Ceylon Tea Trails

Perched at an altitude of 1,250 meters in Sri Lanka's panoramic Bogawantalawa Valley (known as the 'Golden Valley of Tea'), Ceylon Tea Trails is the benchmark of ultra-luxury heritage travel in Sri Lanka. As the island's first Relais & Châteaux member, this iconic resort comprises five restored colonial tea planters' residences—Norwood, Tientsin, Castlereagh, Summerville, and Dunkeld—each possessing its own distinct character, period charm, and breathtaking views of Castlereagh Lake and the surrounding emerald hills.

Historic Bungalow Splendor & Private Butler Care

Dating between 1888 and 1950, each bungalow houses four to six master suites furnished with authentic colonial antiques, four-poster beds, roaring open fireplaces, and opulent clawfoot bathtubs. Guests are cared for by private resident butlers who begin each day with 'Bed Tea' brought quietly to your room. From lakeside sun terraces and croquet lawns to heated swimming pools framed by manicured rose bushes, Tea Trails preserves the leisurely elegance of the British colonial era.

Relais & Châteaux Fine Dining

Stays at Ceylon Tea Trails are fully all-inclusive, encompassing champagne breakfasts, four-course estate lunches, traditional English high tea with warm crumpets, and exquisite multi-course dinners. Dishes showcase farm-fresh highland ingredients infused with subtle tea pairings, paired with fine wines curated by master sommeliers.

The Resident Tea Master & Highland Exploration

A centerpiece of the experience is the exclusive Tea Experience hosted by Bernard Holsinger, the resident tea planter. Walk through the pristine camellia fields to observe artisanal leaf plucking, followed by a private factory tour through century-old machinery and an educational cupping session. Guests can also kayak across Castlereagh Lake, hike inter-bungalow mountain trails, or play tennis on grass courts at Tientsin.