Historic tea-planter bungalows

We are delighted to announce that our renowned property in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ceylon Tea Trails is set to appear in the globally recognised BBC series, BBC Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. Resplendent Ceylon (part of the Relais & Chateaux group) was formed to create and manage a number of small, luxury resorts, tracing a unique trail across Sri Lanka. perched at an altitude of 1,250m, bordering Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands World Heritage site, Ceylon Tea Trails is the brand’s flagship property, comprising of five historic bungalows and a private one-bedroom cottage set amidst 2,000 acres of lush tea plantation. From Summerville’s tranquil lakeside charm to Tientsin’s elegance, the bungalows are named after their past occupants, preserving the stories of their yesteryears.

We are delighted to share that Ceylon Tea Trails and Sri Lanka’s spectacular hill country were featured on BBC’s Great Railway Journeys, narrated by Bill Nighy.

Written by Ashmitha Gunaratne – Senior Executive Impact, Resplendent Ceylon.

Amidst the five charming heritage bungalows at Ceylon Tea Trails, there’s a name that stands out: Ramachandran Iyadurai. He’s not just a gardener but a storyteller, a mentor, and a steward of the lovely gardens that grace these bungalows. He is also a star in the Ceylon Tea Trails feature of BBC2’s Amazing Hotels : Life Beyond the Lobby.

Our Flagship property Ceylon Tea Trails was recently featured in the BBC series, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. The hosts Monica and Rob experienced first-hand, the best of Sri Lankan hospitality while enjoying a planter’s lifestyle during their stay at Ceylon Tea Trails.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavours, influenced by its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. Drawing inspiration from Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Malay influences, Sri Lankan food offers a unique culinary experience. At its heart is an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients—from aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and curry leaves to tropical staples like coconut, rice, and an abundance of fresh seafood. Below are some iconic staples that represent the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine.

In 2025, we have continued to equip our team and expand our operational capacity. We have purchased a total of 35 remote cameras, including 20 solar-powered and 15 regular lithium battery models.

The story of tea in Sri Lanka began over two hundred years ago. British rule was very much under way and in the year 1824, the first tea plant was brought to Ceylon. It came from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes.

It’s 4.45am and I could do with some more sleep. However, I am up and about, showered and ready to leave home – destination Colombo Fort. I suppose I need not have woken up that early as it only took me a mere couple of minutes to get to the station, get my ticket and make my way onto the Podi Menike.

At Resplendent Ceylon, travel and tourism means the world to us; but over time we have also come to realise that it is so much more than just that. Since the beginning, we have been committed to curating meaningful journeys for all our guests. Being a part of the Dilmah family, the idea that business is a matter of human service, is an ethos that is deeply rooted in all our ambassadors. While we always strive to be the best and our resplendent isle welcomes travellers once again, it is humbling to receive recognition from so many corners of the world.