Overview
As the first light of dawn streaks through, rolling back gently the swathes of mist covering the green clad mountains of Hatton, glistening atop one of them is what seems to be a Scottish castle. And as the warmth of the sun paints skies of brilliant sapphire and hills of sparkling emerald, glimpses of the Scottish Castle, Argyle by name, proudly presents its treasures. Immaculately manicured lawns laced with brightly colored blooms dancing to the gentle breeze. The grey stone exterior enclosing a cleverly terraced domain with brilliant 360 views of the magnificent vistas beyond. A highland haven, just a short 3-hour journey from the heart of Colombo. One of its kind in this region of Hatton.
The Argyle draws its inspiration from the name of a renowned Scottish Tea Planter who in the bygone centuries settled in the locality, known as Kuda-Oya, and helped build its proud Heritage of producing world class Ceylon Tea. It is his spirit and passion for perfection and finesse, that developed the region into a producer of some of the finest Ceylon Tea, that inspires and pervades the luxurious hospitality and comfort that is distinctive of this Highland Haven.
From the luxuriously appointed rooms that are all privy to the spellbinding landscapes painted afresh every moment, to the gloriously heated pool, to the consideration for the comfort of disabled guests, to the mouth-watering gastronomic adventure at Queen Mary’s dining room, to excursions carefully curated to give guests the best of this islands best kept secrets, a stay at the Argyle offers a magical interlude from the humdrum of life.
Rooms
Do not be deceived by the austere visage of a typical Scottish Castle. Cloistered within the Argyle are mini sanctuaries that are complete with all the comforts and conveniences quintessential to the cosmopolitan definition of luxury. The rooms, drawing inspiration from vivid personalities of Scottish history, come with air-conditioning and heating, in-room dining facilities, rain showers and quality bath amenities, LED screens and cable Tv, and complementary tea and coffee making facilities. But then each room type offers its distinctive blend of hospitality
Named after a Scottish National Hero, Sir William Wallace, whose story inspired the beloved film Braveheart, the 327sq.ft Wallace rooms with their Queen Sized beds are located in the lower terrace of the property. The cozy abodes open up to their very own private gardenthat are perfect to sit and drink in the scenic beauty of Hatton.
The 5 Stewart rooms named after the courageous 6th High Steward of Scotland Walter Stewart are located on the upper terrace. These spacious 422 sq.ft rooms with their King Sized beds, private balconies, and design that provides easy access for the differently-abled, are ideal for small families.
The Twenty-four elegant Bruce rooms, named after the famed warrior King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, are 378sq,ft and come with queen size beds. The balconies of the dozen rooms on the upper level provide an unparalleled view of Adam’s Peak. The lower dozen boast the distinct advantage of opening out into a large private garden and heated swimming pool. Facilities are available in some for interconnecting rooms, as is the easy access for the differently-abled.
The Campbell Suite, surrounded by floor to ceiling windows presenting a 270 degree view, this epitome of romance is inspired by theArchibald Campbell, the 9 th Earl of Argyll and hereditary chief of Clan Campbell. The 645sq ft of this virtual mini kingdom comes with a king sized bed and the best views in the house.
Dining
As dynamic as the beloved Mary, Queen of the Scots, the restaurant named after her, will tempt and seduce the most exacting food critics. Blending and fusing local spices and dishes with international favorites and delicacies, the restaurant is open for dining all day long. With produce culled fresh from the locality, guests have a choice of enjoying a tailor-made set menu or discovering the gastronomic adventures in the ala carte menu.
Things to do & local tips
Be it lazing in the heated pool, sipping a signature cocktail whilst watching the mists languorously move over the mountains, or enjoying a long, decadent afternoon in the in-house spa, or enjoying a shisha in the shisha lounge or a spot of Karaoke at Nessie’s bar, plenty are the options to keep you riveted to Argyle.
But for those who want to adventure forth and experience the local wonders, there are many day excursions to choose from. Depending on your hearts gander, choose an itinerary that will help you discover some of the local treasures. There is the gloriously cascading St.Clair Falls or the Anglican Holy Trinity Church that dates back to 1852. The famed Lake Gregory, constructed during the time of British Governor Sir William Gregory back in 1873, is where you can engage in water-based activities like kayaking, jetskis and swan boat rides. The sprawling gardens of Victoria Park date back to 1897. You may enjoy a factory visit at the Blue Field Tea Gardens, or be spell bound by Ramboda Falls, the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 109m (358ft), or Devon Falls yet another iconic waterfall in Sri Lanka. Train Excursions, TukTuk rides all can be arranged. Along with beverages,snacks including fruits, cold or hot towels, blankets &pillows, First Aid Box, Umbrella and Binoculars.