Nestled amongst a lush expanse of tea and rubber plantations, tea estate turned luxury boutique hotel, Rosyth Estate House, has opened its doors even wider to welcome fellow islanders to its stunning Kegalle residence. Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Colombo, 25 minutes from Pinawella, and an hour from Kandy, the bungalow is well-positioned as an accessible rural retreat, or even part of a larger island tour.
The 1926 colonial plantation villa, now refurbished into the old-meets-contemporary country estate hotel it is today, is the perfect escape for the city weary. The 10-bedroom property -two suites of which are housed in a separate cliff-view Rock Villa approximately 150m from the main bungalow- includes an open sala and classic sitting room, a ‘floating’ dining room overlooking the pool, as well as a spa and yoga pavilion; all overlooking beautiful hilly vistas of unspoilt natural landscape.
The Estate House’s elegant accommodation is complemented by the flexible and personal approach the estate’s staff take to accommodate every guest’s needs, and even tastes. Gastronomical forays set to tickle any epicurean’s fancy, range from dishes of local cuisine to Middle Eastern, South Asian and Italian fare, with vegan options aplenty. Chefs at Rosyth Estate House source most of the menu’s ingredients from the property’s own two-acre organic garden, with the hotel’s butlers always at the ready to pour out endless cups of the neighbouring tea plantation’s finest Orange Pekoe.
Guests can choose to start off their day taking in the warm sunlight filtering onto their yoga mat during a tranquil early morning session with the in-house instructor, or make the most of the unadulterated beauty skirting the property with an enjoyable bike ride or relaxing bird-watching walk. Alternatively, top the morning off with some well-deserved pampering, choosing from a range of rejuvenating treatments and massages from the resort’s in-house Rock Spa. Serious hikers and cyclists can opt for the more challenging trails of the terrain with which to fuel that adrenaline rush.
An educational experience awaits the uninitiated or for those with younger ones in tow, where an informative guided visit to the tea factory or even a casual chat with a rubber tapper, whilst exploring the estate, can bring much fresher perspective to the processes behind many of nature’s offerings too often taken for granted.
The visible absence of plastics and single-use non-recyclables at Rosyth Estate House is clear indication that the hotel takes great responsibility in conserving the biodiversity of its surroundings. The property has proven its commitment to minimising its impact on the environment without falling short on the superior guest experience it offers.
Rosyth Estate House is no stranger to the approving nods of many a foreign visitor, having been featured in noted international publications such as GQ UK, Spears Magazine, The Telegraph, and the Daily Mail, among others. It has also held Trip Advisor’s highest accolade, with a 5-star guest rating for the past four years. However, it is also a firm favourite among both large and small groups of families and friends from the island in search of the perfect staycation. A secluded getaway that serves up the myriad sights, sounds, and tastes of nature, but also comfort with all of the trimmings.
