beautiful English gardens with rose terraces and a rich bird population. The bungalow features a swimming pool and an elevated garden with panoramic views of the tea plantations and the mountains leading to Horton Plains National Park.
- Summerville Bungalow This bungalow is situated high above the lake on the edge of a tea estate and features five rooms. The cozy lounge with large windows and a fireplace creates an inviting atmosphere. Guests can relax in the 'infinity' pool and enjoy the expansive views. Summerville can be booked individually or exclusively for a group.
- Dunkeld Bungalow Located high above Lake Castlereagh, this bungalow offers panoramic views of the tea fields of the Dunkeld estate and the tea factory. The infinity pool and heated Jacuzzi provide ultimate relaxation. In addition to four suites, the exclusive 'Owner’s Cottage' is also situated here.
- Castlereagh Bungalow This historic bungalow, hidden among the woods, offers a stunning view of the lake. The five rooms and suites are furnished with elegant parquet floors and open fireplaces in the dining and living rooms. In the gardens, charming garden pavilions are available where guests can enjoy a traditional high tea. There is also a swimming pool for a refreshing dip.
Restaurants
A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails is a true gastronomic experience. The day begins with a carefully brewed cup of Ceylon tea, followed by an extensive English or Sri Lankan breakfast with homemade delights, fresh fruit, and local specialties. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a refined high tea, complete with artisanal sweets and savory bites, served in the idyllic gardens or on your veranda overlooking the tea fields.
In the evening, you will be treated to a luxurious four-course dinner, prepared by talented chefs who draw inspiration from both Western and Sri Lankan cuisine. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted and accompanied by carefully selected wines and premium spirits.
The kitchen exclusively uses fresh, locally grown vegetables, herbs, and tea from the surrounding estates, ensuring an authentic and sustainable culinary experience. All rates include gastronomic meals and drinks, including selected spirits and top-quality wines. Additionally, in consultation with the chef, you can enjoy tailor-made menus, perfectly suited to your personal preferences and dietary requirements.
Whether you dine by candlelight in the cozy dining room, enjoy a relaxed picnic by the lake, or desire a private dinner under the stars, Ceylon Tea Trails offers an exceptional culinary experience that makes your stay even more special.
Spa / Wellness
For ultimate relaxation, you can book luxurious spa treatments in your own suite. Additionally, your butler will gladly prepare a wonderfully fragrant bath after an active day. All bungalows have a swimming pool, and in Dunkeld and Tientsin, jacuzzis are also available.
Activities
- Playing tennis on the court at the Tientsin bungalow (accessible to all guests).
- Classic garden games such as croquet.
- Guided tours of the Dunkeld tea factory and tea tastings.
- Kayaking on the lake or mountain biking through the hills.
- Hiking through the stunning surroundings with your butler as a guide.
- Part of the Relais & Châteaux group.
The Pekoe Trail is a 22-stage hiking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and mountain scenery of South Asia. The route starts in Kandy and passes through Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Hatton, and Ella. This is a unique trekking experience and an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts. < p>Ceylon Tea Trails is proud to offer accommodations along the Pekoe Trail and provides easy access to stages 6, 7, 8, and 9. This ensures an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's breathtaking tea plantations.
Sustainability
Ceylon Tea Trails is committed to sustainability and conservation through various initiatives. The resort utilizes locally grown and organic products, including vegetables, herbs, and tea from nearby plantations. Additionally, water consumption is managed efficiently, and waste is recycled as much as possible to minimize environmental impact.
As part of Resplendent Ceylon and Relais & Châteaux, Ceylon Tea Trails supports local communities by providing fair employment opportunities and educational programs for tea farmers and their families. The resort also contributes to conservation efforts, including reforestation projects and the protection of biodiversity in the surrounding highlands.
By staying at Ceylon Tea Trails, you contribute to sustainable tourism where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.
Accommodation
The bungalows are named after the tea planters who once lived there and offer a glimpse of the colonial era with solid teak furniture, antique accents, and luxurious canopied beds. The accommodations are surrounded by lush English gardens filled with roses and tropical plants.
- Luxury rooms (approximately 40 m²) – Elegant rooms with a cozy interior.
- Garden suites (approximately 50 m²) – Equipped with a private garden.
- Master suites (approximately 70 m²) – Including a separate, fully furnished living room and a private veranda.
- Owner’s Cottage (180 m²) – Located in the Dunkeld bungalow, a romantic, detached cottage with a heated outdoor Jacuzzi, a stylishly furnished living room, and a veranda.
The Bungalows
- Norwood Bungalow Built in 1890 and rebuilt in 1950, this bungalow offers charming 1950s character. Located east of Lake Castlereagh, it provides spectacular views of the Bogawantalawa valley. There is a spacious lounge, a billiard room, and a garden with a croquet lawn, a swimming pool, and a sun terrace.
- Tientsin Bungalow Named after the Chinese village where the original tea estates originated, this is a historic monument with a distinctly British appearance. The six rooms and suites overlook beautiful English gardens with rose terraces and a rich bird population. The bungalow features a swimming pool and an elevated garden with panoramic views of the tea plantations and the mountains leading to Horton Plains National Park.
- Summerville Bungalow This bungalow is situated high above the lake on the edge of a tea estate and features five rooms. The cozy lounge with large windows and a fireplace creates an inviting atmosphere. Guests can relax in the 'infinity' pool and enjoy the expansive views. Summerville can be booked individually or exclusively for a group.
- Dunkeld Bungalow Located high above Lake Castlereagh, this bungalow offers panoramic views of the tea fields of the Dunkeld estate and the tea factory. The infinity pool and heated Jacuzzi provide ultimate relaxation. In addition to four suites, the exclusive 'Owner’s Cottage' is also situated here.
- Castlereagh Bungalow This historic bungalow, hidden among the woods, offers a stunning view of the lake. The five rooms and suites are furnished with elegant parquet floors and open fireplaces in the dining and living rooms. In the gardens, charming garden pavilions are available where guests can enjoy a traditional high tea. There is also a swimming pool for a refreshing dip.
Restaurants
A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails is a true gastronomic experience. The day begins with a carefully brewed cup of Ceylon tea, followed by an extensive English or Sri Lankan breakfast with homemade delights, fresh fruit, and local specialties. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a refined high tea, complete with artisanal sweets and savory bites, served in the idyllic gardens or on your veranda overlooking the tea fields.
In the evening, you will be treated to a luxurious four-course dinner, prepared by talented chefs who draw inspiration from both Western and Sri Lankan cuisine. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted and accompanied by carefully selected wines and premium spirits.
The kitchen exclusively uses fresh, locally grown vegetables, herbs, and tea from the surrounding estates, ensuring an authentic and sustainable culinary experience. All rates include gastronomic meals and drinks, including selected spirits and top-quality wines. Additionally, in consultation with the chef, you can enjoy tailor-made menus, perfectly suited to your personal preferences and dietary requirements.
Whether you dine by candlelight in the cozy dining room, enjoy a relaxed picnic by the lake, or desire a private dinner under the stars, Ceylon Tea Trails offers an exceptional culinary experience that makes your stay even more special.
Spa / Wellness
For ultimate relaxation, you can book luxurious spa treatments in your own suite. Additionally, your butler will gladly prepare a wonderfully fragrant bath after an active day. All bungalows have a swimming pool, and in Dunkeld and Tientsin, jacuzzis are also available.
Activities
- Playing tennis on the court at the Tientsin bungalow (accessible to all guests).
- Classic garden games such as croquet.
- Guided tours of the Dunkeld tea factory and tea tastings.
- Kayaking on the lake or mountain biking through the hills.
- Hiking through the stunning surroundings with your butler as a guide.
- Part of the Relais & Châteaux group.
The Pekoe Trail is a 22-stage hiking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and mountain scenery of South Asia. The route starts in Kandy and passes through Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Hatton, and Ella. This is a unique trekking experience and an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts. < p>Ceylon Tea Trails is proud to offer accommodations along the Pekoe Trail and provides easy access to stages 6, 7, 8, and 9. This ensures an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's breathtaking tea plantations.
Sustainability
Ceylon Tea Trails is committed to sustainability and conservation through various initiatives. The resort utilizes locally grown and organic products, including vegetables, herbs, and tea from nearby plantations. Additionally, water consumption is managed efficiently, and waste is recycled as much as possible to minimize environmental impact.
As part of Resplendent Ceylon and Relais & Châteaux, Ceylon Tea Trails supports local communities by providing fair employment opportunities and educational programs for tea farmers and their families. The resort also contributes to conservation efforts, including reforestation projects and the protection of biodiversity in the surrounding highlands.
By staying at Ceylon Tea Trails, you contribute to sustainable tourism where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.

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