The Lavender House, Pussellawa, Sri Lanka

The Lavender House, Sri Lanka, Ceylon

Nestled in the historic tea plantations of Pussellawa, Ceylon, The Lavender House offers a taste of true colonial style with magnificent views sweeping over the lush green landscape beyond.

With just five elegant suites, this beautifully restored building offers guests the comfort of informal luxury in rooms furnished with traditional pieces, rich textiles and antiques. The rustic interiors of natural tones, beamed ceilings and white furnishings all provide a wonderful calming oasis. Each suite boasts a personalised courtyard and stunning view of the hotel's gardens and hilltop views. There is both the heated pool and billiards room for those wanting to spend a day relaxing along their Sri Lanka journey.

With only five suites, the chefs here are very attentive to the Individual guests, preparing both local and international dishes, which embody the taste of home cooking using local produce and homegrown vegetables. Here you have the choice of dining wherever you like, both in the main house or outdoors in full view of the surrounding tea plantations. The building is complete with its own wine cellar, which offers guests an impressive selection to accompany their meals. It goes without saying that afternoon high tea is a must here! For the culinary minded, guests can prepare their own meal under the guidance of the chef using the unique lava stone oven.

There is much to do in the area, from discovering the history of the tea fields at the local Hellboda tea factory to visiting the local golf course. For the true adventurers, there is the hike to Peacock Hill, one of the most scenic vantage points of Pussellawa. Or just a 20 minute cycle ride away is the pretty Raja Pilhilla, a natural water shower, the perfect picnic spot.

The nearby hill capital of Kandy provides nature lovers with the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens whilst those looking to learn more about Sri Lankan culture can visit the famous Temple of the Tooth.