Camellia Hills
Bogawantalawa Valley

Set high on the emerald slopes of Sri Lanka’s western hill country, Camellia Hills is a chic five‑bedroom boutique bungalow overlooking tea plantations and the mirror‑still waters of the Castlereagh Reservoir. Near Dickoya and Hatton, this secluded retreat offers a rare combination of luxury tea‑plantation accommodation, breathtaking vistas and a modern homage to the lifestyle of a traditional planter.

With just five timber‑floored bedrooms - two Lakeview Suites, two Lakeview Bedrooms and a Camellia Bedroom - Camellia Hills is designed for intimacy, privacy and panoramic views of gently undulating valleys. Each suite has a distinct character - the Lakeview Suites feature four‑poster king‑size beds and private garden terraces, the Lakeview Bedrooms offer sweeping views across the lake, while the Camellia Bedroom looks onto forested hills. Bedrooms may be booked individually or together, making this an ideal destination for families or small groups. A welcoming sitting room with a stone fireplace and an open-air dining veranda gaze out over the valley, ensuring that every meal, afternoon tea, sundowner or fireside chat unfolds against a spectacular natural backdrop.

Award‑winning design, attentive butler‑led service and all‑inclusive comfort tie this property to its sister hotels at Teardrop hotels, including Wallawwa, Fort Bazaar, Goatfell, Nine Skies and Kumu Beach, ensuring a seamless standard of curated hospitality. Indeed, The Telegraph rated Camellia Hills 9/10 overall, commending its “highly contemporary interpretation of a traditional tea bungalow” and praising the entire experience as “more private house than hotel”.

An elegant infinity pool and garden relaxation pavilion are tucked into the lawns, overlooking the lake and tea country. Cuisine is seasonal, locally sourced and served in fine‑dining style, with Sri Lankan dishes woven into international flavours, accompanied by teas plucked from the surrounding estate.

The hillside climate, cooler evenings and crisp mountain air, lends itself to all‑day adventures - guests may wander the tea trails, hike through pine forests or take guided walks along the reservoir. A visit to a colonial‑era tea factory shows how Ceylon tea is cultivated and processed. Birdwatchers can delight in frequent sightings of endemic species from the tranquillity of the bungalow grounds. More adventurous guests may choose longer hikes, including Adam’s Peak or scenic treks through the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, and enjoy picnics beside waterfalls or within the estate.

Camellia Hills also stands out for its sustainability and community projects. Through its Eco Warriors programme, local schoolchildren learn about reforestation, conservation and re-skilling, jackfruit trees planted around the estate support local food security, and a Wish Tree initiative contributes seasonal donations to underserved nearby families.

Blending eco-conscious luxury in Sri Lanka’s hill country with timeless design and personal service, Camellia Hills offers a retreat that feels like a private home in the sky, yet delivers all the thoughtfully curated experiences expected of an upscale boutique hotel. Whether you arrive for quiet romance, family harmony or simply to rewind amid rolling tea hills, this is Sri Lanka at its most elegant and uplifting.

Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb