Reaching about 6000 feet (1800 m a.s.l.) in Nuwara Eliya, on the island of Sri Lanka, everything was still green, living and breathing - just wonderful.

As our car entered the drive-way of the Langdale by Amaya Resort (SLH) it was a feeling of: the estate owners are coming home or honoured guests of the owners are arriving. 

For a complete trip report (with more photos and the visit of a tea factory) you are welcome to read my blog as well: http://www.continentaltraveller.blog...lanka-in-style

Check In

As we left our car, we were greeted by the whole staff, at least that’s how it felt. We soaked in the atmosphere, got offered a tea and hot towels.

Room

Let's take a quick look at the room, which was large and clean. But nothing super-special.

Service

The neatly kept gardens had a British vibe about them. Since the indigenous staff was so friendly and seemed happy with their jobs, I never felt like a colonial slave owner - which is always good ;)

There was a feeling of exclusivity all around. We only saw one other couple and there was always staff available for our requests.

Spa

There is not really a big spa, it’s just two massage rooms or so. But the massages we booked were really well done by the super-friendly lady. It was almost out of a movie: the Sri Lankan woman was standing on the porch of the spa cottage in her white uniform and waiting for us - remember that we were basically the only guests - smiling, when we approached. 

The little spa building

Dining

Basically you can only eat in the hotel, since there is not much in the vicinity. Fortunately, the food was quite good and fresh. (see vegetable garden). But except the very good Sri Lankan Curry (quite spicy), there was too much western food for my taste. I didn’t came all the way to eat the food I can get here all the time. 

Tea time snacks and tea or coffee in the salon were included in the room price. The pieces were plenty, but taste was just so-so.

The breakfast was as British as the gardens. The sausages were a nice try (self-made, which is always to commend), but they had something missing, I can’t say what, though. The rest was good, especially the always fresh and warm bread that was handed out. And it was not a buffet, as you would imagine with that few rooms. As I am not fond of buffets so much, this was just to my liking - feels just more luxurious.

The vegetable garden

Location

Nuwara Eliya is all about tea, and so is the hotel: a former tea estate in the middle of tea fields. We loved the climate up here: not too hot, high humidity, but not too high. Depending on the weather conditions, the whole atmosphere of the place could change completely and it was always magical. Usually sunny in the mornings and rainy in the afternoon.

Overall

I definitely recommend the Langdale for a few relaxing days in tea country. I liked the Britishness of the place and I was always expecting Miss Marple to show up and make everyone assemble in the salon to reveal the murderer. The area around Nuwara Eliya is really beautiful and offers mainly nature and relaxation. You could go golfing, visit Horton Plains National Park and visit tea factories (see below). We didn't do much of that and were just happy to stay on the estate, get a massage and relaxed our tired eyes on the soothing green that is everywhere. We also had chats with the owner on arrival and before leaving and she seemed genuinely nice.

More photos on my blog: http://www.continentaltraveller.blog...lanka-in-style