Perched dramatically on a hilltop 2000 metres above sea level, Goatfell's setting is astounding. Long views unfold over beautifully manicured tea plantations and ancient forests, while Badulla’s lofty peaks soar in the distance. Once a 1920s house for the managers of the Concordia plantation, this former colonial residence has been transformed into a sumptuous yet homely four-bedroom boutique hotel, kitted out with carefully chosen antiques and beautifully crafted bespoke furniture in keeping with its Art Deco heritage. It's the latest addition from the Teardrop team (of Camellia Hills and Fort Bazaar fame), renowned for their high standards and faultless service, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The large rooms are chic, light and airy, with plush four-poster beds covered in woven local fabrics, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. And there's even butler service.
Step outside onto well-tended lawns fringed by woodland and pretty agapanthus to find the jewel in Goatfell’s crown – a shimmering infinity-edged pool set against a backdrop of cascading mountain views. We spent our days lounging poolside and playing croquet, before venturing out on one of the marked trails for a gentle walk amongst brilliant-green tea plantations. Returning at sunset, we slumped into comfy cushions and sipped G&Ts by the crackling log fire pit, ready for us as if by magic on our return. Dinner was a gorgeous selection of homemade curries incorporating locally grown produce – this area is Sri Lanka's garden, famed for its vegetable plots neatly arranged on terraces. A genuine slice of Hill Country heaven.
Highs
- Rates are all-inclusive and the food is top-notch (some of the best we had on our trip around Sri Lanka) – much of the produce is sourced from the surrounding area
- The view over tea plantations, forests and vegetable terraces is really sublime
- Stunning walking trails straight out from the bungalow; picnics can be arranged too
- Sunset G&Ts around the firepit and dining beneath starry skies were highlights of our stay
- Incredibly helpful and friendly service
Lows
- Fairly isolated and a bit of a schlep down to Nuwara Eliya (15km)
- The pool is not heated so can be a tad fresh
- It can get chilly in the evenings, but we loved the excuse for snuggling up by a roaring log fire
- Not the easiest place to get to (5-6 hours from Colombo) but it's totally worth the effort
Best time to go
The months of December to April are probably the best as temperatures rise to around 28C during the day but cool down at night. June to September are the driest months here, when there’s almost no rain at all. Monsoon season (October to December) is best avoided.
Our top tips
Bring some comfy walking shoes, the superb scenic walking trails around the bungalow through waist-high tea and lichen-covered woodland are not to be missed. There are more unusual bird species to spot as you're at an elevation of 2000m, this will likely be the highest point of your travels around Sri Lanka.
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 4 rooms
- All-inclusive
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry service
Rooms
All the bedrooms are incredibly spacious and private, decorated in soothing natural tones and a stylish mix of hand-sourced antiques and chic contemporary pieces. Woven rugs are splayed across polished dark wood floors and big feature mirrors add to the spacious feel. Each room has its own beautiful ensuite bathroom replete with waffle robes, rain showers and bathtubs.
The three elegant double rooms – Ragala, Kandapola and Summerhill – feature kingsized four-poster beds with high-backed headboards, cosy armchairs and private terraces. We stayed in Kandapola and loved the pretty fireplace decorated with candles and potted plants, and the French windows opening directly onto the lawn and infinity swimming pool. The twin room, Park, where we stayed on our most recent visit, has its own little sitting area and walk-in dressing area, as well as a private sit-out, and can be connected with neighbouring double bedroom Summerhill to make a Family Suite.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Rates are all-inclusive (including alcoholic drinks) and you will be spoilt with fresh, home-cooked meals and all the tea you could possibly want as we were. Breakfast features tropical fruits, buffalo curd and homemade cake, followed by a mouth-watering choice of eggs, pancakes and other specials, including a traditional Tea Planter’s breakfast and bacon and egg fritters. Don’t miss the pumpkin granola parfait or the egg hopper royale with cured salmon, pickled shallots and caper hollandaise.
For lunch, there is a section of light meals – caesar salads, club sandwiches and grilled fish – or you can plump for heartier local vegetable curries. Dinner is an extravaganza beginning with inventive starters such as seafood chowder or prawn and lentil fritters, or duo of beetroot. For main we bypassed the grilled barramundi, tuna steak, or mushroom risotto opting for the rice and curry special featuring black pork and ceylonese chicken, cashew nut and green pea curry and served with a great selection of vegetarian curries and sambol. For pudding, we devoured the most delicious homemade coconut ice-cream.
And if you're still not full, there's afternoon tea on offer every day, as well as complimentary snacks, soft drinks and tipples – best-enjoyed fireside or on the sunny terrace.
Features include:
- All meals included
Activities
- Explore the surrounding forests and tea estates on a self-guided walk along marked trails, with the chance to meet the lovely locals – we were charmed by some friendly young'uns playing cricket. Staff can take you on longer guided walks too. Picnic lunches can be prepared for you to take along
- Visit the Concordia Tea Factory. A tour guide will show you around the factory, explaining how different types and varieties of tea are cultivated and processed
- Catch a train. It’s a wonderful way to take in the Hill Country scenery, and the route from Nanu Oya to Ella is particularly stunning
- Explore Nuwara Eliya. There’s a lake with swan-shaped pedalos, pony rides, a horseracing course and lots of pretty colonial buildings
- This is a place to truly switch off and unwind. Lounge by the pool book in hand, have a game of croquet on the lawn or play board games in the lounge
- Explore waterfalls. There are several in and around Nuwara Eliya and many of them can be hiked to
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Croquet
- Hiking
- Tea plantation tours
- Traditional cultures
- Walking
- Waterfalls
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome and there are some fun activities for them in the area, including swimming in the pool and exploring the grounds, as well as cycling and walking trails for the whole family. The lounge is stocked with board games and DVDs for rainy days.
One child up to the age of 12 can share its parents' room; extra beds can be provided for a fee. Complimentary baby cots are provided subject to availability for kids aged two and under. The restaurant has children’s menus and highchairs.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Summerhill can be connected with its neighbouring twin bedroom, Park, to make a Family Suite. There’s also space for one extra bed for under 15s in all the double rooms (but an all-inclusive supplement applies).
Distances:
- Airport: 5.5 hours' drive
- Hospital: 30-35 minutes' drive (Nuwara Eliya)
- Shops: 15-20 minutes' drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Goatfell is located in the small village of Kandapola, in Sri Lanka's Hill Country. It's 15km from the market town of Nuwara Eliya.
By Air
Colombo Bandaranaike is the closest international airport (174km), but it's a good five- to six-hour drive away. It's also possible to get a private seaplane transfer with Cinnamon Air to Gregory Lake, 35 mins' drive below the hotel.
From the Airport
You can catch a train from Colombo to Nanu Oya, which is approximately 45 minutes from the hotel. It's a wonderfully scenic journey.
If you want to hire a car and driver for your whole holiday, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator; they can collect you at Colombo airport when you land, drive you to the hotel, then drive you to your onward destination(s) after your stay, as well as taking you on all day trips etc.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Colombo Bandaranaike 174.0 km
Other:
- Beach 175.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km