No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without visit to the tea country, and Tea Trails is the best place to tap your inner colonialist.
Perched high in the Ceylon hills with a staggeringly beautiful, World Heritage Central Highlands backdrop, Tea Trails is a luxurious estate stay that’s about so much more than just a good cuppa. It’s actually made up of four separate planters’ bungalows amidst tea plantations and gorgeous English gardens across a 15km stretch. Our favourites are Summerville, which has the most dramatic lake and valley views, and Castlereagh, which also has lake views and the added bonus of a pool – no matter which you choose, you’ll be fed gourmet meals and cosseted like the lord of the manor by your personal butler and the rest of the fabulous service staff.
There are few more picturesque spots to recline, sunbathe and spa in blissful serenity, but when the action bug bites, there’s myriad diversions to get the blood pumping, from trekking and mountain biking, to an oh-so civilized spot of croquet on the lawn. And yes, all the tea you can handle. Pinkies up!
Tea Trails, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. +94 51 7 388400, teatrails.com
