Heritance Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya ©Solange Hando
This unique Heritance Hotel has it all: quiet hill top above a traditional village, mist drifting around now and then and when it all clears, superb views across rolling hills and lush tea plantations.
It's 9 km from Nuwara Eliya, driving along a fertile valley then up winding country lanes unsuitable for coaches. Taxis and cars are alright and the hotel has its own minibuses.
Welcome to the Tea Factory Hotel ©Solange Hando
Step through the door and you are back in 19th century Ceylon, amid the old girders and ironwork, rickety lift, coal fire and some of the machinery briefly set to work every evening to bring back the atmosphere of yesteryear.
Guest rooms are upstairs around the open galleries looking down on the atrium. Walk up the narrow steps or if you dare, try the old-fashioned lift.
Guest Room at Heritance Hotel, Nuwara Eliya ©Solange Hando
The hotel has 52 rooms, superior and premium, two junior suites and top of the range, the luxury flowerdew suite. Rooms are spacious, colourful and light with large windows and all the amenities you would expect, tea and coffee making facilities, bottled water, free WiFi.
The Tea Factory is an eco-friendly hotel and this is encouraged in every room. No restriction on guests'comfort but a sign in the bathroom lets you know that one minute under the shower uses nine litres of water.
Enjoy the Grounds ©Solange Hando
The Heritance Tea Factory has scenic grounds with a rose garden, lawns and a plantation where you can learn how to pick tea then have it manufactured especially for you on the spot.
Other activities include horse riding, mountain biking, bird watching and eco-trekking or you could head for the gym or the 'Misty Mountain Spa' for a massage or facial based on local organic herbs.
The concierge can arrange excursions and special events, such as a Hindu style wedding or an anniversary blessing in the local temple.
Heritance Tea Factory Restaurant ©Solange Hando
In the old sifting room, the Kenmare restaurant has kept its frame work and tea crates, brightened up by Sri Lankan Lion flags and colours. Guests can choose à la carte or buffet with sumptuous choices for both international and local food, such as banana blossom soup.Tasty food and friendly staff.
Alternatively treat yourself to a special dinner in the old train carriage kept in the grounds. This came from a railway line opened in 1903 for the benefit of the planting community.
Tea Plantations around Heritance Tea Factory ©Solange Hando
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