Rosyth Estate House is a luxurious boutique hotel located two hours north of Colombo airport in Sri Lanka. The owners, Farzana and Neil Dobbs, have combined the colonial charm of the original tea planter’s bungalow with contemporary design. The hotel is set within a 62-acre tea and rubber plantation and offers a range of Sri Lankan experiences including early morning yoga, cookery classes, a plantation walk, spa treatments, tea-tasting at their new tea-factory, and locally inspired cuisine.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a driver arranged by Rosyth Estate House who took us to the hotel. While the porters took care of our luggage, we were welcomed with a chilled ginger and cinnamon tea and a massage for our tired feet. The hotel offers a variety of spa treatments and many guests immediately book their first treatment after experiencing the soothing hands of the masseur.
The Tea suite at Rosyth Estate House is a beautifully designed room adorned with Clove plants, pepper creeper, and tea trees. The suite features large windows and doors framed with Jack tree wood, giving it a rich and elegant feel. The room overlooks a dramatic valley filled with mahogany, palm, clove, and tea trees. Oriental rattan runs throughout the suite, adding a textured touch. The suite also includes a gentleman’s valet stand with a drawer for cufflinks, burnt orange blinds for pops of color, and ample storage space. The bathroom features two wash basins and a shower, and outside on the terrace, there is a luxurious deep bath with a view of the valley.
The dining pavilion at Rosyth Estate House serves delicious breakfasts, including Sri Lankan egg hoppers and fresh fruit platters. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy burgers, salads, soups, and wraps. In the evenings, the experienced chefs prepare a repertoire of traditional Sri Lankan favorites, including a variety of curries and sambal. The hotel also offers a flaming food-theater experience of Sri Lankan street food for guests staying three or four nights. The hotel also features a sapphire swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers and a library where guests can relax with a book.
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The location of Rosyth Estate House is ideal for exploring nearby attractions. A short drive leads to Pinnawala, where guests can walk with and feed elephants. Kandy, home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, is only an hour away and offers a cultural and historical experience. The hotel staff can arrange tours and guides for guests to explore these attractions.
One of the highlights of Rosyth Estate House is the Dobbs’ efforts to redesign a small part of Sri Lanka’s troubled tea industry. They have implemented a new method where pluckers pick one leaf and a bud instead of the traditional two leaves and a bud, resulting in a hand-rolled artisan tea. The profits from this high-end tea are shared among the employees. Guests can participate in tea-tasting experiences and learn how to roll and slurp tea, from green tea to medium-quality teas, and finally to a pink-rimmed clear amber liquid with no bitter hints.
A three-night stay at Rosyth Estate House starts at £390 per person, based on two people sharing a Classic Room. The hotel offers a range of room options to suit different budgets and the final verdict is that it is a luxurious base camp for a tour of the island or for a few days of relaxation before heading to the airport.
Overall, Rosyth Estate House offers a unique and charming experience in Sri Lanka. The combination of colonial charm and contemporary design, along with the range of onsite experiences and locally inspired cuisine, make it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and cultural immersion. The Dobbs’ dedication to sustainability and their efforts to improve the tea industry add an extra layer of depth to the experience.
