Thotalagala

To stay at Thotalagala is to experience colonial luxury at its finest, step out from teak panelled rooms, on to perfectly manicured lawns and gaze beyond the working tea plantations to views of mountains and lush vegetation. It is a setting ideal for rest and relaxation, the exclusive bungalow has just seven suites and with 20 private acres then leading to 8,000 hectares of tea estates, space is never at a premium. This is a tea lover’s paradise, the very location the expression “Ceylon Tea” was first coined and as a guest at Thotalagala you will have  access to the factory and bungalow that were once home to Sir Thomas Lipton. With food and drink all inclusive and a stunning infinity pool on site, many choose not to leave the estate’s grounds, but for others the location simply demands further exploration. Here you are situated on the trail leading from mountain peaks down to the coast and jungles of Yala and Udawalawe, Lipton’s Seat is 1,500 above - it is a hike away, but the views more than compensate for tired muscles. Further afield, excursions are available to Diyaluma Falls, water tumbling down a 220 metre drop, and Horton Plains National Park where leopards and sambar deer are among the beautiful species to look out for. Here too, is World’s End - a sheer drop of 320 metres. Don’t worry, the tour guides won’t take you too close. More sedate experiences are available, such as a magical guided bird watching. You can also try your hand at preparing local delicacies, with a cooking experience, the results of which will be sampled by your fellow guests. Whether your cooking will match the delicacies on offer at Thotalagala, all sourced locally and served to a magical backdrop, remains to be seen.