The location of Camellia Hills is exceptional, the dramatic, panoramic vistas some of the most striking and inspirational in all of Sri Lanka. Perched on a tea-flanked hillside near Hatton overlooking Castlereagh Lake, a mirror-still reservoir, it surveys almost the entire valley and surrounding mountains. Tempting though it is to just sink into a chair and stay put, drinking in the island-dotted lake and pea-green field vistas, this is also a place for adventure – you can visit tea factories, temples and colonial sights, trek to waterfalls, scale Adam’s Peak, or simply walk and picnic amidst tea fields.
The hotel itself is a contemporary bungalow built in consideration of how a tea planter might live today. Butlers attend to guests, serving home-cooked meals, drinks and snacks, yet there are no airs and graces. The atmosphere is relaxing and warm, and the intimate nature of the hotel means you’ll often get chatting to other guests, perhaps when sipping G&Ts around the crackling fire. And at the end of the evening, you get to retire to a beautiful bedroom, sleep deeply in a four-poster bed, and awake to those views again. Deeply relaxing.
Highs
- Breathtaking views, even when the clouds descend. Plus, it’s pin-drop peaceful
- We loved the romantic rooms, with their contemporary styling and four-poster beds
- You can walk out across tea fields directly from the hotel, or visit nearby tea factories
- Rates are all-inclusive and meals are a la carte; choose from superb Sri Lankan or European dishes
- Excellent service from kind staff, and a convivial atmosphere in the lounge
Lows
- Be aware that the climate is cool up here and rain is common (classic of the tea country)
- Not an easy place to reach (4-5 hrs from Colombo, 2 hrs from Nuwara Eliya)
- Not cheap but all drinks, food and snacks are included – and you get a lot of it!
- The pool is unheated, so swimming can be chilly, but you can't beat the view
- Remote (18km from shops), and the dirt track leading to the hotel is very bumpy and can be treacherous in heavy rain
Best time to go
For clear skies, dewy mornings and the driest climate, the best months are January to April, though this is also the busiest time of the year. May, June, October and November are often wet. The shoulder season months in-between are good value, but showers can break out at any time thanks to the region’s unique micro-climate. Tea is plucked throughout the year.
Our top tips
Bring a light mac and good walking shoes if you’re keen to explore outdoors, and a cardigan or jumper for the cooler evenings. The hotel is quite remote, so we’d recommend you come for at least 3 nights to be able to settle in, explore and relax.
To avoid the long and winding road (or train track) from Colombo, book a seaplane into Castlereagh Reservoir, just below the hotel: it's a thrilling way to arrive.
To avoid the long and winding road (or train track) from Colombo, book a seaplane into Castlereagh Reservoir, just below the hotel: it's a thrilling way to arrive.