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Side view of single storey villa style hotel with lush manicured lawn in front and swimming pool.

Camellia Hills

Kandy and The Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendour of the Castlereagh Valley, in the island’s western hill country. This is the setting for five-bedroom Camellia Hills. Overlooking a mirror-still reservoir that spans five kilometres of a deep valley, this boutique hotel sits on a mountainside amidst and overlooking soft green tea bushes and pine forests.

A contemporary interpretation of a tea planter’s bungalow, the hotel’s bedrooms, living and dining areas are located across a series of levels, and take advantage of the stunning hill country views.

Why we like Camellia Hills

Overlooking Castlereagh Valley and sitting on the edge of tea estates, Camellia Hills is a great choice for couples, friends and families wanting to explore tea factories, climb Adams Peak or walk through the hills of nearby national parks. Camellia Hill’s contemporary design is a welcome breath of fresh air. The inviting open plan sitting room, large wrap around terrace, plus the gardens and infinity pool allow for plenty of space to relax.

Facilities

The three Lakeview Bedrooms and two Camellia Bedrooms all offer panoramic views. There’s a cosy open plan lounge with fireplace, and dining locations available indoors or on an open-sided terrace to take advantage of the valley vistas. In the garden lies a 10-metre infinity swimming pool.

Infinity swimming pool
Large gardens leading onto tea estates
Fully inclusive
Five fan-cooled bedrooms

Families

Families can explore the nearby tea factories and walk the trails used daily by the tea pluckers. We love to walk to the top of the ridge, a one hour hike with views of the lake that are picture perfect. Younger children can play in the gardens and enjoy the cooler hill country weather. Take an early morning walk through the tea estates to see the pickers arriving for work and children going to school before some afternoon walking or a few hours by the pool. Let us organise a game of cricket on the lawn or some time with a tea expert to blend your own brew.

Family Gatherings

£££££

Sitting in the heart of Castlereagh Valley, overlooking the reservoir, Camellia Hills is in the perfect spot for exploring the tea country from Colombo or Kandy. The drive from Colombo is approximately six hours or alternatively take a schedule or private charter flight with Cinnamon Air from Colombo to Castlereagh. Castlereagh is also reached by a scenic train journey from Kandy to Hatton, followed by a short drive.

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Sri Lanka holiday ideas.

Our Sri Lanka experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

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Sri Lanka

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14 days from £6,595pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Sri Lanka

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12 days from £6,995pp

View Holiday Idea

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Sri Lanka

Summer in Sri Lanka

This Sri Lankan holiday idea is ideal for those travelling during the British summer and wanting to experience the culture and wildlife of Sri Lanka, as well as some time to relax on the beach.

12 days from £6,995pp

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Nine Skies £££££

Sri Lanka
Boutique

Nine Skies is a fully refurbished and traditionally stylish, tea bungalow, now a boutique hotel. Found just outside the charming town of Ella, this bungalow showcases colonial-era architecture with modern facilities and personalised service. Far-reaching views over Sri Lanka’s iconic tea-laced valleys make it a peaceful spot to explore this fascinating region.

View Property

Kandy House £££££

Sri Lanka
Boutique

The Kandy House is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel with only nine bedrooms, more akin to staying in a private home. Located just outside Kandy it offers a cool and stylish refuge from the bustling city. There are beautiful gardens set within a six-acre estate, brimming with flowers and hummingbirds, which flit around as you have breakfast. With a pretty swimming pool, wrap around verandas and delicious food it is one of the best original properties in Sri Lanka.

View Property

Ceylon Tea Trails £££££

Sri Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka’s tea estates comprises of five restored colonial-era tea planter residences. The period furnishings, private butler service and gourmet cuisine create an ambience that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury bungalows in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Tea Trails is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views you will find in Sri Lanka. Each of the bungalows can be linked by a short walk or drive between locations around the Castlereagh Reservoir or simply choose to stay in one bungalow and visit some of the others for afternoon tea before returning to your base.

View Property

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