Goatfell
Nuwara Eliya

Set high on the emerald slopes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Goatfell is a luxury tea bungalow on the historic Concordia Estate, just outside Nuwara Eliya. With just four elegant bedrooms, manicured gardens and sweeping views of mist-draped valleys, this boutique hill country retreat channels the spirit of a bygone era, where steaming tea, crackling fires and starched linens were all part of daily life.

Originally the residence of a British estate manager, the bungalow has been beautifully restored by the Teardrop Hotels group into a refined but relaxed hideaway. Expect log-burning fireplaces, four-poster beds and butler service that treads the perfect line between formality and charm. Each of the four Concordia Bedrooms is named after a section of the estate (Kandapola, Ragala, Summerhill and the twin-bedded Concordia), and all come with garden views, stylish en-suites and comforting touches like hot water bottles and plush rugs for those cooler highland evenings.

Dining at Goatfell is a highlight. Days begin with hearty hill country breakfasts, followed by Planter’s Lunches served on the lawn, traditional afternoon tea with warm scones and Ceylon leaf, and elegant à la carte dinners. The kitchen places a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with menus that echo the region. For a moment of stillness, sundown G&Ts by the heated infinity pool, with its spectacular vantage point over the hills, are nothing short of heavenly.

Goatfell is perfectly placed for exploring the best of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Stroll through the surrounding tea gardens or visit nearby Finlay’s Tea Factory for a first-hand glimpse into the country’s most iconic export. For more adventurous guests, head out to Horton Plains and hike to the dramatic escarpment of World’s End, or tackle Tothupola Kanda, Sri Lanka’s third-highest peak. With Nanu Oya train station just 20km away and Nuwara Eliya within easy reach, it’s an ideal base for any Hill Country itinerary.

This intimate property is part of Teardrop Hotels’ portfolio of beautifully converted heritage residences, including Fort Bazaar in Galle, Wallawwa near Colombo and Kumu Beach on the west coast. True to the group’s ethos, Goatfell delivers thoughtful luxury wrapped in local character, a soulful sanctuary where you can step back in time without ever compromising on comfort.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson