🏡 Oatlands by Jetwing – A Colonial Gem in the Heart of Nuwara Eliya

In March 2025, we packed our bags for another misty escape to Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country. This time, it was just the three of us—my wife, our baby daughter, and me—on a peaceful 5-day, 4-night retreat through Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela, and Hatton.

We’ll be sharing stories from each stay in this mini series, starting with our cozy and tranquil first stop: Oatlands by Jetwing, a charming colonial bungalow nestled right in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.

🚗 From Colombo to the Hills

We hit the road from Colombo around 6:00 AM, aiming to beat the traffic and catch the crisp morning air of the upcountry. After a breakfast stop along the way, we gradually made our way up the winding highland roads—taking it slow and soaking in the views.

One of the highlights en route was a relaxing stop at Mlesna Tea Castle, St. Clair. With a small tea museum, an impressive selection of flavored teas, and a panoramic rooftop view of Devon Falls, it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling this route. (📍 Tip: A few charming guesthouses are nearby for those who’d like to spend a night mid-journey.)

🍛 A Familiar Bite Before Check-In

We reached Nuwara Eliya around 12:30 PM. Hungry and nostalgic, we stopped at Sambole, a local spot we’d enjoyed during a 2023 visit. While the management seemed to have changed, the food was still tasty and affordable. After a quick fried rice lunch, we headed toward our home for the next two nights.

🏡 Welcome to Oatlands by Jetwing

Tucked just a short walk from Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Oatlands by Jetwing felt like stepping into a postcard from colonial Ceylon. This beautifully restored four-room bungalow is ideal for those seeking tranquility without the crowd of larger hotels.

We were the only guests at the bungalow during our stay, and the exclusivity made it feel even more like home. Initially, we expected à la carte meals to be served at the bungalow itself. But to our surprise, both breakfast and dinner were served at Jetwing St. Andrew’s—a pleasant twist, given its reputation for excellent dining.

🌿 Gregory Park & a Beautiful Dinner

After a restful check-in and our packed lunch, we headed to Gregory Park around 5:00 PM. Being a long weekend, it was lively and crowded—great for people-watching and soaking in the cool, festive vibe.

As dusk settled, we freshened up and drove to Jetwing St. Andrew’s (walking was an option too, but the stroller made driving easier). The staff greeted us warmly, reserved a table near the buffet for convenience, and ensured everything was smooth—even with a curious toddler in tow!

We noticed a mix of guests from other Jetwing properties, like Broomfield, also dining there. The buffet was impressive—wide variety, flavorful dishes, and warm hospitality that Jetwing is known for.

🛏️ Inside the Bungalow

The Oatlands bungalow was spacious and cozy. With:

• Four bedrooms
• A lounge full of books and board games
• A dining area and a staff kitchen (which we were kindly allowed to use for preparing baby food)
• A peaceful garden with benches—perfect for evening tea

Though it’s not a 5-star in-room experience, the amenities met all our needs. There was a heater in the room (a must in Nuwara Eliya), clean toiletries, and everything was well-kept. Staff member Jeewantha, who managed the place during our stay, was friendly, helpful, and made our visit seamless.

One thing to note: Wi-Fi connectivity was quite limited—so it’s a great spot to unplug and truly relax.

🌄 The Morning After

The next day started slow and serene. After a bit of a sleep-in, we returned to Jetwing St. Andrew’s for breakfast. The buffet again didn’t disappoint. Post-meal, we headed back to the bungalow, packed up, and set out toward Ambewela, our next stop.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Our two-night stay at Oatlands by Jetwing was a heartwarming start to our highland journey. If you're searching for:

• Colonial charm
• Peace and privacy
• Stellar food through Jetwing hospitality

...then this is a place to add to your travel list.

📍 Next up in the series: Our night in Ambewela. Stay tuned for a storybook stay among dairy farms, pine forests, and breathtaking meadows.