Black Pool Bungalow, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nestled 4 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya town, Black Pool Bungalow offers a homely atmosphere set against the sweeping panorama of the Piduruthalagala Mountain range and Haggala Mountain. Owned by George Steuarts Group of Companies and newly opened in April 2010, the bungalow strikes a balance between the warmth of a private home and the conveniences expected of a modern hill-country retreat.

Nuwara Eliya itself — known as the City of Lights and affectionately called Little England — sits at approximately 6,500 feet above sea level, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 22°C. Situated some 180 kilometres from the hot and humid Colombo, and roughly a five-hour drive from Katunayake International Airport, it opens onto a breathtaking panorama of valleys, meadows, mountains and lush greenery. The old brick Post Office, the country-house-like Hill Club with its hunting pictures and mounted trophies, the 18-hole golf course and the race course all carry strong echoes of the English village the British once tried to recreate here.

Accommodation

The bungalow comprises seven comfortable, warm bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom fitted with hot and cold water, and heaters to take the edge off the cool hill-country nights. Common areas include a dining room, two sitting areas spread across two floors, and an open kitchen capable of accommodating up to 20 guests during meals. A rooftop open terrace and a conference hall that seats up to 30 guests complete the facilities. A dedicated cook is on hand to prepare meals, supported by two additional staff to attend to guests throughout their stay.

Facilities

• Plasma screen TV and cable TV
• Conference hall
• Rooftop terrace
• Barbeque facilities
• Drivers' quarters

Activities and Excursions

The surrounding hill country offers an exceptional range of pursuits. Golf on the Nuwara Eliya 18-hole course — considered one of the best in Asia — is a short 15-minute drive away, as is a visit to a working tea factory. Horse riding at the Nuwara Eliya Turf Club is about 10 minutes from the bungalow, while boating at Lake Gregory is only 5 minutes away. The famous Hakgala Gardens, ideal for a leisurely walk through landscaped grounds, are also 10 minutes distant. A visit to the Sita Amman Hindu temple rounds out the cultural offerings of the area. Hiking through the plateaus, exploring waterfalls and enjoying a mountain barbeque are among the other pleasures that guests frequently seek out during their stay.