This boutique hotel is a stunning old tea planter’s bungalow which is surrounded by the Helboda Tea Plantations, some 45 minutes’ drive from Kandy in Central Sri Lanka. Its hilltop location is sublime- looking past the infinity pool, you can see the mountains covered in tea plantations and the Kotmale reservoir in the distance. The bungalow has been lovingly restored showing off its old world charm with highly polished floors and many fine antiques. It does though have an intimate, cosy feel to it, so feels more like a private home. All the rooms have their own individual character and have open log fires which can be lit on cool nights. There is no AC here (it isn’t necessary as it is higher up in the hills). You can eat wherever you wish – in the hotel’s sumptuous dining room, lounge, terrace or by the pool. It is perfect for those that want to experience something of the old Sri Lankan colonial life. It certainly deserves the TripAdvisor Award of Travellers Choice 2013.