Hatton, Sri Lanka

Steeped in history and immersed in the verdant scenery of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect blend of past and present. Perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, the five historic tea-planter bungalows embody natural hospitality: effortlessly relaxed and refined without pretense. The five Tea Trails bungalows are located between 2 km and 15km from each other, all in ideal settings for trekking and biking against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, lakes, winding roads and waterfalls. It is here that the créme de la créme of Ceylon teas – the fragrant and delicately flavoured “high growns” flourish. This is perhaps the most famous region for Ceylon tea and one of the first areas to be planted after tea took over from coffee in Ceylon in the 1870’s. The bungalows are equipped with everything you could possibly need to feel at home: elegant bedrooms, a cosy lounge and library with a help-yourself bar, a dining room and a view-toting veranda. Antique curios and knickknacks such as vintage crystal ware, gleaming gramophones, old-fashioned cameras and antique teapots decorate rooms and communal areas. Outdoor charms include abundant gardens and a sparkling swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi Bungalows also have summerhouses and a croquet lawn.