Hotel Categories: Bungalow

Warwick Gardens Lower Ambewela Division, Ambewela This elegant old stone house has all the atmosphere and appearance of a Home Counties country home. Arrive after a breathtaking journey climbing nearly 6,000ft through the hills to a warm welcome from your host at this haven of peace. From the colourful garden, scents of flowers, herbs and spices fill the air, which is delightfully warm and clear after the humidity of the coast. The spacious, lofty rooms show a great lightness of touch. An uncluttered style with comfortable, cosy seating and simple, elegant soft furnishings in neutral tones underlines the feeling of peace and relaxation. There is plenty of room and opportunity to mix with your fellow guests but many private corners to read or have a quiet cup of tea. Before exploring the many attractions round about you may like to browse the extensive library, though you will find your host/manager, Mr Faris, has a bottomless store of information on many subjects. The 5 double bedrooms have all the ‘mod-cons’ you could wish for, with the bonus of a priceless view from each window. A most experienced chef prepares all your meals from wonderfully fresh ingredients; fruit and vegetables from the gardens, milk from the resident Jersey and fresh eggs from the farm. Traditional cuisine is delicious and varied, with optional cookery lessons if you so wish. Long established as a favourite retreat in colonial days, the area was once known as ‘Little England’, there are many interesting walks and outings. Picturesque strolls take you by gushing waterfalls, via the lively sight and sounds of a local village school, to the Botanical Gardens. Binoculars are a must if you are a twitcher, the endemic and visiting birdlife is rich and varied. For more energetic pursuits there is hill walking and the nearby golf course and for the completely foolhardy there is mountain biking! Such a restful ‘out of the way’ spot you may be reluctant to move on. Enquire Now Rooms Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, the property offers five beautifully appointed double rooms designed to provide comfort, relaxation, and a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Suite There are 5 double rooms with modern en suite bathrooms. Rooms are spacious with pleasant neutral decoration, modern comfortable furniture and large beds. There is a generous sitting area with upholstered sofa and chairs, small table and desk. Lighting is gentle from wall lights and lamps. The icing on the cake is relaxing in a fragrant bath whilst glorying in the magnificent mountain view. Suite There are 5 double rooms with modern en suite bathrooms. Rooms are spacious with pleasant neutral decoration, modern comfortable furniture and large beds. There is a generous sitting area with upholstered sofa and chairs, small table and desk. Lighting is gentle from wall lights and lamps. The icing on the cake is relaxing in a fragrant bath whilst glorying in the magnificent mountain view. Dining Chef brings his 17 years experience to work with his friendly and efficient team in creating tasty, home style meals. Manager , Mr Faris, has planned much of the garden to provide the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs needed by the kitchen Hoppers and pittu, thosai and idli areserved with all their traditional spices and curry accompaniments. A selection of fine wines is available, and of course, unlimited classic, single estate Ceylon tea. Things to do & local tips Laze in the gardens or beg a guided tour from the manager to explain the ‘how and ‘why’ and ‘what’, and his interesting plans for the future. Walk through the estate tea bushes, past waterfalls to the Uva basin and Haputale gap Take a bird watching tour – spot the Bulbuls, flycatchers and doves.(borrow the house binoculars) Mountain biking for the adventurous  Afternoon tea in the garden with homemade scones and jam Board games and cards for the evenings Library, sat. tv or piano for some homespun entertainment International golf course nearby in Nuwara Elyia (all equipment available to hire) Invite the local barber to give you a shave and relaxing massage in the garden; instead of a mirror you admire the view.

Thotalagala Plantation Bungalow Thotalagala, Dambatanne Road, Haputale Nestled deep in the heart of Haputale, the home of Ceylon Tea, perched high on a vantage point that lets you just bask in a glorious view of looming mountains undulating into hills, valleys, lakes and streams, is a tastefully restored plantation bungalow. Following the cobbled stoned walk way that meanders past a lovely pond, deeply fringed with ferns and flora, you suddenly find ahead a view of a meticulously maintained lawn, bordered by an infinity pool that melds seamlessly into the cloud fringed view beyond. And to your right, through an old bush of tea rose you find the welcoming visage of a white washed Victorian styled bungalow typical of plantation hey days, beyond which looms the forest that shrouds it from the town and bustle that lies far beyond Enquire Now Rooms Thotalagala offers an intimate and exclusive stay with just seven luxuriously appointed rooms, each featuring an ensuite bathroom and inspired by notable personalities who played a significant role in shaping the history of Haputale. The bungalow houses 7 luxuriously appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms,each named and inspired by key characters that impacted and influenced the history of Haputale. Each has a distinctive character and personality, from the plush, spacious suite with its own sitting area that is inspired by the larger than life persona of Sir Thomas Lipton, to the quiet, meditative room perfect for reflective writers, an ode to the poetic spirit of Rev Walter Snr. At Thotagala what makes the stay extra special is the little details – from the little tray of welcome goodies, the 24 hour room service, to the complementary woody fragranced toiletries, to the little surprises left every night when the beds are turned down. With no detail missed you are at once made to feel very much at home and yet decadently spoilt. The bungalow houses 7 luxuriously appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms,each named and inspired by key characters that impacted and influenced the history of Haputale. Each has a distinctive character and personality, from the plush, spacious suite with its own sitting area that is inspired by the larger than life persona of Sir Thomas Lipton, to the quiet, meditative room perfect for reflective writers, an ode to the poetic spirit of Rev Walter Snr. At Thotagala what makes the stay extra special is the little details – from the little tray of welcome goodies, the 24 hour room service, to the complementary woody fragranced toiletries, to the little surprises left every night when the beds are turned down. With no detail missed you are at once made to feel very much at home and yet decadently spoilt. Dining Food is a celebration at Thotalagala. Fromthe daily breakfast offering continental, à la carte or Full English/Irish options, to the lunch menu that offers options of a sumptuous Sri Lankan Rice and Curry spread to the ala carte menu that offers a choice from pastas, pizzas to sandwiches, to the dinner that gives one the option of opting for either a 3 course set menu or ordering ala carte, one is never short of choices. A special treat not to be missed is the spiced hot chocolate that is just perfect on a cold misty afternoon. Things to do & local tips The locality gives guests plenty to explore. Guided walks in the property itself through a tea plantation, to guided tours local attractions in the vicinity will be expertly organized by the Thotalagala staff. The bungalow that was Sir Thomas Lipton’s home, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge are just some of the attractions to be explored. The little township in the local neighbourhood is also a lovely walk through that gives guests a sense of the colour and culture of the local people. And yet, though there is so much to do, when you do get to Thotalagala, you might rather get comfortable on one of the easy sofas laid out in the garden and just soak up the sun as the view changes from minute to minute to minute, filling you with a calm serenity with just the beauty of it all. The locality gives guests plenty to explore. Guided walks in the property itself through a tea plantation, to guided tours local attractions in the vicinity will be expertly organized by the Thotalagala staff. The bungalow that was Sir Thomas Lipton’s home, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge are just some of the attractions to be explored. The little township in the local neighbourhood is also a lovely walk through that gives guests a sense of the colour and culture of the local people. And yet, though there is so much to do, when you do get to Thotalagala, you might rather get comfortable on one of the easy sofas laid out in the garden and just soak up the sun as the view changes from minute to minute to minute, filling you with a calm serenity with just the beauty of it all.