Fancy a spot of tea?

Travel to Sri Lanka with World Journeys & Resplendent Ceylon for a special "Tea, Sea, & Safari" journey.

Sri Lanka has some of the best tea plantations in the world and Dilmah Teas wants to share the beauty of the country with anyone who is interested in tea and/or a bit of luxurious pampering. Consistently ranked as some of the top hotels in Sri Lanka (arguably the world), these unique lodges are the crème de la crème of this underrated country.

Resplendent Ceylon was conceived by the Fernando family, a family of Sri Lanka tea producers best known worldwide as the founders of the Dilmah Ceylon Tea. It is a collection of small luxury resorts scattered throughout the country to offer a unique experience within different regions. Currently, 3 resorts make up the collection: Ceylon Tea Trails located in Hatton, Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala, and Cape Weligama in Weligama. Planning and construction has begun on 2 more lodges, one in the capital Colombo and one in Trincomalee. All currently are members of the Relais & Chateaux hotel brand.

Ceylon Tea Trails

A total of five bungalows comprises this boutique resort; the first tea bungalow resort in the world and found on working tea plantations. The 5 bungalows vary from 4 to 6 rooms & suites for a total of 27 rooms throughout the resort - each one unique and restored from colonial era tea planters' bungalows. Complete with period furnishings, butler service, and gourmet cuisine, it is an authentic glimpse into the past with a modern twist.

At an altitude of 1250 metres in Sri Lanka's Ceylon tea region, it borders the UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands. Renowned for its panoramic views over mountains and lakes, it is also a nature-lover's oasis for trekking and biking against a truly scenic backdrop. If you'd rather relax, then take a moment to indulge in a spa treatment or sunbathe next to the pool.

Found just south of Hatton in the Dickoya and Bogawatalawa region in south-central Sri Lanka, the nearest major town is 20 minutes away. A minimum of 2 night's is required.

Cape Weligama

Twelve tropical acres above the Indian Ocean houses this resort, just 30 minutes east of the historical Galle. Twenty-three villas and 16 suites encapsulate the spirit of the Cape with each villa named after writers and explorers who helped to unveil the incandescent beauty of the region to the world.

A fantastic spot all year round, it is especially good in winter for its beaches, diving, and whale-watching. From December to April the shores of Weligama play host to the migration patterns of the sperm whale and the mammoth blue whale. The family-friendly resort also has 2 pools: The Moon Pool for guests 12 and older and the Cove Pool for families with chirldren under 12. If pools aren't enough, there is also two adjacent public beaches and the Adventure Centre - offering dive courses, private cruises, big game fishing, banana boating and more. As it is 12 acres across a peninsula, the resort does offer electric buggies if walking is a concern.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

"Where The Indian Ocean Meets the Jungle"

Just as the title suggests, head off into the jungle for the safari portion of the journey. Next to the world famous Yala National Park, this luxury tented camp promises spectacular views overlooking a pristine beach and the cerulean blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Mimicking the landscape, the tents blend seamlessly into the environment thanks to the carefully coloured fabrics and rounded "cocoon" tents. The 28 cocoon tents are laid out to form an allusion to a local native, the leopard's paw print. The luxury tents all feature state of the art amenities including air-conditioning, so this is certainly not your typical camping.

The all-inclusive resort is perfect for families. There are 8 Family Cocoon Suites with separate urchins (twin bedding), only about 5 metres away from the Cocoon. Rates include one daily game drive, breakfast, lunch, afternoon cream tea, dinner, beverages (wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks), minibar, and Wi-Fi.

With the game drive, you'll be taken into the Yala National Park with rangers where they will be able to talk to guests about the flora and fauna while on the search for elephants, sloth bears, and leopards. The on site library also serves as an educational centre to learn about the wildlife in the park and watch documentaries with the lodge's expert guides. Be forewarned, September is normally when Yala National Park closes for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure so if this is happening during your stay, you will be taken to an adjacent park for your daily game drive.

Together with World Journeys, we can put together an itinerary for you with all 3 resorts so that you have a taste of each property and truly get to experience the "Tea, Sea, and Safari" of the beautiful Sri Lanka.

All pictures and videos courtesy of Respledent Ceylon.