At a glance
Ceylon Tea Trails is billed as “The world’s first tea bungalow resort.” Made up of five colonial tea plantation houses, staying here is like stepping into another era. You’ll have the services of a butler and exquisite views of the mountains and plantations. You can have a classic afternoon tea – brought to you by your butler. You can also play croquet, swim in the infinity pool and enjoy a drink in the evening by an open fire.
The bungalows are spread out over the Golden Valley of Tea, Bogawantalawa. It’s a two-hour drive to Kandy.
This area was very popular with the British during the colonial era. That explains the croquet lawns and afternoon tea. Ceylon Tea Trails embodies Victorian colonial elegance with a modern twist.
More information
- Stay in a colonial era bungalow
- Private pools
- Enjoy afternoon tea and whisky by an open fire
- Mountain views
- Butler service
While the legal situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Sri Lanka remains challenging, with same-sex sexual activity still criminalized under colonial-era laws, the country offers a more welcoming reality for LGBTQ+ travelers. Many resorts and hotels, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, actively cater to queer visitors, offering safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel comfortable and respected.
Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourist destinations, such as Colombo, Galle, and the beaches of the South Coast, have developed a reputation for being LGBTQ+-friendly, with a growing number of establishments offering queer-inclusive services. Although some discretion is advised due to the country’s conservative cultural attitudes, many international visitors report having an enjoyable and safe experience.
Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality make it an increasingly popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. As with any destination, it’s important to be aware of local customs and laws, but Sri Lanka remains a beautiful and welcoming place for those looking to explore a tropical paradise.
Accommodation
Norwood Bungalow
Overlooking the east of Bogawantalawa valley and nestled by bamboo trees, the Norwood Bungalow is a classic colonial residence. The living area is decked out with opulent furnishings. You’ll have a four poster bed, a billiard room, a sundeck, croquet lawn and a pool. This is where the planters would have raised a glass many years ago.
Tientsin Bungalow
Named after a Chinese village that produced the tea seedlings, this bungalow has six elegant rooms and classic English gardens. The gardens were created by the planter’s wives who wanted to feel at home on the other side of the world.
Birds nestle in the rose terraces. These gardens are such a beautiful setting to wake up to in the morning. You’ll have a private pool and views of the tea mountains leading to the National Park.
Castlereagh Bungalow
By the water of a wooded dell, this bungalow is decked out with parquet floors, an open fireplace and a drawing room. There’s an elegant private garden, too. You’ll find summer houses nearby where you can have a cup of tea and imagine your back in the 1890s.
Summerville Bungalow
Summerville overlooks the lake at the edge of the plantation. The bungalow has five rooms and stunning views of the water and the tea mountains beyond. Spend the evenings by the open fire as the mist draws in.
Dunkeld Bungalow
Dunkeld overlooks Castlereagh Lake and the green fields of the estate and tea factory. The infinity pool offers unrivalled views of the mountains and the hot tub floats gently over the surface of the lake.
Enquire for information about other room types.
Our Experts
Jaike Rowe
Luxury Travel Expert"Sri Lanka is truly one of the most special places I've been lucky enough to visit. There's so much heritage and culture to discover on this small island nation - and the vistas are absolutely breathtaking."
Contact usDionne Charles
Luxury Travel Expert"Sri Lanka is the ideal place to pair with a trip to the Maldives, offering a dose of cultural stimulation following a sumptuous Maldivian escape. There's also a bounty of luxury properties in Sri Lanka. "
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