The hype
A magical, misty escape with exceptional staff who treat you like royalty, though the building shows some charming (and occasionally frustrating) signs of age.
The Lavender House by Reveal
$300-580/ night
Book this if You want a Downton Abbey-style tea planter existence in the misty hills, far from the chaos of Kandy city.
Why People Love It
- The heated outdoor pool (a rare luxury in the cool hill country)
- Personalized butler service that feels genuine, not stiff
- The 'Chef's Table' dining flexibility—guests say he can make anything
Quick Take: It's marketed as Kandy, but it's actually a secluded hour-long drive away in Pussellawa—come here to disconnect, not to sightsee.
Reviewed by @mirkofreshner: I stayed at this incredible colonial bungalow in Kandy and it was straight out of a movie. The gardens are lush and the pool is dead center of the estate. Just a heads up: the trees are huge and very solid, as my drone found out the hard way!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are isolated here. There are no shops or restaurants within walking distance; you will be eating all meals on-site.
- You crave silence and misty mountain views
- You enjoy 'slow travel'—reading by the fire, croquet on the lawn
- You want a heated pool in the Sri Lankan highlands
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.8
- Housekeeping: Immaculate daily service; guests frequently describe the property as 'spotless'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Pristine. No reports of mold or grime, which is impressive for a humid hill location.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though the historic nature means occasional creaky floors or plumbing quirks (hot water consistency).
- Linens & towels: High-quality, plush, and fresh.
- Odors & scents: Fresh mountain air and the scent of tea/flowers; no mustiness reported.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Morning bird calls
- Creaky wooden floorboards (historic bungalow charm)
Before you book
Good to know
- This is a 'Planter's Bungalow' experience—think 5 rooms, communal living spaces, and personalized attention.
- Driver accommodation is available but should be requested in advance.
- Alcohol license status varies—check before arrival or bring your own wine (corkage may apply).
What to pack
- Warm layers/fleece (it gets chilly at night, unlike the coast)
- Motion sickness bands for the winding drive up
- Books or Kindle (no nightlife here)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lavender Suite (382 sq ft, best mountain/tea views, most spacious)
- Violet Room (360 sq ft, large windows with serene greenery views)
Rooms to avoid
- Lilac Room (smallest at ~300 sq ft, though still charming)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request the Lavender Suite or Violet Room for the best tea plantation views. If possible, please ensure the hot water system is checked prior to our arrival as we plan to use the bath.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this hotel actually in Kandy?
No. It is in Pussellawa, about 1 hour (40km) south of Kandy city center. It's closer to the Nuwara Eliya 'tea country' vibe.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, and this is a major perk. Most pools in this region are freezing; this one is heated and usable year-round.
Can I visit the tea factory?
Yes, the hotel organizes guided walks through the tea bushes and visits to nearby factories like Glenloch.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, rooms have AC, though you often won't need it due to the cool mountain air.
How is the food?
Consistently rated as exceptional. It's not a buffet; the chef discusses preferences with you and cooks to order.
Is the road really that bad?
The final stretch is a plantation track—bumpy and narrow. A tuk-tuk or van handles it fine; a low sports car would not.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for 'High Tea' to be served on the lawn—it's a quintessential experience here.
- ✨
The 'Peacock Hill' hike nearby offers some of the best panoramic views in the district and is less crowded than other spots.
- ✨
Request a 'Hot Stone' dining experience for dinner—it's a unique interactive meal offered by the chef.
5 things to know before you go
💡The mist rolls in fast—your sunny pool afternoon can turn into a moody fog scene in 10 minutes.
💡There are leeches in the tea bushes if you go walking after rain (wear long socks).
💡The 'billiards room' is genuinely historic and atmospheric, not just a table in a corner.
💡You might hear prayers from nearby temples echoing through the valley in the early morning.
💡The bathtub filling time can be slow due to water pressure—start filling it 20 minutes before you want to get in.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Lavender House by Reveal is located and what's nearby.