Tea Trails, Hatton

Tea Trails combines a sense of modern boutique luxury with the plantation bungalow experience. Surrounded by working tea estates, at an altitude of just over 5000 ft, Tiensin, Castlereagh, Norwood and Summerville are located at different points around the lovely Castlereagh reservoir deep in the tea growing 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. Norwoods five suites are reminiscent of a 60s tropical bungalow while Summerville has four suites and offers contemporary elegance and incredible views of the lake.

You set your own pace at Tea Trails; 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 Adams Peak. Nuwara Eliya (and a golf course) is nearby, as is Horton Plains National Park. The walking opportunities at Tea Trails are superb and all four bungalows are linked by a trail.

Food and drink is included and the standard is very high. Although there is a menu, meals can be tailored to suit your 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 at Tea Trails where you follow the production process from plucking your own tea leaves right through to brewing them for you very own cuppa.

While the theme is tea, the emphasis is very definitely on luxury. Tea Trails is a hotel by which standards are high, with a proven record of delivering spectacular experiences time and time again.