Steeped in history yet entirely modern, this light, bright and thoroughly beautiful hotel sits high in the Sri Lankan hills offering gorgeous views of Castlereagh Reservoir. With just five bedrooms, it's intimate and relaxing and the service is always second to none (especially when your dedicated butler makes an appearance...). Days are all about taking in the stylish luxury, wandering the beautiful gardens and cooling off in the crystal-clear infinity pool. It's the sort of spot we wish we could teleport you to, pronto.
The hotel itself is built in the style of a plantation bungalow but this is no simple affair. Impeccably decorated, Camellia Hills is all about polished luxury and much effort has been poured into choosing the just-so furnishings and textiles. Your tastebuds will also be well looked after as you tuck into fusion cuisine or order snacks directly to your room (our dream). It's also a perfect property to unwind in with its sprawling gardens and seemingly endless spots to view gaze.
Each room is individually decorated in muted, sophisticated tones — king-size beds, soft linens and a pervasive sense of calm that the hill country seems to demand. Four of the five look out over Castlereagh Reservoir, with the Lakeview Suites and Dickoya Suite adding a bathtub to the equation. The Camellia Bedroom faces the mountain rather than the water and comes with its own veranda, as do the suites — a fine spot for an early morning cup of something hot with the mist still sitting on the hills.
This is tea central so it would be remiss of you not to wander the fields, nibble scones and cucumber sandwiches, and take a factory tour - all absolute musts. You can also take a stroll around the local area, walking out to waterfalls and journeying through the magical Horton Plains National Park. Water babies will enjoy exploring the lake by boat or white water rafting. Rest assured the even if tea isn't your thing, there's still plenty to do.
Strolling straight out of your front door and into a bygone era of tea plantations and sari-clad pluckers - and those incredible vistas.
Weather taken a turn? No problem - cosy up by a fire when the mists roll in, brandy optional.
This is a remote and hard to reach destination but we think that makes it all the more special.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Camellia Hills can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Sri Lanka trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Sri Lanka trips featuring Camellia Hills or get advice and suggestions from one of our Sri Lanka specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Camellia Hills start from around $670, or US$670, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Sample tea in every colour under the sun and stand in the footsteps of Buddha at Adam’s Peak.
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