Tientsin Bungalow
Bogawantalawa Valley

Tientsin Bungalow is one of five lovingly restored colonial-era tea planter residences in Sri Lanka’s spectacular Ceylon Tea Region. Together, these historic homes form the award-winning Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Châteaux resort collection.

Set apart from the other properties in the next valley along, Tientsin Bungalow offers a serene and elevated perspective of the region, with sweeping views of the tea-carpeted hills leading towards the UNESCO-listed Horton Plains National Park. Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings were brought to Ceylon, this gracious British planter’s residence sits proudly in the heart of the Bogawantalawa Valley, surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens, flowering rose terraces and emerald-green tea estates.

With its parquet floors, antique fireplaces and warm colonial charm, the bungalow harks back to the days of the British Raj, offering a sense of timeless elegance and understated luxury. The drawing and dining rooms, billiards room and a terrace perfect for high tea or sundowners contribute to its refined yet homely atmosphere. Shaded summerhouses and well-placed garden benches invite guests to pause and take in the scenery.

Tientsin has six beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each with its own character and named after the tea planters who once called this home. Expect four-poster beds, plush armchairs, opulent drapes and polished wooden floors, paired with antique lamps, curated artwork and plenty of natural light from large, wood-panelled windows. All rooms include a bath and walk-in rain shower, with the Meares Luxury Room being the only twin. Four rooms feature private verandas for relaxed morning coffee or quiet evening drinks. The Irvine Stewart Master Suite is especially impressive, with a separate living room and the best panoramic views in the bungalow.

The outdoor swimming pool is perfectly positioned to soak up the valley vistas, and there’s also a private tennis court for those who fancy a match amid the cool highland air. Guests can enjoy lawn games, guided walks through the tea plantations and tours of the nearby tea factories to learn about the legacy of Ceylon tea. Birdwatching, nature walks and scenic hiking trails are also available, as are hands-on cooking classes with the bungalow’s talented chefs. Afternoon cream teas are served in true planter tradition, and each evening guests are treated to a sumptuous four-course dinner, showcasing seasonal Sri Lankan dishes made with fresh, garden-sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines.

Tientsin Bungalow is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends looking to unwind in nature and immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s colonial tea heritage. Its slightly more remote location makes it a tranquil base and an ideal inclusion in a longer Tea Trails journey.

To experience the full charm of the Ceylon Tea Trails, we recommend combining your stay at Tientsin with a visit to the other bungalows - Summerville, Dunkeld, Castlereagh and Norwood. While Summerville, Dunkeld and Castlereagh overlook the Castlereagh Lake, Norwood lies to the south of the valley and Tientsin rests in its own quiet corner of the next valley. Each bungalow is unique in layout, character and setting, yet all feature exceptional service, including a private chef, personal butler and full house staff. As with all Relais & Châteaux properties, the hospitality is impeccable, and we suggest staying a night or two in each bungalow for a truly immersive and luxurious experience of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country.

The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton