Despite its small size, Sri Lanka offers a remarkable wealth of attractions. Its beaches are picture-perfect, edged with swaying palms and inviting food stalls serving exceptional local cuisine. Inland, safari adventures reward wildlife enthusiasts with close-up sightings of leopards, elephants, water buffaloes and monkeys, among other species. Yet what really puts this country on the map are the famous tea plantations located in the Ceylon Tea region, also known as the Golden Valley of Tea. A superb way to explore these landscapes is with a stay at Ceylon Tea Trails – the world’s first tea bungalow resort.

Located in the heart of the verdant Bogawantalawa Valley, the property is a collection of five beautifully restored tea planter residences, or ‘bungalows’, that date back to the colonial era.

Fast forward to today, and the bungalows are now owned by the Fernando family, producers of the leading Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah under the Resplendent Ceylon brand. Malik Fernando, the family’s eldest son and a self-proclaimed “accidental hotelier”, took a leap of faith and turned down a job with McKinsey in Boston to return to the rolling green hills of his homeland.

It was the charm and history of these bungalows that inspired him to transform them into a high-end resort, which opened in 2005. Surrounded by Castlereagh Lake, each restored residence now offers guests a taste of colonial luxury infused with the rich heritage of Sri Lankan tea culture.

The Hotel Rooms

The most immersive way to grasp the sheer scale and beauty of the resort is undoubtedly by seaplane, offering sweeping views of the vast estate upon arrival.

The property offers 26 rooms in total, ranging from expansive master suites with separate living areas to suites overlooking the gardens and designed for added privacy.

Perhaps the most impressive room is the Owner’s Cottage at Dunkeld Bungalow. Overlooking the lake, this cottage is the largest room at the resort. Spanning 120 sqm, the suite boasts an expansive dining room, a cosy living area and a master bedroom. Outside, the cottage features a wraparound terrace, where a private infinity pool and a heated hot tub await.

Unlike other hotels, the rooms at Ceylon Tea Trails do not offer room keys – a deliberate choice reflecting the resort’s commitment to creating a car-free experience for guests. In place of keys, each suite comes with a dedicated butler and a private chef, ready to respond to the slightest chime. Butlers oversee every detail of a guest’s stay, from arranging activities to serving the resort’s signature high tea. 

Food And Dining

Travellers will quickly learn that in Sri Lanka tea isn’t just a drink – it’s a way of life. At Ceylon Tea Trails, these delicate tea leaves are infused into local dishes to enhance each one with flavour, especially highlighted in the celebrated Tea Experience Dinner.

The culinary offerings at this resort blend traditional Sri Lankan flavors with contemporary British gastronomy. Mornings begin with a selection of local favorites, including a dish known as hoppers paired with sambol, as well as tropical fruits that grow around the region. Another delicacy worth trying is ‘mee kiri pani’, which is buffalo curd drizzled with honey and one of the countries simplest and most beloved breakfast dishes. As the day unfolds, private chefs are ready to dish up everything from midday rice and curry feasts to elaborate four-course dinners.

The Tea Experience

The Tea Experience at Ceylon Tea Trails is nothing short of a journey back in time. The adventure begins with a guided walk through the lush tea plantations, where vibrant green tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see. Visitors are accompanied by expert planters who share their extensive knowledge of tea varieties, cultivation techniques and the history of tea in the region.

The highlight of the Tea Experience is, of course, the tasting. Following a tour of the Norwood Tea Factory, visitors have the opportunity to savour the distinct notes and flavors of the estate’s best brews. A tea connoisseur guides guests through the nuances of each tea, explaining the characteristics that makes it special. A traditional tiffin lunch is later served, where guests can enjoy a selection of local delicacies while taking in the panoramic views from the surrounding hills.

Activities

To further explore the verdant region, a private guided hike through the trails comes highly recommended to immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan lifestyle and navigate the terrain confidently. Alternatively, you can paddle out onto the tranquil Castlereagh Lake in a kayak for a peaceful afternoon.

Whether it is the tea or the crisp air, Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect sanctuary to relax and recharge. It is a destination that captures the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and provides an authentic glimpse into local life in the heart of tea country.