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Tientsin Bungalow
Bogawantalawa Valley

Tientsin Bungalow is one of the five restored historic tea planter residences in Sri Lanka's Ceylon Tea Region. This collection of bungalows make up the Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka's first Relais & Chateaux resort group. 

Tientsin Bungalow is named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came. It sits further away from the other properties in the next valley along, offering different panoramic views of Ceylon Tea region and looks out over the tea-carpeted mountains that lead towards the World Heritage Horton Plains National Park. This British residence is an historical landmark set in the Bogawantalawa Valley and captures the style of the colonial era in the region, with exquisite parquet floors and open fireplaces it evokes recollections of the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. It has six guest rooms, drawing room and dining room, carefully manicured gardens with rose terrace, summerhouses and a terrace where high tea and a good book can be enjoyed or pre-dinner drinks taken as the sun goes down.

The ambience of the property is serene, and the style is of understated opulence, homey comforts and although it harks back to a bygone era, feels timeless in its old world elegance.

The bungalow has six glorious rooms and suites, all a little different from the last and are named after the tea planters who lived there. The views range from the garden, tea fields, and valley, so whichever room you choose you are sure to have a lovely backdrop to enjoy. All rooms come with bath and walk-in rain shower, and just one of the rooms is a twin room, the Meares Luxury Room. Four of the rooms have private outdoor verandas, including the Irvine Stewart Master Suite, which has a separate living room and the best views in the bungalow. In-room décor is divine with four poster beds, opulent drapes, cosy armchairs and woven rugs on polished wood floors, with antique features such as lamps and artwork for decoration. There is also lots of natural light from the large wood-panelled windows that you can open wide on to the views outside.

The bungalow has a large outdoor swimming pool and lounge chairs overlooking the tea plantations, an idyllic place to relax after a day of exploring the valley, and for more active guests there is a tennis court on the property. Lawn games are also provided. For days out there are guided walks into the tea plantations and factory, nature walks to spot birdlife, and hiking trails. Cooking classes are also available at the property, and cream teas served in the late afternoon, a perfect excuse to sample the local tea leaves. Dinner is a sumptuous affair with a four course menu of Sri Lankan dishes, ingredients sourced from the gardens and all menus paired with wine.

Following a stay at Tientsin Bungalow, one might wish to experience the other Tea Trails Residences to fully explore the different parts of the Ceylon Tea region. The other properties in this collection are Summerville BungalowDunkeld BungalowNorwood Bungalow, and Castlereagh BungalowSummerville, Castlereagh and Dunkeld Bungalows all overlook the Castlereagh lake, while Norwood Bungalow is to the south of the valley, and Tientsin Bungalow is in the next valley along. Each house comes with its own chef, butler, and house staff, with 5 - 6 rooms in each, however every bungalow is unique in it's location, layout and design. The service is first-class as one would expect of a Relais & Chateaux property, and we recommend staying a night or two in each Bungalow.

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Client Testimonials

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
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- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

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