Situated in Ragala near Nuwara Eliya, the iconic Stafford Bungalow by Nyne Hotels serves as a masterclass in blending ancestral character with a multi-sensory approach to slow travel. What began as a strategic management handover fuelled by the profound personal friendship between Nyne Hotels founder Nayantara Fonseka and the Esufally family has matured into an industry-leading blueprint for experiential luxury.

Reflecting on this partnership, Nayantara Fonseka said "Our collaboration proves that historic legacy can be powerfully elevated by cutting-edge design and deep sensory hospitality. We are inviting travellers to step back in time and emotionally absorb the true essence of Ceylonese tea culture."

Stafford Bungalow is far more than a luxury retreat; it is a living chronicle of Sri Lanka’s economic and cultural evolution. Tucked away on the sprawling, 50-acre Stafford Estate, the residence remains intimately tied to the origin stories of Ceylon tea. Constructed as a private colonial residence in 1884 by pioneering Scottish planters Sir G.H.D. Elphinstone and J. Paterson Snr, every stone, pillar, and landscaped garden path still echoes that early planter lifestyle.

Featuring six ultra-exclusive rooms, within the heritage bungalow and owner’s cottage, Stafford Bungalow provides an idyllic escape from mainstream tourism, while remaining conveniently linked to the regional capital. Just a short drive from the Nuwara Eliya city centre, guests can seamlessly transition from the absolute tranquillity of Ragala to the vibrant colonial charm of "Little England". As Stafford Bungalow sits directly alongside the network, adventurers also can enjoy access to some of the most scenic routes of the Pekoe Trail, as stages 20,21 and 22 are reachable from the estate.

Central to the immersive stay is the property's signature curated tea experience, designed to take guests on an educational and sensory journey through Sri Lanka's finest artisanal yields. Led by a resident tea expert, guests explore the estate and learn the precise technique of plucking "two leaves and a bud" alongside local estate communities. The experience then moves to a private tasting pavilion overlooking the valley. Here, guests systematically sample a diverse array of single-origin brews, learning to distinguish the crisp, citrusy notes of high-grown Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) from delicate, rare silver tips. A dip in the pool and its heated jacuzzi, followed by a selection from the menu personally curated by Fonseka, marks a perfect end to the day.

A stay at Stafford Bungalow remains tethered to the slow rhythms of the estate, and steeped in history. Through its unwavering commitment to community heritage preservation, architectural integrity, and artistic curation, the soul of the bungalow continues to shine brilliantly in the modern era.