As the latest season of BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby comes to end, we’ve been looking back at all the best destinations in series five.
This year saw Monica Galetti (who will be on a Good Housekeeping cruise next year) joined by Rob Rinder as they took us behind the scenes of eight of the world’s most incredible hotels.
From a hotel like no other, the Borgo Egnazia in Puglia to the Nusfjord Arctic Resort in Norway and Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, they’ve ventured beyond the lobby into places that the public don’t usually see, giving us all access to what it takes to run these epic hotels, and the heartwarming stories of the people working behind them.
The final episode of the hit BBC show is set to air this Sunday (3 September), and Monica and Rob have saved the best for last with a hotel in Sri Lanka that’s gone straight to the top of our bucket list.
The Ceylon Tea Trails is the epitome of luxury. The first Relais & Chateaux resort in Sri Lanka and home to the world famous Ceylon tea, it’s perched at an altitude of 1,250m.
Made up of five restored historic tea-planters' bungalows, it seamlessly blends old and new, with a relaxed feel that offers guests a real sense of escapism. Some of the suites in the bungalows embrace a charming heritage feel with four-poster beds and free-standing roll top baths.
While others have recently been refurbished with an eclectic style. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes and nearby tea fields, some suites have private pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis, too.
Of course, days at Ceylon Tea Trails are bookmarked with a fresh brew. Mornings begin with a bed tea ritual, when your host will deliver a pot of fresh tea to your room upon waking. Rooms rates include a range of gourmet treats and refreshments throughout the day, and you'll be treated to another tea ritual to end your day after a four-course dinner.
You can also arrange a private tea tasting, a tea-infused dinner or enjoy a private tea planters tiffin lunch with views of the rolling tea fields nearby - it's the perfect opportunity to get an insight into the rich history of the region.
The hotel offers personalised butler service and curated experiences too, should you want to lace up your walking boots on a guided trail, embark on cruise of the lake, or indulge in R&R with luxury spa treatments and an aromatic bath.
It's a family-friendly resort, with plenty of activities for kids and teens, from kayaking and biking to tennis, white water rafting and junior cooking classes.
Ceylon Tea Trails is so extraordinary, that Monica even deemed it her personal highlight of the trip, alongside Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco.
“One [highlight] was the incredible New Year celebration we had in Sri Lanka with all of the staff at the hotel. That was really special,” she said. “Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka really brought culture to the forefront of the hotel which made for a really enriching cultural experience.”
Her final thoughts on series five? “The thing I hope the audience take away from the show is that these hotels we see around the world are so much more than just a building and a nice façade. It’s really easy to forget about all of the people and hard work that goes into creating that experience for you behind the scenes when you travel. I really do believe it’s the people that bring these hotels to life who bring that care and attention for that little extra touch.”
Inspired by the series and keen for an adventure of your own? You can sail Bordeaux and the Medoc wine region with Monica Galetti in April 2024 on a Good Housekeeping Holiday.
Amazing Hotels: Behind The Lobby on airs on Sunday 3 September at 8pm. The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
