Camellia Hills, Dickoya, Hatton

Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendor of the Castlereagh Valley in the island’s western hill country, and this just happens to be the setting for five-bedroom Camellia Hills, a perfectly located tea bungalow hotel in Castlereagh. Overlooking a mirror-still reservoir that spans five kilometers of a deep valley, this luxurious hotel sits on a mountainside overlooking emerald tea bushes and pine forests. A contemporary interpretation of a tea planter’s bungalow, the bedrooms, living and dining areas are all located across a series of levels designed to flaunt the stunning hill country views.

The three Lakeview Bedrooms and two Camellia Bedrooms are blessed with panoramic views. There’s a cozy open plan lounge with a fireplace, and guests can dine indoors or on an open-sided terrace to take advantage of the valley vistas. In the garden lies a 10-metre infinity swimming pool and a relaxation pavilion (ambalama) for absorbing the scene.

A team of butlers attend to guests and the hotel promises the same high levels of service and comfort as at sister hotels The Wallawwa, Fort Bazaar, Goatfell, Lunuganga, Kumu Beach and Nine Skies.
The climate in the hills is warm during the day yet fresher and cooler at night, and ideal for long walks. Scenic hikes through tea bushes and forests are a highlight of a stay.