Ceylon Tea Trails Tientsin

Introduction

Tientsin Bungalow sits in the hills of the Dickoya region in central Sri Lanka at over 4000 feet above sea level, one of five luxurious bungalows in the acclaimed Tea Trails collection. Step into the world of Tientsin and step back in time. This spacious and indulgent bungalow was one of the first to be built in Ceylon tea country and its slightly stern feel still stirs memories of yesteryear. Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came, this very British residence is a historic landmark. Wander the glorious rose terraces to the sound of birdsong. Well-kept gardens still stay true to the efforts of the colonial planters' wives who created a little bit of home in a faraway land.

The Ceylon Tea Trails Experience:

In central Sri Lanka, lies the Golden Valley of Tea. This is home to old Ceylon. Here, five classic colonial bungalows, built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, have been caringly restored by Dilmah Tea with the cooperation of Bogawantalawa Tea Estates. Each bungalow is different: Summerville has the air of a country cottage, Castlereagh has an eclectic style, Tientsin is unashamedly colonial, Norwood is more modern, abounding with 1960's character. Summerville and Castlereagh are situated opposite each other on the shores of the Castlereagh lake. Dunkeld is 30 minutes from Castlereagh, Norwood is at the other end of the valley about 15 minutes away by car and Tientsin is about 30 minutes away in the next valley. Each house comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and between four and six luxurious suites. And when Tea Trails say all-inclusive, they mean it. No properties in Red Dot's extensive portfolio are more consistently praised for their excellence.All five bungalows are listed as Relais & Châteaux properties.

Accommodation

Tientsin bungalow has three types of suites: luxury rooms, garden suites and master suites, all named after former planters in the estate. The six glorious rooms and suites open onto magnificent English gardens. Each suite is faithful to the original design with polished wooden floors, high ceilings and, in some rooms, large four-poster beds.

Facilities

The graceful dining room and lounge, warmed by a blazing log fire, provide old-world relaxation. Other facilities include in-suite dining, outdoor dining, a ‘Tea Spa’ offering an exclusive range of tea-based treatments, a tennis court, swimming pool, and indoor games. Rooms are sold on an all-inclusive basis, including breakfast, lunch, an afternoon cream tea, dinner (inclusive of wine),soft and non-premium alcoholic drinks.

Why We Like It

Take a catamaran trip on the lagoon that runs alongside the property.

Sustainability

Resplendent Ceylon, the hotel group who own all five Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows, are running a variety of sustainability initiatives. In Hatton, Resplendent Ceylon ensure that the infrastructure of their tea estates is set up so that all workers are supported throughout their working life, through initiatives such as retraining ageing workers who are too elderly for manual labour and providing scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Location

Tientsin Bungalow is 45km south of Nuwara Eliya and a drive of around five hours from Colombo, or consider air taxi options. You can also head to the south coast via a daily sea plane service between Hatton and Koggala.