Arrived at Summerville, we were greeted by the gracious Sanat and escorted out to the veranda to enjoy high tea. I stepped outside and i swear my heart skipped a beat. I have never seen anything so beautiful. The setting is magical overlooking this unusual lake with little islands in the middle of it while all around are terraces of tea trees. The lake turns into an inlet to the right of the property. The rooms are huge and very comfortable. You get served whatever your heart desires. The chef consultes with you in the morning and all asked for appears on the table. In the hours in between you can hike the plantations, go around the lake, paddle a boat on the lake or take a bike and ride around. Best of all is to watch the sunset over the lake. Stay at least two nights- one is just a tiny taste of this bit of heaven.

When we decided we would do a week vacation in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea Trails was the first hotel we look into. We planned only a month in advance. So, All the rooms were almost full. Tientsin was the only bungalow available. We stay 2 nights in different room. The fist night we stayed at the room that has a porch to the garden. The second night we stayed at the Suite. My daughter says she was living the suite life. The living room in the suite is so big and so cozy when sitting in front of the fireplace. Mr Mahesh and his staffs(esp. Mr. Dareshne(this guy always has a smile on his face, etc) treated us like we are prince and princesses. The food here was so amazingly delicious. I am a big fan of coffee, but when we stayed here It has changed me to be a big fan of tea. The kitchen team was superb. We felt so relaxing like living in a home not a hotel. The garden was lovely. The scenery of the tea plantation was breathtaking. We walked along the tea plantation and have had a good time with those workers who taught us how to pick the tea leaf. We met with the cricket local boys along the way, they are so friendly and taught us how to play the sport. So very very sweet boys! I have to say every single thing during the stay here in Ceylon tea trails was so magical! The staff, people, scenery, food, bungalow, everything were so perfect and good combination. We really LOVE it. We are planning to come back again soon!

Tea Trails bungalows (I visited Norwood and stayed at Castlereigh) are
1) Beautifully located
2) Well appointed
3) Have good service
4) Have awesome food.

Pricing/value for money is hard to pin down since bench marking is difficult in Sri Lanka for this type of property, As such I believe each visitor will have to make her/his mind up. If pricing were taken out of the equation it would be an unreserved thumbs up from me.

And did I mention the food ! :) :) :)

This is my idea of heaven. A totally spoiling experience, which never feels clinical in the way one sometimes finds in smart hotels. Apart from the glorious location, the staff are what make this place so special. Ever since we left, we have been plotting our return...