The big decision is which bungalow? Ceylon Tea Trails comprises of five colonial era bungalows. Luckily none jumped on me (I find them really creepy! Norwood Bungalow was originally built in 1890; however, it was rebuilt in 1950, giving it a 1950’s style. Hi! Our stay was everything I hoped it would be; it was romantic, relaxing, tea-fueled, luxurious, and filled with historical ambiance. Ceylon Tea Trails Located at an altitude of 1,250 metres in central Sri Lanka and bordering the World Heritage Central Highlands is Ceylon Tea Trails, is the world’s first tea bungalow resort. Each bungalow comes with a head butler, chef, and a small team of house staff. A typical day here includes waking up to a traditional Bed Tea each morning served by the butler, spending the afternoon by the pool or taking a scenic hike, and then finishing the day with canapés and an evening drink by the fire before heading off to a 4-course dinner. This bungalow is also the easiest to rent out for a group and is likely a good bet for those seeking peace and quiet. I think about 50% of travel bloggers have been to Sri Lanka since the Professional Travel Bloggers Association conferences have been held there in recent years ~ Jessica. **Disclosure: We were provided free accommodation at Ceylon Tea Trails in order to review the resort as travel writers. © Copyright 2013 - 2020, Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka: Luxury, Tea, and Colonial Ambiance, Basic Information about Ceylon Tea Trails. Staff carried in our luggage and showed us into the lounge area where we were given a welcome drink which was a refreshing juice and tea infusion. Bed teas, breakfasts, lunches, cream afternoon teas, dinners, and snacks are all served at each bungalow. We decided to go to our rooms to unpack and get refreshed and then to have afternoon tea. The staff has plenty of things you can borrow (hiking trail maps, a salt water spray for the leeches, umbrellas, rain coats, insect repellent) and they can advise you on proper clothing. Ceylon Tea Trails - All Inclusive offers 5 forms of accommodation with iPod docking stations and a safe. Hi Seana, Yes, I agree. In 2015, Merrill J. Fernando received the Business for Peace Award in Oslo, given by the Award Committee of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics. Our photos can’t do it justice as it was still being cleaned and renovated before its grand opening the following week! Future luxury properties are planned for both Yala and Sigiriya. When I found out when planning our trip to Sri Lanka that they have a tea themed hotel, I had to go! It was easy for us to forget we were at a hotel as we very much felt at home in the bungalow. Luckily Tea Trails offers a daily Tea Trail Experience tour that is complimentary for all guests and is led by the Resident Tea Planter. Luxury hotels and spas are definitely springing up in the country, and Ceylon Tea Trails is sort of the gold standard. The Ceylon Tea Trails looks very stunning hotel and we are tea lovers.. There are currently 5 bungalows at Tea Trails, with the latest addition being the recently opened Dunkeld Bungalow. But it’s time for lunch. Address: Each of the five Tea Trails bungalows has its own address, but each are located among the hills of the Bogawantalawa region in the Dimbula district in south central Sri Lanka. We never requested a key but did stick a few valuables in the in-room safe. Tea Trails is the world’s first tea bungalow resort. As you intend to return which one would you try next? Note that an overland drive from Colombo can be a bit long and tedious so you may want to consider the scenic train ride from Kandy to Hatton or a seaplane ride. Profits are shared with the workers and local communities, and a percentage of the profits are also used to fund both the, It is Malik that has headed up the leisure tourism side of the business, forming. It is Malik that has headed up the leisure tourism side of the business, forming Resplendent Ceylon and opening their first luxury resort Tea Trails in 2005. I had actually learned to picked tea once in Vietnam, and it is amazing how much tea a skilled worker can pick in a day! I preferred it because it is one of the more traditional ones and it was also really peaceful when we stayed (we were the only residents the first night). Hi Alesha, Yes, Ceylon Tea Trails is indeed a great mix of luxury and history which is why we enjoyed it so much! The chef comes to us and shares the menu for the day . Have you been to Sri Lanka’s Tea Country? How do I choose from the 5 Bungalows at Tea Trails? Ha! There is an excellent website for Tea Trails, where you can get more information or make a booking. I am constantly drawn to Castlereagh until I read someone else comments on another bungalow. Tea Trails is part of the Resplendent Ceylon “best of Sri Lanka” circuit, created by the family-owned Dilmah Tea Company. In fact if I were to choose 2 different ones in which to stay which would you recommend? All the meals were good, and most incorporated local herbs grown on the estate as well as fresh local produce. The leaves are appropriate for use in tea bags. Ceylon Tea Trails is probably the most coveted place to stay in Sri Lanka, and a perfect place for history and tea lovers like us. The tour took about 1.5 hours and was quite relaxed and informative. Such luxury and beautiful scenery! Although Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was no longer a colony of Britain after 1948, the British continued to dominate the top positions related to the tea industry in Sri Lanka. In our guest room at Tientsin, there was a service button located next to the bed, and when rang our butler or one of the other staff members would come to our room. It has the most classic feel of all the bungalows and is the only one with a tennis court. We are warmly welcomed by Sanjaya, our butler. But most things should still be the same. Comprising of five restored tea planters' residences in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea region, each bungalow offers a slice of history and an opportunity to experience the romance of Ceylon Tea. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Castlereagh also offers a swimming pool, croquet lawn, and a library. This was the beginning to our two days in Sri Lankan paradise! On the terrace, we were greeted with a choice of hot beverages and fresh juices and given the morning news (a 2-page printed copy based on your nationality) to read. Tea Trails operates with a group of experts with many years of franchising experience. Settle in one of the four restored tea, planters bungalows with period furniture and, gourmet cuisine. Room Types: There are currently 26 rooms available across the 5 bungalows, and there are four room types offered at Ceylon Tea Trails. I’d either be sitting by one of those stunning pools or maybe digging into a good book. Dining at Tea Trails: Tea Trails offers an inclusive experience with room rates including all meals, snacks, drinks, and afternoon teas. This is home to old Ceylon. One of the great things about Tea Trails is that you can arrange to have meals at any of the Tea Trails bungalows during your stay, just tell your butler and they can arrange for you to have your meal or afternoon tea served at any of the other bungalows that you may want to visit. Meals can also be arranged in one’s suite with advance notice. But even if you can’t stay at the hotel, I’d definitely recommend still visiting the region as it is very scenic with the tea fields, hills, and waterfalls. The hotel consists of 5 colonial bungalows nestled within one of the best tea regions in Sri Lanka. It is here that many British tea (and coffee) planters set up homes and, Dilmah is a family-owned company that sells single origin 100% pure Ceylon tea that is processed using traditional methods and packaged at the source. During our visit, we didn’t have an issue with mosquitos but there were leeches. It was also the British who established the major coffee and tea plantations in the country. Three Relais & Chateaux resorts; Tea Trails, Cape Weligama & Wild Coast Tented Lodge, form an enchanting "Route de Bonheur (Happiness)" from tea … Sri Lanka is definitely an up-and-coming destination and has become a pretty popular one these past few years since it has re-opened for tourism after the ending of the civil war in 2009. The Ceylon Tea Trails Experience: In central Sri Lanka, lies the Golden Valley of Tea. Meals can be served in your choice of locations from in your room to the garden to the dining room. ~ Jessica, Yes, I would so stay in a place like this… I’m not a tea drinker, but I see they have whiskey… I mean coffee It looks so different to the vision I had in my mind, quite beautiful, very relaxing and scenic. Ceylon Tea Trails looks and sounds amazing. Children are allowed at Tea Trails however parents should exercise judgement when booking with young children. After morning tea, we’d roll out of bed and get ready for breakfast. **Disclosure: We were provided free accommodation at Ceylon Tea Trails in order to review the resort as travel writers. ~ Jessica. Chef always asked us about our preferences and any dietary restrictions. Ceylon Tea Trails dining is known for its fresh home grown fruits and vegetables, teas and herbs from its surrounding estates. We’re ready to plan a trip :-). He showed us tea plants of various ages and explained the work related to planting and picking the tea leaves. Note that throughout Sri Lanka, including hotels, alcohol cannot be served on the Poya holidays, which occurs once a month during the full moon. All  5 of the bungalows were built while Sri Lanka was the British colony of Ceylon between 1802 and 1948. However, there are differences in some of the amenities as well as the decor of the properties. The drive took about 5 hours and was a bit tedious with traffic. This post may contain affiliate links. So does the pool and the jacuzzi right next to the lake. Cinnamon Air operates flights that land in Castlereagh Reservoir (just next to both Castlereagh and Summerville bungalows). However, due to disease and growing conditions, tea soon replaced coffee with Scottish planter James Taylor starting the first tea plantation in 1867. There are options to have meals and afternoon tea on the verandah, lawn, or in the dining room. We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. Our days began with Bed Tea, where our butler knocked on our door at an agreed upon time and delivered a tray of tea (or coffee) and biscuits. Right choice. Many people coming to stay at Ceylon Tea Trails are interested in learning about the tea industry in Sri Lanka and learning about the tea making process. The staff has all the equipment you’ll likely need (e.g., bikes, helmets, tennis racquets, hiking maps, umbrellas, etc.) The 1970’s were very turbulent in the tea industry (and the whole country!) Tientsin Bungalow offers guests views of the tea-carpeted mountains towards the World Heritage Horton Plains National Park. Service is definitely top-notch here and the best we have experienced anywhere in Sri Lanka. If you have more than 2 nights, you can split your time and spend the night at two. From Hatton, it is a 20 minute drive to the nearest Tea Trails bungalow Summerville and a 45 minute drive to the farthest, Tientsin. If you don't see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam folder. Perched 4,000ft above Sri Lanka’s panoramic tea region, the four bungalows that form Ceylon Tea Trails provide an amazing setting for exploring the lush tea plantations of the highlands, as well as opportunities for spectacular treks and bike rides against a backdrop of … For those who crave relaxation, there are swimming pools, the gardens, board games, in-room spa treatments, paneled libraries, and bay windows framing beautiful scenery. ~ Jessica, What a comprehensive review and very timely for me as I’m thinking of visiting Sri Lanka. Although the Dutch had first introduced coffee in Sri Lanka, it was the British (with the labor of the local people) who were able to open large commercial plantations making it a profitable crop. The rooms are airy… We loved the Tientsin Bungalow and its Old World charm and hope that some day we have a chance to return and stay in some of the bungalows which each have their own character. We arrived at Summerville Bungalow at 3am after a six-hour drive from Colombo to be greeted by staff offering cold beers, cups of tea or any other refreshment we desired. Five hours drive from Colombo on windy roads, passing through lush tropical vegetation and bustling towns, bring us to luxurious tea-planter bungalows tucked amongst the plantations. You can read our suggested full one week Sri Lanka itinerary for couples from this trip as well. They are located near the town of Hatton and the village of Tientsin. This villa feels a bit more secluded since it is on the other side of the lake from the others, but an easily arranged short boat ride can bring visitors back and forth across the lake to visit the tea factory and other bungalows. I loved this place. Castlereagh Bungalow was built in 1925 and offers 5 guest bedrooms, and is a popular guest favorite with its eclectic style. What an absolutely delightful find in Sri Lanka! It was during the British colonial period that a network of roads were developed, the country was surveyed, hospitals were opened, the railway system was introduced, and major shipping ports were developed to aid in the importing and exporting of goods. Each bungalow offers a private house experience with own chef, butler and other staff. It was a great way to relax and spend a few very unique days in the middle of a long journey. The most elegant and evocative place to drink in Sri Lanka's lush Tea Country is undoubtedly the Ceylon Tea Trails. Room Costs and Booking: Rooms rates (with taxes included) range from about USD $650 to $1,350 per night for double occupancy, with the Luxury Rooms being the lowest priced and the Owner’s Cottage the most expensive. Be prepared for the heat and humidity in Sri Lanka, but given the higher altitude and mountains the “Tea Country” region of Sri Lanka is generally much cooler than the rest of the country. A real treat. I have a friend for whom Sri Lanka is her “happy place”… maybe someday I will get there! We are warmly welcomed by Sanjaya, our butler. on the Colombo-Ella journey had 2 open deck sections while on the return just one. By seaplane it is 30 minutes from Colombo and 15 minutes from Kandy. Tientsin Bungalow offers a swimming pool, clay tennis court, billards room, library, croquet lawn, and gardens. Views, comfort, ambience are important. Even tea was incorporated in many of the meals which was a nice touch. : No, Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows are private property and cannot be visited without a prior booking. They are all scattered among the green hillsides. Hunger is not a word that makes part of this trip. One of the many great things about Ceylon Tea Trails is that the lodging price is inclusive of all your meals, snacks, afternoon teas, soft drinks, and a select range of wines, beers, and spirits. I am not sure if I can afford to stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, but I am definitely going to investigate for our upcoming trip we are planning to Sri Lanka in the Fall. We were warmly greeted by Tea Trails staff upon arriving at Tientsin, our bungalow for the 2-night stay. All the tea is hand picked and we were welcome to give it a short go and pick the “two leaves and a bud”. A stay here is worry and bill free as rates include all meals, most drinks, laundry, taxes, and services. During afternoon tea (on the side terrace in case you were wondering! We spent two nights at the Ceylon Tea Trails as part of a 5 day trip we took that started and ended in Colombo. Our room was comfortable, spacious, clean, and had all the amenities we needed and more. The Tea Factory has a scenic location and is surrounded by tea fields as well as housing, a medical care center, and a child development center for the workers. I think if I stayed in one of the bungalows I would never step foot outside it – except maybe for the tea factory tour. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! The five Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows are located between 2 km and 15km (1.25 to 9 miles) from each other. If you are looking for a few books set in colonial Sri Lanka, you might consider The Flower Boy by Karen Roberts, The Hamilton Case by Michelle Kretser, or Cinnamon Gardens by Shyam Selvadurai. Tea Trails- Sri Lanka – 11 Days, 10 Nights Tour. ( Log Out /  Hi Michelle, I think relaxing, eating, and drinking lots of tea are the best way to spend a few days at Ceylon Tea Trails Yes, what is interesting is that Australia is one of the first international markets that Dilmah really made an impact and it is very popular high end tea there. Just returned after a weekend trip from Colombo to Ella by Expo Rail. Spent most of the journey in the open deck which was great for photography and just enjoying the scenery and fresh mountain air. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Find me on @chiclebelle The cultivation and exportation of spices, There are now six major tea regions in Sri Lanka, and Dimbula, where the Tea Trails bungalows are located, was one of the first areas to be planted in the 1870s. Eventually government pressure would allow six Ceylonese men to become the first native tea tasters in 1950, one being young Merrill Joseph Fernando. We got the impression that if there is something you want to do, you should just ask and the staff will arrange it if it is at all possible. ), but one did on Laurence. Also send me the latest blog posts by e-mail, Independent Travel Cats Monthly Newsletter, Logos, images, and content all protected by copyright. Ceylon Tea Trails is included in a range of itineraries in Sri Lanka run by Perth-based Wildlife Safari. Love the chandeliers in the bungalow and would enjoy relaxing on the terrace for a scrumptious breakfast or afternoon tea. This was our home for our 2-night stay! They have a future one also planned for Sigiriya. We're a tour company that not only believes in providing a great service, but also the most authentic experience of Sri Lanka. The train ride from Columbo to Ella is a great one and very scenic Best, Jessica, Wow, this place looks amazing. 1.5 miles from Ceylon Trails #29 Best Value of 3,365 places to stay in Colombo “ Went out after a long time and I thought to go cloud red since I do always love the Long Island ice tea … Ceylon Tea Trails offers a number of activities for guests, many of them complimentary. All bungalows are from the British colonial era and offer many of the same amenities, for instance all 5 have a spring-fed swimming pool and offer in-room spa treatments. Each stay includes a visit to the local tea factory and see first hand the whole process of making the tea. They also include service charges, taxes, transfers between bungalows and to Hatton, local telephone calls, and laundry service! You can read more in our. I do love the smell of tea, and the history really brings it to life. The staff were friendly and professional, making us feel welcome and that nothing was too much to ask. If you want to travel by helicopter, Tea Trails can provide a list of companies that provide transfers to and from the hotel and rate sheets. It has some of the best gardens of all of the bungalows and two summer houses. Each of the bungalows offers 4 to 6 unique rooms and a dedicated butler, chef, and house staff. 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