We are a family business, founded by Merrill J. Fernando, with the philosophy that business must also be a matter of human service. Kindness to people and nature forms the heart of all that we do. In 1985, we set out to make the world a better tea. That’s why we grow our own, unlike other tea companies, then pick the best leaves by hand, not machine, and pack it super-fresh right here in Sri Lanka. But it’s not just the taste that makes our tea better, 15% of our profit goes to humanity through the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. In 2005, we started our first hotel, almost by accident. Read more below.

The Merrill J. Fernando Foundation was formed to fulfil our Founder’s desire to make his business a matter of human service. One of the region’s largest private charitable Foundations, it focuses on directly, efficiently and effectively delivering transformational impact to less fortunate communities, differently abled children and youth, while empowering women, youth and men with dignity through free education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, nutrition, provision of medical infrastructure. It also cares for the elderly and fosters advocacy. Together with Dilmah Conservation the MJF Foundation connects with our belief that success is a blessing that must be shared. Merrill J. Fernando disrupted a tea industry that was captive to a colonial economic system. He devoted his life to tea, and overcame the obstacles to realising his dream of a genuinely ethical tea, with faith in God and His Grace. A minimum 15% of the pre-tax profits of Dilmah Tea, Resplendent Ceylon and our other businesses funds the work of the Foundation.
www.mjffoundation.org

Relais & Châteaux, established in France in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests. Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association’s Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014. Discover all 20 commitments presented to UNESCO here. Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Cape Weligama are proud to be the sole Sri Lankan members of this prestigious association.
www.relaischateaux.com