Ceylon Tea Trails Resort Review: Is it Worth the Splurge?
Before I visited, I did not think of Sri Lanka as luxury resort destination. But when I saw one of my favorite influencers, LAX to Luxury, visit, my mind was changed. She highly recommended Ceylon Tea Trails, so naturally I had to try it. This Ceylon Tea Trails resort review will explain if you should try it too.
I stayed at Ceylon Tea Trails for two nights during my one week in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Spoiler alert, we loved the stay, and highly recommend it.
The resort is conveniently located in the mountainous tea terraces, has incredible service, and is one of the most tranquil places I’ve visited.
Keep reading below for more on what makes this property so special, tips for your visit, and my opinion on if it is worth the splurge to stay there.
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Ceylon Tea Trails Resort Overview
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s lush tea country, Ceylon Tea Trails in Hatton offers a truly unique luxury experience. As part of the Resplendent Ceylon group, managed by Mr. and Mrs. Smith (part of Hyatt), it was very compelling to pool a stay.
While I was skeptical at first, this property lived up to—and exceeded—the hype. With five luxury bungalows spread across 20 kilometers, each with its own staff, kitchen, and outdoor areas, Ceylon Tea Trails redefines what it means to escape. Here’s a full review and guide to making the most of your stay.
Arrival at the Resort
Our journey to the resort was an adventure in itself. The rough, bumpy roads made it difficult for our driver to reach the bungalow directly, so we ended up transferring to a tuk-tuk for the final stretch.
Later, we learned we should have been dropped at a different bungalow to take a scenic boat ride to our final destination—a detail that would have been helpful to know in advance.
Once we arrived, however, any travel stress faded. The check-in experience took place in the cozy living room of our villa, and it felt more like settling into a family country home than arriving at a hotel. The atmosphere was peaceful and secluded, giving us an immediate sense of retreat.
We were greeted with a welcome drink and given a tour of the property before being shown to our room. The service was attentive yet unobtrusive, with staff encouraging us to ask for anything we needed but allowing us plenty of space to unwind.
Rooms
The decor at Ceylon Tea Trails is high-end and traditional, but it’s anything but stuffy. There’s a cozy, welcoming quality to the rooms—like staying in a refined country home, complete with vintage touches and understated luxury.
Each room also features a private garden, a lovely spot to step out and enjoy the morning sunrise. We stayed in a base room, which was spacious with a large four-poster bed, sitting area, and a desk.
The only downside was the lack of air conditioning, standard across all rooms. At times, the temperature was warmer than I’d prefer, and while it didn’t detract from the experience, a fan or another cooling option would have been welcome.
Dining & Private Chef
Dining at Ceylon Tea Trails was a full-day affair, leaning heavily toward British-inspired cuisine. While I would have loved a bit more Sri Lankan influence, the dishes were fresh and beautifully prepared, featuring local ingredients like high-quality tea and produce.
Each morning, we enjoyed a delicious spread of pastries and yogurt—a simple breakfast, but exceptional in flavor and freshness. And the highlight for me was the afternoon tea, a huge setup with a variety of sweet and savory bites paired with local tea varietals.
The dining experience is highly customizable, with the bungalow’s private chef checking in regularly to discuss each meal.
While we typically went with the chef’s recommendations, other guests made special requests—from salads and French fries to elaborate mixed grills with lobster for dinner. The kitchen met these varied requests with ease, showing just how flexible the dining can be.
Amenities and Activities
Ceylon Tea Trails offers plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. One of my favorite moments was sipping a traditional British Pimms cup by the pool, taking in the serene views. While I didn’t have time to try the kayaks, they looked like a fun option for exploring the nearby lake.
The early morning nature walk was another memorable experience. Although I almost skipped it due to the early wake-up time, I’m so glad I didn’t. Walking through the tea fields and visiting a local village as the sun rose was a beautiful, peaceful start to the day.
Each bungalow offers similar amenities, including walking trails, bikes, and a pool. However, the tea plantation and factory tour is a standout experience.
This immersive tour gives you a deep look into Sri Lanka’s iconic tea industry, from plant to cup, and Ceylon Tea Trails is truly the best place to experience this iconic part of Sri Lankan culture.
Service and Hospitality
The service at Ceylon Tea Trails is a perfect blend of attentiveness and respect for guests’ privacy. Each evening, as we stepped out of our room before dinner, the staff would appear right away with appetizers and take our happy hour drink order—an effortless way to start the evening.
While they didn’t anticipate every need, the staff was always quick to respond to any requests, creating a relaxed yet responsive style of hospitality that fit perfectly with the resort’s tranquil atmosphere.
Location and Things to Do
Ceylon Tea Trails is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, making it an ideal retreat for those who want to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Hatton, the nearest town, is still a bit too far for a day trip, so guests typically stay within the resort’s grounds.
A major highlight of the location is the tea plantation and factory tour, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the tea-making process. For tea lovers, I highly recommend planning to bring some local tea back with you as a souvenir—it’s the perfect way to savor a piece of your experience after you return home.
Practical Tips and Recommendations
Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Ceylon Tea Trails from Colombo is by hiring a private driver, typically around $100 per day. For a more dramatic arrival, you can also opt for a helicopter transfer directly to the resort.
Packing Tips: The dress code at the resort is laid-back yet elegant. For dinner, a casual dress is ideal, while activewear works well during the day for activities like nature walks or lounging by the pool.
Photo Tips: To capture the best sunrise views, head to the lake for a stunning vantage point. The early morning light over the water provides a breathtaking scene, perfect for photos or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Is Ceylon Tea Trails Worth the Splurge?
The experience at Ceylon Tea Trails is absolutely worth the splurge for those seeking something truly unique. Unlike traditional luxury hotels, this property offers a personalized, relaxed atmosphere that makes it feel like a private retreat.
Despite other guests being present, it often felt like we had the entire bungalow to ourselves, with staff ready to make every aspect of our stay special.
This resort is best suited for couples who want a romantic escape. While solo travelers may find the pace a bit slow and adventure seekers might crave more activity, those wanting peaceful seclusion will feel right at home.
Check rates and book your stay at Ceylon Tea Trails
Tour of the Resort
Before I stay at any hotel, I love seeing a video tour on YouTube. This is one that captures the property well, but isn’t too long of a watch.
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