Ceylon Tea Trails- Summerville Bungalow

Stunning view, beautiful bunglow, excellent food and great service. Samantha, Nesa and the Chef Sanjeeva took great care of us.

The location of the Summerville Bungalow is stunning. The scenery of the area is magical and I loved doing hikes through the tea trails to the neighboring bungalows. Where there could be improvement is the service and food level. While the house manager and staff are nice, there was a lack of more elevated service that would make this a 5 star experience. For example, it would have been a great introduction to learn more about the history of the plantation and previous owner, as well as an explanation of what activities are on offer at the property (including trail maps, which were never offered until we got lost on one of the trails we had explored). Also, we changed to another CTT bungalow during our stay and the staff were not aware of this change, which really they should have been. They did prearrange a tour to the Dilmah tea factory though which was nice and well done. Also, we found the food to be below average, and at times, even inedible, particularly the western food. We were there over NYE and they had a set course menu with dishes like lamb and tuna tataki, and while we appreciated the effort, the food itself was poorly executed. Our room (we stayed in the owner’s suite) itself was lovely with a large bathroom (although there was a rotten water smell that was coming through the pipes).

We did explore all the other bungalows that are part of the Ceylon Tea Trails and thought
the Summerville Bungalow to be the nicest. The others are dark and not as open in design and the furnishings seem to be weathered and old. We stayed one night at Tienstin, and while the area and garden is lovely, there is no water view of the reservoir and the room we stayed in, by contrast, was definitely past its prime and felt very dated (would give it 3 stars).

Luxury all the way here, not a single thing to complain about
Kasun, Priyadarshana and Samantha took care of our every need and more

Such an amazing experience. Staff look into every single details possible and anticipate everyone’s needs so well. We’ve never had such a dedicated and unique hotel experience before. Food was simply amazing as well. Best pastries and high tea I have had anywhere in the world.

This place is one of the best places I’ve been. We went to Summervill bungalow for our honeymoon. Clement was our butler and he offered us a very good service. We stayed there for 2 nights. On the 2nd day Clement arranged a tour to their tea factory and he arranged lunch at Castlereagh bungalow. We also went on a board ride. Chef Shan made sure we enjoyed every meal. We really enjoyed the food specially the deserts.all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Made us feel homely. I would go to this place again. Calm and peaceful place with a breathtaking view.

Just like your own home with best of the facilities and services. Food here outs outstanding and our Butler Janaka is fantastic. And definitely the views are you die for.

We stayed 1 night in the Dunkeld bungalow and 2 nights in the Summerville bungalow. The view on the lake is amazing, especially early in the morning. The garden is like a fairytale with a mix of nice coloured flowers and plants. The service of the staff is at a high level. Each bungalow has his own staff with chef, 24h butler and houseboys. They will make your stay as nice as possible. No effort is to much! You can visit the tea factory or do kayaking on the lake or a hike in the tea fields, they have a good ‘animation’ team that will arrange everything for the activity’s. And further you can enjoy the food and drinks with piece full view to relax.

The view from the bungalow was amazing. Chef Sohan was very kind and obliging and talented he would cook specific diet dishes from our menu for our toddler.

However, the water supply/techinicalities involved in the water supply could be improved as twice while bathing, water supply was cut. (First time on my toodler and second on myself)

Also many times we could not find staff anywhere and would go to the kitchen to speak to them. And there was no call bell in the living room.

Also butler could improve. I had asked for in-room breakfast it didn't come, then 45mins later someone else knocked on my door and asked me what I wanted for breakfast. Then the butler came and said, "you breakfast was ready i didn't bring it because I thought u will come out. " To which I said that my cappuccino was brought to the room as I had said that I would like it in-room and did mention about the breakfast as well. Then he argued saying I should call him. And for the rest of the 5 days stay, most of the time he didn't ask me what I wanted for dessert or tea when he asked everyone.

In-laws said that the other main bungalow which they have stayed several times had way better staff who were very attentive and exceptional so the next time we will be requesting for the other bungalow.

Put on your bucket list. Superb food, service and accommodation make this the most incredible place to stay.

Great experience, wonderful team. If your looking to relax and unwind from the busy city life and be in the tranqulity of beautiful surroundings then this is the place to book.

A truly stunning estate. The views and the setting are unique and the flora and fauna exquisite. The bungalow has been sympathetically preserved and the Victorian atmosphere tangible. The estate tour is painless and the tea itself delicious. The only problem is the journey from Colombo. 4.5 hours of bone shaking, winding roads. Cinnamon Air is a good option.

Simply superb. Worth every penny. Lovely people, impeccable service. If you can afford it, do not hesitate.

Super! We die kajak. Walking. Tea factory. Swimming. Pool. Hottub. The meals were superb. Everyone helpful. Too bad we had rain.

We passed through this bungalow on our way to Tientsin, and came back for kayaking, but even those two short stays were enough to prove that, like all the other Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows, while each has the same impeccable service and quality, they all have their own unique atmosphere.

Lovely place, friendly staff. They will do their best to make your stay non forgettable. Really you will think you are out of earth

Exzellent, tolles Hotel, super Service: freundlich, zuvorkommend, zurückhaltend, aufmerksam. Das Essen ist a la card, hervorragend, europäisch oder asiatisch. Einfach empfehlenswert.