Highgrove Estate

The garden was a lovely place to unwind, and the food was fresh and full of flavour. Eating there felt like being welcomed into someone’s home. We stayed one night with family at Highgrove Ishq Labookele, and the views over the endless hills were breathtaking. The rooms were spacious, well kept, and beautifully furnished, with large windows in the cosy living and dining areas. Staff were caring from the moment we arrived and handled all the little details, which made us feel at home. Highgrove Ishq is a hidden gem for families or couples. We left with lovely memories and would like to stay longer next time.

The bungalow’s grounds are beautifully kept, with lovely valley views, and the house felt so homely and was decorated beautifully. We didn’t want to leave. Johnson and his team made sure we were comfortable, and nothing was too much trouble. When we arrived, Christmas lights had been put up, giving the place a festive, welcoming feel. The in-house chefs made some fabulous meals. Johnson also suggested great outings nearby. It was a perfect base for parts of the Pekoe Trail, about half an hour away. Exactly what we wanted on our trip through Sri Lanka’s tea country.

We really enjoyed the food, and there were several dishes we loved. The villa crew brought us everything we asked for, and Johnson and the team made our stay feel exceptional. My family and I had a wonderful time. The rooms were cosy and spacious, and the living area felt welcoming, like home. It’s a good place to disconnect and relax, though it’s far from Nuwara Eliya. There are waterfalls and tea plantation factories to explore nearby. One room is off the main hall, which is shared with the kitchen, so cooking smells often reached it. That room also had no AC. The crew moved the mattress to another room for us, and we were comfortable with that solution.

We spent three nights in this beautiful, secluded bungalow, about half an hour from Nuwara Eliya and close to a couple of tea factories and Ramboda Falls. The weather didn’t cooperate, but Mr. Johnson, the estate manager, and the staff made sure we had a wonderful stay. They were kind and welcoming, and every meal we had there was delicious. We were celebrating my dad’s birthday, and they even got him a cake and decorated the bungalow. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, though the bathrooms could use some minor upgrades. I highly recommend it and hope to return.