Goatfell

Style

The perfect brew

Setting

Tea time, all the time

A cool climate, all the tea you can drink and refined British styling: at Goatfell, you could be forgiven for thinking of England… until you look out at the verdant Hill Country surroundings and taste the chef’s delicious rice and curries, that is. This cosy, colonial-era bungalow and tea estate combines historic charm with bundles of contemporary comfort: butler service, snug rooms and thoughtful touches will have you feeling right at home. Beyond the bedrooms, the temples and terraces of Nuwara Eliya, an ancient hill station, await.

Facilities

Rooms

Four rooms.

Checkout

Noon; earliest check-in, 2pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability and a charge: the cost of a full night for check-in before 2pm; 50 per cent of one night for check-out by 6pm; a full night for check-out after 6pm.

More Details

Make yourselves at home: the all-inclusive rates usually include three meals a day, plus tea and coffee, soft drinks and alcohol.

Also

Unfortunately, Goatfell is not wheelchair accessible.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Peaceful grounds; cosy lounge; free WiFi throughout. In rooms: black-out curtains, free bottled water, kettle, tea- and coffee-making kit.

Our Favourite Rooms

Light and airy Ragala stole our heart, thanks to its seclusion, its views of the garden and the estate, and its super-relaxing feel. Cosy Kandapola is also rather lovely, opening directly onto the lawn and infinity swimming pool via a set of French windows.

Poolside

The view-toting alfresco pool surveys the handsome Hill Country. It’s a restful spot to have a cooling dip (literally: it’s unheated) or soak up the sun in the company of a good book.

Packing Tips

Bring warm layers for cool nights and a thirst for tea.

Children

Little Smiths are very welcome. The hotel has two extra beds and two cots (subject to availability); a bed can be added to the Concordia rooms for $36.36 (but an all-inclusive supplement applies). Babysitting can be arranged with 15 days’ notice.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Sit outside if the weather permits; inside, if not.

Dress Code

Think: off-duty tea magnate. We’re talking relaxed and refined linen, cashmere and cologne.

Hotel Restaurant

This home-style stay has a laid-back dining room styled with rich forest-green hues. Simple wooden tables are clustered around the small space, so you might make friends with fellow diners during your stay. Pick from delicious rice and curry combos or relaxed Western options. Don’t miss hoppers (savoury Sri Lankan pancakes) for breakfast.

Hotel Bar

There’s an honesty bar in the lounge; feel free to request drinks in the restaurant, by the pool or in the grounds.

Last Orders

There are no set times for meals; just inform staff of your preferences. Complimentary tea and coffee is served between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

Room Service

Items from the à la carte menu can be enjoyed in-room.

Planes

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is four-and-a-half hours from Nuwara Eliya by car.

Trains

You can catch the train from Colombo to Nanu Oya; it’s an incredibly scenic journey. From the station, it takes about 50 minutes to drive to the hotel.

Automobiles

There’s plenty of onsite parking, but a daily charge applies. The closest town is Nuwara Eliya, a 45-minute drive away.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Culture, adventure and nature await in Sri Lanka’s famous tea country. At the hotel itself, relax in the lounge and go for a stroll in the grounds. Explore the Concordia tea estate, which is basically the hotel’s view-toting backyard; drop by the factory, too. Borrow walking boots and leech socks and go for a ramble around the leafy green surroundings. For a more challenging walk, set aside a day to trek the Horton Plains; Goatfell’s obliging staff can sort out the logistics. Hop on a Hill Country train trip if you can – the route from Nanu Oya to Ella is particularly breathtaking. Don’t miss a trip to the brilliantly odd Gregory’s Lake in Nuwara Eliya, which is as close to a Sri Lankan take on the British seaside as you’ll ever encounter, replete with novelty pedalos, fried-food stands and whinnying horses. The cooler climate here is a real draw for heat-escaping Sri Lankans; you might see winter-weather picnics taking place with blankets and bobble hats galore.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .