Ceylon Tea Trails comprises five restored historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 metres in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region. Complete with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine, the non-hotel ambiance has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka.
The sky awakens in a flurry of colours, setting alight the valleys beyond. Touchdown on the Castlereagh Lake by floatplane. A butler pours you your first cup of tea for the day. The sultry aroma fills the air. Relax and rejuvenate. Sink into luxurious comfort and unwind amidst the cool climate that envelopes our five tea planters’ bungalows and recognise the true purpose and joy of rediscovery.
We are delighted that Tea Trails is included in the famed Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, compiled by editors of seven global editions including the USA and UK, highlighting favourite classic hotels around the world that exemplify the gold standard of service and hospitality.
Read MoreAbound with 50’s character, the grand old Norwood offers breathtaking views of the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa Valley.
ExplorePoised high above Castlereagh Lake, Dunkeld is where artistic charm meets old-world splendour.
ExploreNestled into a wooded dell close to the water, this century-old bungalow offers unrivalled charm and comfort reminiscent of its yesteryears.
ExploreSitting right along the banks of the Castlereagh Lake, we like to think of Summerville as the cosy country cottage nestled beside the tea valleys.
ExploreBuilt in 1888, Tientsin is the oldest bungalow in the valley and named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came.
ExploreOur values and vision are inspired by our Founders, the Fernando family, who believe that business is a matter of human service. Our portfolio of resorts are located in scenic and environmentally sensitive areas, enabling us to drive our sustainability agenda across Climate Action, Land & Sea and People & Culture.
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 Forest Corridor. Guided by our naturalists, get a peek into what a conservationist’s day looks like, walking through our remote camera trails exploring the wilderness of the highlands.
ExploreOur 27 rooms and suites are named after tea planters of old, who once called these historic bungalows home. Here is the ideal setting to pause, connect with nature and unwind while observing life on a working tea estate. Explore the lush tea fields and visit a century old factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon tea. Be pampered by your butler, enjoy a bath ritual, croquet on the lawn or sunbathe by the pool.
Summerville, Castlereagh and Dunkeld sit on the banks of Castlereagh Lake, Norwood is around a 15 minute drive away whilst Tientsin is about 30 minutes away in the next valley.
The story of tea and the life of a tea planter began over two hundred years ago. Our island was under British rule. Sir James Taylor replaced the crop of dying coffee with that of tea and our island was never the same again. Tea is more complex than you think - the tea leaf goes through the stages of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, grading and packing until it arrives in your hands in the form of a drink. Tea is more than just a drink; it is a way of life.
EXPLORE THE STORY OF CEYLON TEAOur experiences are mindfully curated to offer an authentic, intimate exploration into the essence of Sri Lanka. We also offer activities with healthy doses of fun, adventure and pampering, along with a holistic wellness offering for guests to escape their urban life and soothe mind, body, and soul. A selection of engaging activities for families - with a special selection for kids - are on hand as well, to round out the perfect getaway.
Explore All ExperiencesBegin at the Dunkeld Tea Factory at morning light. Follow our resident tea planter along the traditional process of withering, rolling and drying tea.
Explore The Essential Tea ExperienceThe unspoiled beauty of the surrounding valleys and hills. Adventure out on one of our bikes and uncover the quintessential beauty of the hill country
Explore Biking the TrailsThink bright, crisp mornings. The golden sun glistening over the Castlereagh Lake. Adopt the slow, restful pace of the highlands of our island.
Explore Trekking the TrailsSpend your mornings on an aquatic adventure on the Castlereagh Lake as you paddle along in hi-spec kayaks, taking in the first light of the day.
Explore Kayaking on Castlereagh LakeA neat row of warm cups of tea in varying colours. Our resident tea planter unearths the subtle influences of the flavours. Take slow sips. Indulge.
Explore Private Tea TastingEmbark on an experiential day out on the Castlereagh Lake complemented by stunning views of the misty mountainscape and tea valleys.
Explore Lake CruiseArrive at Tea Trails by floatplane, while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the magical tea country.
Tropical and bountiful; our bungalows’ own charming gardens.
Soak in our heated outdoor hot tubs at Dunkeld, Tientsin, Norwood & Castlereagh.
An ideal spot to meditate in, enjoy a candlelit meal or a drink with the family.
The Tea Trails butlers pride themselves on offering the best service in Sri Lanka.
Our bungalows are a haven for relaxation and offer swimming pools with quintessential views.
You won’t find any menus at our bungalows. The island’s first Relais & Chateaux Bungalows combine delicate fine dining with a celebration of local flavours and traditions, with dishes tailored on a daily basis to showcase fresh and seasonal produce.
ExploreCool, misty air, planters’ bungalows, rolling tea hills and the warmth of friendly people… welcome to our island home. Our Resplendent Journeys take you across diverse landscapes from mountainous jungle terrain to roaring waterfalls and lush green tea fields, allowing you the opportunity to revel in rich, sensory and evocative experiences.
About Sri Lanka
Last night free for a consecutive five night stay
Explore OfferSave 15% for three or four nights on Fully Inclusive Basis
Explore OfferUS$ 4,750 for four nights on Fully Inclusive Basis
Explore OfferCondé 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 a
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.
The recent flux of requests has us thinking 2022 could be the year of honeymoons. The idea of making up for lost time and the revitalised focus of being amongst enviable locations has newlyweds also booking in on lengthier stays than...
It’s a couple of minutes past 6am. A glass of water, a splash of the same on my face and I quietly creep out my room towards the front terrace of Dunkeld Bungalow. There’s no one in sight as I pick my spot for the morning and spread ...
It is a singular irony that Tea, unarguably the most healthy beverage in the world next to water, should share a common history with Opium, the curse of many societies across the world for several centuries, particularly China; equally...
Cliches aside, our island can be viewed as ideal to visit throughout the year. Regardless of what the weather is like in one part of the country, another part would offer a great experience in likeness or kind. We’ve summed up some of...
It’s tough to keep up with all the development and changes within the city of Colombo. However, spending some time in the capital of our island comes with its fair share of exploration and excitement in a multitude of aspects including...