Hatton, Sri Lanka
Camellia Hills by Teardrop Hotels
Highland planter bungalow
Hatton, Sri Lanka
Opened
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Teardrop HotelsHighland planter bungalow
Built as a contemporary interpretation of estate life, this five-room bungalow runs like an intimate, fully hosted house party.
What it’s good at
Notable
Sunela Jayawardene designed the modern bungalow with open fireplaces and an ambalama pavilion.
Notable
Working tea estate life above Castlereagh Reservoir includes canoe excursions with local fishermen.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The bungalow has wooden floors, beamed ceilings, open fireplaces, and windows angled toward the lake; the infinity pool looks out over the plantation to the water below.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tea terraces slope down to the waters of Castlereagh Reservoir, with ridgeline walking paths tracing the Pekoe Trail.
The rooms
Four-poster beds stand on timber floors, and private verandas face the reservoir without a television in sight.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 10-metre infinity pool looks out over terraced tea hills, with loungers facing Castlereagh Reservoir below.
At the table
The open-sided dining terrace looks out over the reservoir, serving fresh Sri Lankan and countryside estate dishes.
How it began
The William family bought Dunkeld Estate in 1948, later saving this ridge parcel to build the bungalow in 2017.
Hatton
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.