Goatfell

Set within a historic building, great care has been taken to blend the old with the new, creating the chicest of escapes. There's a main lounge, a lovely place to relax with a G&T at the end of the day or lose yourself in a book. Meals are a delicious affair and included traditional tastes with modern flair (hoppers Benedict, anyone?). But the jewel in the Goatfell crown has to be the pool. Seemingly balanced of the edge of the lawn with breathtaking views, it would be silly to spend your afternoon anywhere else...

Four spacious rooms, all with garden views, private verandas and bathtubs — a combination that feels entirely right in the hills. Three are Concordia Doubles with king-size beds and a mix of hand-sourced antiques and custom contemporary pieces; the fourth is a twin, handy for friends or siblings who'd rather not share. One of the doubles interconnects with another, making it a solid option for families. All come with a heater rather than air conditioning — though at this altitude, you'll be grateful for the former and won't miss the latter.

If you're staying here, we're betting you might be interested in learning a bit about tea - and you've come to the right place. As well as exploring the local fields on foot, Goatfell offers a complimentary tuk-tuk ride out to the Pedro Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya where you can learn more about the production process. There are also plenty of hikes to enjoy in the area, and the old train is always worth a ride. Back at base, there's croquet on the lawn and plenty of board games to get stuck into.