More about Ceylon Tea Trails
Amazing Tea Trails
by TripAdvisor Member Ninc
We stayed at Norwood for two nights in Jan 08 and absolutely loved it! it was the high light of our trip and even though expensive, well worth every penny! Our friends got married at Castlereagh so we had a lovely day down by the lake, but for us Norwood was definitely more special. the view, the pool, the food, the staff...it is all just perfect!
Amazing ... simply amazing !
by TripAdvisor Member Sunil_Mumbai
What can I say ... it could not have been better !
We stayed in the Hazel Suite in Norwood. The suite was gorgeous ... very spacious and pretty bathroom with lovely four poster bed, separate lounge area and outdoor garden area.
Very peaceful area and incredible views ... it's hard to stop taking photos. The manager, Asela does a FANTASTIC job of making sure all the guest are happy and he personally ensure this by talking to and listening to the guests.
The food ... the food is WOW !!! The best food I have had in a long time (I would compare the food to Locanda Locatelli in London and Zodiac Grill in Mumbai ... seriously!). The chef is a really young guy and incredibly modest. He will recommend a new dish for every night but will accommodate your preference.
One of the best things about this place is that there is a real homely feel about the place. We had drinks (by the open fire) with other guests most nights and even had dinner with other guests (this is your choice - you can dine alone or meet new people - your decision).
The walks and visits to the tea plantation were great. You can also climb Adam's Peak if you have the energy and weather permitting.
The staff are excellent and could not have provided a better service. This was one of my favourite holidays of all time. A very clear 5 star rating ... thank you Ceylon Tea Trails !
Couldn't be bettered
by TripAdvisor Member StephenFletcher
We stayed in a Garden Suite at the Norwood Bungalow for five nights over Christmas.
Although we are well-travelled and rather particular, our experience could simply not have been bettered. The cuisine, service, room, location, ambience, activities etc etc were all of an equally high standard. Tea Trails really is value for money.
We visited all four bungalows which are equally fabulous and have their individual quirks. However, we decided that we preferred Norwood because of the beautiful 20-metre swimming pool (much larger than the one at Castleragh) and the high altitude/views of the tea plantations below.
That said, it is possible to use the facilities at the other bungalows which is an excuse to have a nose-around as well as a much-needed walk between meals.
It would be great if the seaplane service from Castleragh reservoir to Colombo could re-start - it kind of goes with the 50s atmosphere more then a helicopter ride.
Whilst staying at Tea Trails, we visited the Dickoya Planter's Club - a real colonial relic, and climbed Adam's Peak at 2am on Boxing Day to see the sunrise and surreal shadow.
We will certainly return as soon as we can.
Servce to match the setting!
by TripAdvisor Member Droopydrawrs52
We spent 2 nights in the Tate room at the Castlereigh Bungalow 27th and 28th of December.
Everthing about Tea Trails makes it a very special experince.The room had a bed to die for (and sleep in) everthing in the room was perfect and the view waking up each morning was breathtaking.
The food was first class as was the service.
We did the Tea Plantation tour with our Resident Planter Andrew Talyor himself ! he made the whole process of tea fantastic and each time we drink tea now we think --wow!
We both had treatments in our room which wre fab .
We also met a lot of likeminded people who were from all over the world and like us grabbed the special time at teatrails with both hands.
A truly special place
A taste of luxury
by TripAdvisor Member Alchrisuk
We were lucky enough to spend 2 nights in a garden suite at Norwood bungalow. We only wish we could have spent more time there.
Tea trails is a unique experience giving a taste of what life was like for plantation owners in colonial days.
We arrived in time for high tea which was excellent and the chef visited us to discuss our evening meal requirements. Every meal was of a very high standard and the service throughout, whether by the butler or other members of staff was impeccable.
Norwood has a lovely pool and there are various trails from the bungalow,
We would have liked to visit the tea factory but unfortunately as we were there over a public holiday were unable to do so but intend to return, hopefully to spend a longer period when we will be able to do so.
The location in the hill country with its own climate makes a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of other tourist centers.
A Christmas cracker
by TripAdvisor Member LotusEaterLondon
We stayed at Summerville bungalow for three days over Christmas. It has four bedrooms and we had a gorgeous suite with its own private garden. The views from the living room and terrace down over the lake were spectacular. The service and food was excellent, particularly when we got the chef to produce some Sri Lankan food instead of international cuisine. We were able to use the swimming pool at another of the bungalows and got there by local tuk-tuk because the hotel's transport was overworked during this busy season. Our only grumble was having to share our lovely bungalow with two families with children during our stay - they rather took over the space and we did not ever get to sit in the living room. Also, our romantic dinners on the terrace were interupted by wailing babies. I think it would be a good idea to designate at least one of the bungalows a 'no small children/babies' zone.
The best place to stay ever
by TripAdvisor Member KentHkc
We stayed in summerville bungalow and would do so again and again. It was amazing. The views, the service, the food, the cocktails, the rooms everything. One of the best places i have stayed. Only thing missing was a pool.
absolute heaven
by TripAdvisor Member Levoyageur
We have just spent time in Andrew's suite Norwood bungalow, and it was the the most wonderful experience. The bungalow has great views, beautiful gardens and a large swimming pool. The service was incredible- everyone seemed to know what I wanted without me having to ask, but we never felt the staff was intruding. The food was wonderful, served on the terrace overlooking the tea fields. We spent the days walking the waymarked paths round the estate, but there are options for spa treatments, mountain biking tea factory visits etc etc
The bedroom was lovely too with a very comfortable foour-posterbed and huge bathroom. We looked out onto the gardens and loved watching the sunbirds collect nectar from the flowers
We only stayed 1 day- wish it could have been longer !
Loved it
by TripAdvisor Member FoggMurphys
We stayed for 2 nights at the Castlereagh Bungalow. It was an extremely pleasurable experience and probably the highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. The bungalow itself is nicely furnished, light and airy and our room was extremely comfortable with a private terrace and garden. The service was excellent as was the food with meals served outside on the terrace. The bungalow is in a stunning location surrounded by tea plantations and overlooking a lake. We can't praise this place highly enough.
You will not be disappointed. Completely unique
by TripAdvisor Member newmansg
This was one of the most unique places we have ever stayed. The location was stunning, the rooms and bathrooms beautiful, the food outstanding and the service discreet and impecable.
We enjoyed exploring the surrounding area and would highly recommend the tour of the tea factory.
I would travel to Sri Lanka again just to stay in this hotel.
Photos
Tea Pluckers
Hill Country around Hatton
Good Transport Links
Towards Sri Pada