Grand Hotel

Set amid tea plantations in central Sri Lanka in a region affectionately dubbed ‘Little England’, The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya is a sprawling property designed for a laidback, luxurious holiday.

The erstwhile residence of Sir Edward Barns, governor of Sri Lanka from 1830 to 1850, the historic property has traversed over a century with grace and impeccable service standards. Along with its airport shuttle service, the hotel has a splendid spa, indoor and outdoor pools. Elegantly-appointed rooms and suites – including three Presidential Suites and four Junior Suites – offer sweeping views of the manicured lawns and award-winning rose gardens. Newer suites at the hotel overlook the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course. The hotel has two specialty restaurants – Grand Indian and Grand Thai – which serve lunch and dinner. Magnolia completes the trilogy of restaurants, offering international cuisines round the clock, from smoked salmon and sushi platters to Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Malaysian Laksa, Srilankan Fish Curry and Pot Baked Watalappam (coconut pudding with jaggery and roasted cashew crumble). Don’t miss out on the High Tea in the early evenings, a well-preserved, beloved ritual at the hotel. Spend time bird watching, fishing or tour the tea estate and strawberry farm within the region. Step out of the property to explore Nuwara Eliya’’s multifaceted charms – the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Seetha Amman Temple and Galway’s Land National Park.