Arrive and transfer. The journey from Colombo airport is just two hours. You will be welcomed by a foot massage and a glass of chilled Rosyth Artisan Ginger Tea; take a short walk to the top of the mountain to take in the amazing views of the valley.
Rosyth Estate house will be your home for the next 7 days with daily yoga, massage and activities that are designed to relax and rejuvenate.
Jet lag relief Massage - Unwind with this holistic massage that delivers swift rejuvenation with a neck shoulder and back massage. 45 min
Short Walk
JetLag Massage
Yoga is great start to each day. Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength. Our yoga pavilion is surrounded by trees to the sound of birds; immersed in nature. Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. The group yoga starts at 07:00 and finish at 07:45. The time can be amended to fit it on other days with your program; it is suitable for all levels but feel free to grab a mat, find a quiet space for you private yoga practice.
After breakfast join the ladies in the mindful practice of plucking tea. As you are with us for long enough, you can join in our full journey and take some home with you so you can continue with sipping tea at home. This contemplative practice of making tea and sipping is a good mindful practice to do at home when you return.
The tea gardens which are spread around our estate. They start early (about 6am) but you will start a bit later. They will teach you the art of plucking; just buds or two leaves and a bud. Just buds - "golden tips" or "silver tips," tea tips are the small, unopened leaves of the tea plant are the sweetest part of the tea leaf. This is a great chance to interact with our local community and also understand the challenges that the ladies have in picking the freshest leaves. You will be unlikely to grab a tea bag again!
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy time reading, bathing in sunshine and relaxing. Around 4pm join the Estate superintendent on an estate walk with other guests.
Guided Rosyth Estate Walk
The Estate Superintendent Subramanium, who has worked on the Estate for over 40 years, can guide you through the Estate and give you an appreciation of rural Sri Lankan life as you wind through paddy fields, jungle, fresh water streams and meet local villagers on the way. If he is not available, one of the hotel or estate team will accompany you on a guided at approximately 4pm. You may be joined by other guests,
Rosyth is a small working estate. Tea is plucked by hand and hand crafted into the artisanal tea factory. Latex is tapped by scoring the tree, then collected and and sold to a local rubber factory. Coconuts, fruits, spices and vegetables are grown on the estate and used at the hotel. You will be amazed by the variety of produce that grows on the estate!
A great end to the day after cooling off - Ayurveda Full Body Massage 60 min
Experience holistic wellbeing through the 5,000-year-old science of Ayurvedic natural healing. Originating from India, this trusted ancient system promotes health and vitality by realising the balance between body, mind and soul. Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic traditions have been practiced for thousands of years and enjoy a thriving place in modern spa wellness, offering radiance that shines from the inside out. Our Ayurveda treatments use Ayurvedic (herbal) oils. The deeply relaxing massage is a whole body or partial body massage involving energy balancing long strokes and warm oil application.
Rosyth Foundation and their Artisanal Tea
Since the devastating fire at the Rosyth Tea factory in April 2022 (not owned by the hotel), they have worked hard to find employment for as many of the workers as they could.
With the assistance and advice from members of the Community of the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA), they are now on their new journey. They have set up the Rosyth Foundation; the foundation will operate a micro artisanal tea factory giving the tea workers 10% of the income from the sales of the teas. The profit will be used to improve the housing and education of the local community. We hope that this will give the tea workers an opportunity to be proud of their endeavours in producing high quality tea.
More about the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association. CATA was started by seven artisanal tea gardens in the Kandy, Ruhunu, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva growing regions to promote the production and sale of unique handcrafted teas from Sri Lanka, increase the incomes of small-scale farmers, tea workers, and rural communities, and preserve and restore the natural environment. Members commit to sharing at least 2.5 percent of the revenues generated by artisanal teas with all of the workers engaged in the process from pluck to export. CATA supports collaboration between artisanal tea producers and makes it easier to share information, address common challenges, and market collectively. They increase the visibility of the community by participating in government meetings and organizing tours, webinars, and other unique tea experiences. Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association is registered as a not-for-profit organization.
Yoga
Plucking Tea
Guided Rosyth Estate Walk
Ayurveda Full Body Massage 60 min
Rosyth Estate Walk
Yoga- Stretching, Balancing and Breathing.
Today you will join the chefs for a hands on Cooking Lesson. After a relaxed breakfast, at approximately 10:30 Start with a tour of the Organic Kitchen Garden. From From the inception the menu was focussed on locally sourced food. In the past ten years we have adapted our menus to include ingredients from our Kitchen Garden to reduce our carbon footprint and bring the freshest ingredients. The chefs and gardeners have come together to create a space that will allow us to protect our produce from the marauding monkeys - a cage for a variety of seasonal salads, herbs an vegetable.
On your return to the kitchen, you will have the opportunity to cook authentic Sri Lankan curries. You may be joined by other guests. The maximum number of guests is eight. The menu has been designed to include ingredients which are available in Europe. Your hands-on cooking class will include a fish or chicken curry and three other vegetable curries and a traditional salad. Sit down for lunch in the dining room in the canopy of the trees with the curries that you have cooked and enjoy your lunch with the rice and poppadum's. You will have the opportunity to take away the recipes to replicate at home. The curries: The main curries are Chicken, Fish or Mushroom. Green bean, Lentil and spinach, aubergine & Gotkola sambal. When you sit for lunch we will serve you red or white rice, popadoms and homemade chutneys. You will have the recipes to take home and we suggest you purchase the spices from a supermarket before you fly home
According to Psychologists, cooking is a form of meditation that can help alleviate stress. In fact it's used as a treatment at a number of health clinics and therapists to help conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and even eating disorders. Meditation, however, is an art. You start with baby steps as you learn how to concentrate on one thing at a time. Then, you learn how to concentrate on a particular thing at a time. And finally, you learn how to concentrate on nothing. Making tea and cooking- almost like a guided meditation (somebody, in this case the cookbook, is guiding you); There are many traditions of mediation and forms of mindfulness practice, but it can be said simply that all of them aim for helping us cope and eventually thrive in our constantly changing world. The simple act of siting quietly and sipping tea;
The tea that you picked the previous day will now be withered and ready to roll. Join our ladies in this mindful act of hand-rolling tea and leaving it with the tea makers to ferment and dry to finish the process. It will be packed and ready to take home.
Late afternoon walk in the rubber fields. The term ‘forest bathing’ shinrin-yoku a term created by the Japanese was not a new concept. Many cultures around the world recognise the benefits. At Rosyth they have 62 acres for you to wander. The practice is simple - walking in the rubber fields and the forest that adjoin our property; on your own or with a guide. The guides will conduct silent walks to allow you to consciously connect with the surroundings. A true immersion in nature is good for our mental health.
End your day with a massage before dinner. Pinda Sweda A type of Ayurvedic massage (60 mins) which is done with warm medicated herbal oils and herb bags. These bags/ boluses are prepared by a combination of herbs depending on the client’s body type as well as health condition. Herbs are tied in linen cloth to make small bags which are then dipped in warm oils and placed on the body. Promotes blood circulation; Improves lymphatic drainage; Soothes nerves, Relaxes muscles; Improves skin texture; Reduces pain, swelling and stiffness; Helps with detox; Release stress; Induces good sleep.
Morning Yoga
Sri Lankan Cooking Experience from Pot to Plate
Hand Rolling Tea
Forest Bathing
Wake up for sunrise on the front Veranda. Our team will offer you a cup of hot water with some lime. One Breath at a time. Zen meditation focuses on posture: open shoulders, upright spine, soft belly, and on the ground (chair or cushion). We follow the breath. One inhalation and one exhalation at a time. Each time a thought arises, we just don't follow the thought and return to the breath.”
Stretching and Balancing with Yoga.
After breakfast make your way by tuk tuk to the nearby Elephant Freedom Project. This experience is a special elephant encounter. This is your chance to get a memorable impression of a day in the life of 2 Sri Lankan captive elephants who are not being used for working nor riding. The small family run Elephant Freedom Project offers refuge, freedom from work and hardship to the 2 elephants both named Kumari. At the project they are free from working in the riding industry and the wood logging. The Elephant Freedom Project aims to give them a good and safe home, which is made possible thanks to your visit! You get a chance to interact by washing and walking with elephants, feeding them and learning about their behaviour. Return in time for a late lunch.
Birding & Ornitherapy Our team will guide you to the best spots in our gardens and our estate to sit and be immersed in nature and birds. We have a list of the birds that you are most likely to see, some of which are migratory and are only with us November - April
Supporting our well-being through birds and nature. Ornitherapy, a practice of Mindful Birding, stimulates a healthier, more creative headspace through mindful observation, while connecting you to the natural world surrounding you. Through simple techniques and exercises of mind + body birding, we can tune in to the birds and natural world around us, supporting our well-being while improving upon our understanding of birds
Zen Meditation
Stretching and Balancing with Yoga.
Elephant Freedom Project
Birding
Another Early start. Walk or take a tuk tuk to the local temple.
Almsgiving also a important Buddhist custom and It is generally known as sanghika-dana, meaning “the alms given to the community of monks.” This ceremony is usually performed on important occasions but as there is a local monastery with hermit monks and a nunnery nearby, We have to make an arrangement in advance to meet them early in the morning.
Alms giving is one of the most common practices among Buddhists. It’s a way to support the monks, who study and practice the Buddha’s teachings, by offering them food. At the same time, we learn to give and to let go. The hotel can arrange food or items of clothing for the monks; dry food for the nuns.
Alternatively you could present some items of clothing. The most important item among these offerings is what is traditionally known as “the eight monastic requisites” (ata-pirikara): the alms-bowl, three robes, belt, razor, water-strainer, and sewing needle. This offering is regarded as especially meritorious. As it is an expensive item and therefore difficult to offer to all the monks, generally one ata-pirikara is offered to the chief monk.
Return to the hotel for yoga and a late breakfast.
An afternoon to relax by the pool or walk on the estate.
Ayurveda Full body scrub using buffalo curd and herbal powders.
Alms Giving at the local Temple
Ayurveda Full body scrub using buffalo curd and herbal powders
Yoga Stretching
Distribute Breakfast at the local school. Since July 2022, the Rosyth Foundation has been doing breakfast for 60 children at the local school on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Simple pulses to give the children a protein boost. We may need to change the date to fit in with the school schedule.
An afternoon of leisure .
Reflexology Foot Massage Ideal for tired and aching feet- a treat for your feet using peppermint oil. Start with a foot cleansing ritual. This massage improves blood circulation. This deeply relaxing treatment releases stiffness and tension in the feet and lower legs. Benefit from improved flexibility, blood circulation and energy flow, as your therapist incorporates the reflexology techniques of acupressure, friction, stretching and effleurage to specific points on the feet which stimulate corresponding organs in the upper body to promote overall wellbeing. 60 min
Yoga
Reflexology Foot Massage
Yoga Stretching
Your last day at Rosyth to relax or do a more energetic hike.
The Rosyth Experience The signature spa ritual takes you on a tropical sensory experience to bring your entire being into a state of bliss. Pure Indulgence. Start with a foot ritual Black tea and lime foot feast. Follow with a 90 minute Rosyth Signature Massage. We’ll then polish your body with a herbal body polish to rehydrate
Yoga
Breakfast at the local school
Today you will be transfered to Gampola station to take the train to Nanu Oya where you will be collected and transfered to AMBA - your home for 7 nights of immersion in the Uva region with fabulous mountain views.
Enjoy home-made organic food, fresh mountain-air and breath-taking views, while swimming in waterfalls, hiking Ella Rock and exploring hidden caves. Learn all about organic farming and indigenous flora and fauna.
AMBA Estate Mission- To maximize local incomes and protect the environment, through development and marketing of authentic tourism experiences and high-value natural products. Founded by 4 friends, who all work in economic and social development around the world. They wanted to create their own model enterprise – use tourism to bring the money in, but then ensure that 100% is spent within the local community
They all lived and worked in Sri Lanka – wanted a location where other economic opportunities were limited, but with great tourism potential so they Chose a remote spot in Uva above the Ravana Ella falls:
Sunrise walk up Eagle Rock: only 20-30 minutes to the top, the last hill before the plains, with views 50km south towards the sea; lovely at any time of day, but best early in the morning before it gets too hot and hazy, and brilliant at sunrise if you can get up at 5.30am!
Birdlife & Wildlife
The valley is full of wildlife and birdlife. They commonly see kingfishers, hornbills, humming birds, peacocks, parakeets, woodpeckers, as well as birds of prey and the Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka’s national bird. On hikes up the mountain or down into the forest below, you are more than likely to see monkeys, deer, rabbits and mongooses, as well as occasional sightings of wild boars, porcupines, civet cats and other nocturnal creatures (including one unconfirmed leopard!)
7 or7.30am: Before breakfast, learn to pluck tea with the ladies for about an hour or as long as you want. We want to focus on the zen / meditation aspect of this. The award winning teas are available to purchase from Claridge’s and Fortnum & Mason in London, to Harney’s and Meadowood in the US, to Noma in Copenhagen.
Factory & River-Pool Loop: 1-hour loop; great way to see tea-fields and the views over the Ella Gap, Mini Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, the top of the Ravana Ella waterfalls, and the 100-year-old tea factory on top of the falls; and finish with a refreshing swim in the river. or Tea Ridge Walk: a subset of the Factory & River-Pool Loop, if you are not feeling so mobile or energetic; see tea-fields and the views over the Ella Gap, Mini Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock.
Pluck tea with the ladies
Factory & River-Pool Loop or
River Pool Path: a direct 15-minute path to our natural pools in the river (a subset of the Factory & River-Pool Loop); very popular with families with kids who want to spend lots of time at the river.
Try your hand at making your own artisanal products at the estate which supplies teas, coffee, spices and preserves to some of the world’s most famous fine-food establishments – from Claridge’s and Fortnum & Mason in London, to Harney’s and Meadowood in the US, to Noma in Copenhagen. Experience real rural life with visits to villagers’ homes to learn about traditional recipes and handicrafts.
AMBA has been curating artisanal teas for years so you will be able to perfect your skils while you are at AMBA.
Ella Rock: 3-4 hour hike, strenuous, but beautiful views; either walk over the rock to Ella town, grab a cool drink or snack and then take a tuktuk back; or walk up with a picnic and then follow the same path back to Amba (this side is much quieter and the paths are less eroded). If you want to enjoy the views from Ella Rock, but don’t fancy the 3-4 hour walk, you can also hire a village tuktuk to the monastery near the top, and then it’s a 2km stroll along the top to the viewpoint. Enterprising villagers have also set up stands selling juices, teas and snacks at the viewpoint.
You will be ready for your dip in the natural pool.
Ella Rock - Strenuous Hike
Waterfall Pools: neighbours have built a path which provides access to spectacular pools below the 2nd waterfall; the Forest Department has recently closed the pools, due to too much social media and some accidents with tourists trying to climb to the pools without using the path; but check with the team in case the path has been re-opened; all walks to the waterfall pools must be escorted.
A half-day “farm and forest” experience - plant your own tree, meet the farm cows, learn all about our organic farming, and then hike through the forest to learn more about AMBA’s wildlife and forest-grown crops.
River Pool Path: a direct 15-minute path to their natural pools in the river (a subset of the Factory & River-Pool Loop); very popular with families with kids who want to spend lots of time at the river.
A half-day “village-life” experience – walk through the village to see the village school and temple and stop by a couple of village houses to learn more about village recipes and handicrafts.
Today you will be transfered to Jetwing Lagoon for your last night before your flight home the next day. You may want to stop in Galle on the way or extend your trip.
Departure.
