In the heart of Sri Lanka’s enchanting tea country, nestled amidst the emerald hills and surrounded by some of the world’s finest tea estates, lies Thotalagala – a hidden gem hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive addresses.
This year, Thotalagala received the prestigious accolade of Best High Tea in Sri Lanka at the recently-held Culinary Art Food Expo, a celebration of global cuisine held in Colombo and hosted by Chef’s Guild of Lanka.
Thotalagala’s charm extends far beyond its exceptional high tea experience. Located on the breath-taking Pitaratmalie estate, this captivating property shares its borders with the legendary Dambatenne estate, steeped in history as one of the few estates in the world where Sir Thomas Lipton, the visionary behind Lipton tea, personally planted tea. It was here that the term Ceylon Tea was coined, and the inaugural pound of Lipton tea was sold from the very factory that still stands proudly today.
Immersed in this rich heritage, Thotalagala boasts seven exquisite vintage-themed rooms adorned with opulent antique furniture and nostalgic artwork, each a testament to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, guests are spoiled with lavish amenities, including one of the country’s finest infinity swimming pools and a heritage, teak-panelled cigar room offering after-dinner cognac – a haven of refined indulgence.
Yet, Thotalagala’s allure extends beyond its opulent confines. The property offers guests the rare opportunity to partake in immersive experiences amidst the nearby tea gardens. Guided tours unveil the secrets of tea cultivation, plucking sessions invite guests to connect with the land, and tea tastings, guided by seasoned experts, allow for an exploration of the depth and complexity of Sri Lankan tea. It is through these experiences that Thotalagala showcases the intrinsic beauty and significance of tea within Sri Lankan culture.
Amrit Rajaratnam, the visionary owner of Thotalagala, holds an unwavering commitment to elevating Sri Lankan tea culture to a global luxury stage. With a vision to promote the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Ceylon tea, future plans include collaborations with renowned international tea connoisseurs, the organisation of exclusive tea events and workshops, and the curation of unique tea-tasting experiences for discerning tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Thotalagala stands as a testament to the harmony between luxury, heritage, and the art of tea. It is an invitation to embark on a sensory journey, where the captivating flavours of Ceylon tea intertwine with the timeless elegance of vintage aesthetics. Thotalagala beckons discerning travellers to immerse themselves in a world where tea becomes more than just a beverage – it becomes an exquisite indulgence in the lap of luxury. The Daily Morning Brunch had a chat with Amrit on this achievement and learned more about the property as well.
How do you feel about this honourable achievement?
High tea is a key experience at luxury properties across the island. I am thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the gold medal for the Best High Tea in Sri Lanka at the Dilmah Afternoon Tea event at the Culinary Art Food Expo 2023 for this recognition as we strive to put Sri Lankan tea culture on the global luxury map.
How did Thotalagala prepare for the Culinary Art Food Expo 2023 and what made your high tea stand out among the competitors?
Thotalagala took meticulous care in preparing for the Culinary Art Food Expo 2023. We showcased the essence of Sri Lankan tea culture through our high tea experience. What made our high tea stand out among the competitors was our unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. We carefully selected the finest Ceylon teas from the neighbouring tea estates, ensuring that our guests experienced the true flavours and aromas of Sri Lankan tea. Additionally, our attention to detail in the presentation, the exquisite tea blends we created, and the combination of delectable treats and savouries contributed to our high tea’s distinction.
Could you share some details about the vintage-themed rooms and the inspiration behind their design?
Our vintage themed rooms at Thotalagala are designed to transport guests to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Each room is adorned with gorgeous antique furniture and nostalgic artwork, capturing the essence of colonial-era aesthetics. The inspiration behind their design is to provide our guests with a unique and immersive experience, reminiscent of the rich history and heritage of Sri Lanka’s tea country. From the intricate woodwork to the vintage décor elements, every aspect of the rooms has been carefully curated to create a sense of timeless luxury and comfort.
What sets Thotalagala apart from other luxury properties in Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of the tea-related experiences you offer?
What sets Thotalagala apart from other luxury properties in Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of tea-related experiences, is our exclusive location amidst some of Sri Lanka’s best tea estates. The proximity to renowned estates like Dambatenne, where Sir Thomas Lipton himself planted tea, allows us to offer our guests unparalleled access to the origins of Ceylon tea. We provide immersive experiences in the nearby tea gardens, including guided tours, tea plucking sessions, and tea tasting sessions conducted by tea experts. These experiences provide a deep understanding of the tea-making process and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and significance of tea in Sri Lankan culture.
As the owner of Thotalagala, how do you envision promoting Sri Lankan tea culture on the global luxury map, and what future plans do you have in that regard?
As the owner of Thotalagala, I am deeply committed to promoting Sri Lankan tea culture on the global luxury map. We aim to showcase the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Ceylon tea to a discerning global audience. In the future, we plan to collaborate with international tea connoisseurs, organise exclusive tea events and workshops, and curate unique tea-tasting experiences for our guests. By emphasising the heritage and authenticity of Ceylon tea, we hope to elevate Sri Lankan tea culture to new heights, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of this exquisite beverage worldwide.