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Overview
The exterior of this gem from the late British raj remains virtually unaltered since it was built by tea pluckers in the 1930's. Its modular architecture and heavy window frontage stands proudly in the centre of Division 1 of a working tea estate. The central atrium and reception gives way to the original and operational lift shaft.
Tea from the Hethersett factory was the first to fetch the highest price in the world for Silver tip tea from Ceylon. In 1891, Hethersett tea was auctioned in Mincing Lane, London, for £1.10s.6d, over 30 times the current average price of 1s lb pound of tea. This was an exciting achievement for a new tea factory.
The 57 bedrooms fill the corridors around the perimeter, the best views across the hill country being enjoyed from the corner deluxe rooms. The interior has been converted into a comfortable yet unusual hotel with large lounge and dining areas. However the light seeps in, shining on the metal foundations.
The tea Factory is about 30 minutes out of Nuwara Eliya sitting on one of the highest points of the tea country. The misty mountains clear between 10 am and 4pm, unveiling stunning views of the hill country and a haven for bird watchers.
During the day you might wish to enjoy the pleasant walks or 18 hole golf course of Nuwara Eliya town. At Buddhist New Year and Christmas time the town and especially the Race Course are popular venues for local holiday makers and the atmosphere is buzzing.
A large lawn to the front is an ideal spot for 'early' afternoon tea or socialising at the many weddings which choose a venue in the highlands. The nearby Heatherset Estate invites you to pluck your own tea leaves and have them processed in the hotel's tea factory.
A very different experience from the usual tea plantation bungalow and a quiet location for some R&R before indulging in more of Sri lanka's sights.
Rooms
The hotel has 57 double rooms in total, 46 of which are twin rooms. The deluxe corner rooms are offered at a slight supplement as they offer superior views across the hill side.
The rooms have a cosy feel with wall to wall capeting and heavy wooden storage furniture and dressing table. The decor is simple and the beds are fitted with heavy blankets and traditional colonial bedspreads as night time is very cool if not cold at certain times of the year. Each room has a bathroom with a fitted bath and overhead shower unit.
The in-room facilities are in abundance with hairdryer, toiletries, mini bar, piped music, TV and radio and of course a selection of the finest teas. A 24hr room service, laundry facilities and a central safe are also provided for your convenience
Professionals or those needing to reach the outside world beyond these misty mountains, may utilise the meeting rooms or commuication services of the business centre and cyber cafe.
Dining
Most guests opt for half board as the perfect climate makes for excellent day trips to the hillside or Horton Plains.
The main Kenmare restaurant offers Western and Eastern cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner .The buffet menu is most popular and offers a huge variety of dishes. The local fresh produce of vegetables and fruit is outstanding as the climate is perfect for the market gardeners all around. Poultry and meat are recommended dishes as the seafood tends to be less fresh than on the coast. The river fish is rather bland in flavour.
Some may prefer to chose from the a la carte menu and indulge in a more intimate dining experience. 16 guests can board the static railway carriage and enjoy a taste of the Raj aboard the historic TCK6685.
Retire to either of the two bars. The quiet library neighburing the Goatfell Bar is furnished with a pool table and is ideal for after dinner drinks and soft music. The larger Hethersett bar/lounge has an equally 'English feel' with wood panelled walls and bar but has a livelier atmosphere with occasional entertainment of 'traditional' Bingo, live jazz music and board games.
The views from all the lounge and dining areas are wonderful by dayl but vanish by night due to the heavy mist. The interiors are created from the original packing and sifting rooms so the high ceilings allow noise to circulate around the factory engineering parts creating an exciting atmosphere.
Things to do & local tips
- The hotels facilities include a gym, pool table, a small shopping arcade.
- If you would like to visit another tea estate in action, Pedro Estate is very tourist friendly with well run tours and sampling. Pedro has superb views over the Lakes in the valleys.
- There is a spa for a range of therapeutic treatments and a small gymnasium.
- Bicycles are avialable for hire if you have the strength to manage the steep hills. You may cycle down but arrange for a microvan to assist the return leg.
- Nuwara Eliya is a a small town filled with a lively clothing and vegetable market. Many hotels have beautiful gardens and offer superb afternoon tea (without the mist of the Tea Factory hills).
- Nuwara Eliya has a pretty 18 hole golf course which offers more by way of scenery than challenging golf.
- Horton Plains and Worlds End are within 1.5 hours drive, where there are a number of guided walks of varying levels. The best time is morning to catch the views over the island from World's End cliff.
- There is Horse Racing Track at Nuwara Eliya and if you are lucky to catch a race day, you will see many Middle Eastern and Indian owners having a flutter.
- The Bird watching is excellent in the tea country as eagles and hawks circle the estates, seeking out their prey.
- Just 45mins drive to Hakgala Botanical Garden where roses and honeysuckle fill the air with their perfumes.
For further details on things to see and do in the area see our regional review of the Hill country and Nuwara eliys.