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Thotalagala

Hillside tea-planter’s bungalow turned boutique hotel Thotalagala is a colonial-style, seven-room stay, decorated with original 19th-century furnishings and odes to the heritage of Sri Lankan Hill Country. Take alfresco breakfasts on the emerald-green lawn and look out over rolling tea plantations as you nibble baked goods and sip locally grown tea; in the evenings, dine in old-world splendour at the long antique dining table. Spend your days exploring the grounds, climbing up to nearby Lipton’s Seat, or simply lounging on the cream-coloured sofas in-between tea times.

Thotalagala is set on a private estate within a working tea plantation in the foothills of Sri Lanka’s tea country, with mountains to the north and the coast to the south.

Room Types

Junior Suite

Each of the Junior Suites is uniquely designed. Named after the man that established the Popham Arboretum, the Sam Popham suite is appropriately foliage-themed with olive green highlights, flowery details and classic prints of a variety of flora on the white walls. The John Duncan suite is decorated in rich red tones and warm golds with dark-wood furnishings throughout. Duncan was responsible for extending Sri Lanka’s railways into the Uva region, thus there are black and white images of the railway in British Colonial Ceylon on the walls. Decorated in warm tones of deep red and cream with ornately-carved, dark-wood furnishings, elegant cut-work decanters and twinkling chandeliers, the George Pilkington suite is named after the founder of the famous Pilkington glass manufacturers. Each has an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, Spa Ceylon bath products, plus a ceiling fan, free WiFi, free bottled water and a safe.

from £1236

Suite

Each Suite is individually designed. Decorated in a warm cream colours and sophisticated blues, the Sir Thomas Lipton Suite pays tribute to the luxury of the British Colonial era in which the famous tea merchant lived. The bedroom has an ornately-carved four-poster bed and leads into a living area and a secluded porch overlooking a hotel’s garden. A room for foliage-fans, the James Taylor Suite is elegantly decorated in warm yellow and cream colours, and has floral features throughout. Named after the ‘Bard of Lanka’, Reverend Walter Senior, this suite has a living room with a fireplace and a small, yet well stocked library. The light-filled bedroom has a king-size four-poster bed draped in pristine white linen. A stay in the spacious Major Rogers Suite not only benefits you, but also Sri Lankan elephants – part of your payment goes to the Environmental Foundation Limited which helps protect these endangered animals. This suite has a king-size bed and a seating area centred around a fireplace. These suites have an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower and a freestanding bath tub; plus Spa Ceylon bath products, a ceiling fan, free WiFi, free bottled water and a safe. Three of the suites have a sofa bed, which can sleep one child aged eight to 11 for US$60 a night.

from £1412

Location

Dambatenne Road, Haputale

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The Nemo Promise

We are on a mission to simplify bespoke travel planning. This starts by handpicking boutique hotels that have wonderful design, character and ethical practices at their core. Each and every traveller is important, that’s why we have a dedicated team ready to help 24/7. If you want anything extra arranged, from a hire car on arrival to a bespoke experience away from the crowds, all you need to do is ask. For every hotel booked, we will plant a tree in your name and 1% of our revenues are donated to our inspiring charity partner, Hello World..

Covid Policy

As a highly personalised and service-driven company, we are keen to support all of our clients in helping you to make the best possible decision and to be able to travel with confidence in this ever-changing climate. We’ll work with you to ensure that you are fully comfortable with every element of your trip from the moment you visit our website, right up until you get back home. Your health and safety is of the upmost importance, and we ensure all of our hotels are vetted under the latest regulations and are under constant review.

Cancellation Policy

We charge a non-refundable deposit and you can change your travel dates for free up to one week before your trip, which is when your balance is due. Our post-booking services are industry leading and your deposit is to ensure we can offer you the support you deserve, every step of the way. Expect 24/7 access to our team of Travel Experts, a slick concierge app, and VIP treatment on arrival.

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