Condé Nast Traveler unveiled the 2023 Gold List, highlighting favourite classic hotels around the world that exemplify the gold standard of service and hospitality. Ceylon Tea Trails is the first Sri Lankan hotel to make this prestigious annual roundup. 

You’ve picked your honeymoon destination, resort and airfare. The question is, what will you do once you arrive? First off, agree on your personal expectations and desired honeymoon vibe - completely relaxed for rejuvenation and connection or full of adventure for thrill and excitement. 

Our social impact is driven largely through the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation and our employee-led Good Works committees. As with conservation activities, 15% of pre-tax profit is contributed to the initiatives of the MJF Charitable Foundation.

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.

The natural warmth of Sri Lankans and the continent's worth of attractions this small island offers makes it perfectly suited for the new breed of traveller looking for an unconventional experience.

Displaying rich diversity in form and style, ancient Sri Lankan architecture is fairly distinctive. From the Anuradhapura Kingdom through to the Kingdom of Kandy, it is also clearly apparent that Buddhism had a major influence on the architecture of our island. 

Beeralu lace weaving, also known as bobbin lace, was first introduced to our islanders by the Portuguese during the 16th Century. Now a part of our own island culture and heritage, this cottage industry is practised predominantly on the southern coast; specifically in Galle and Matara. 

Spending time in a national park is a privilege. There’s something extraordinary and thrilling about spotting and being so close to wildlife. The animals roam free. They do not show up ‘on demand’. Nature moves at its own pace.

A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails would not be complete without a walk along our nature trails encompassing lush tea landscapes, local settlements and rich cultural heritage. Along these trails lie the hidden gems of flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky enough, a leopard pugmark or some fresh scat – the best indicator that we share these paths with the resident leopards of the Peak Ridge.

The skies awaken as darkness turns to light. The morning rays of sun touch the tops and peek through the coconut trees, creating shadows of play. Across the paddy fields, the atmosphere shines golden and bright. The day has begun.