Thotalagala named on World’s 50 Best Discovery list

Thotalagala, a luxury planter’s bungalow in Sri Lanka’s Haputale, has been selected for World’s 50 Best Discovery, the global travel and hospitality platform from the team behind The World’s 50 Best Hotels. 

The recognition places Thotalagala among a carefully curated collection of exceptional hospitality destinations worldwide and marks yet another milestone for Island Life - Sri Lanka. 

Set on a historic estate stretching towards the iconic Lipton’s Seat, Thotalagala offers an intimate all-inclusive experience with just seven individually themed suites, combining colonial heritage with contemporary luxury. 

Guests are invited to discover the culture of Sri Lanka’s tea country through guided plantation walks, award-winning High Tea, heritage-inspired dining, immersive cookery experiences, and exclusive access to one of the island’s most historic estates.  “Thotalagala is the very first property that we started with at Island Life - Sri Lanka, exactly ten years ago. It has been amazing to see our family home now being transformed into one of Sri Lanka’s most VIP addresses, showcasing the island’s tea culture beautifully. To be recognised by 50 Best Discovery is a wonderful acknowledgement that authentic, destination-led hospitality continues to resonate with travellers around the world,” says Amrit Rajaratnam, Managing Director of Island Life - Sri Lanka. 

As one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive boutique hotels, Thotalagala has also been featured in leading international publications including Robb Report India, Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveller, The Telegraph, and Tatler Asia, cementing its reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive heritage stays.