Nyne Hotels takes over management of Stafford Bungalow, elevating luxury experiences

Nyne Hotels proudly announces its latest venture, taking over the management of Stafford Bungalow, now rebranded as Stafford Bungalow by Nyne Hotels. This partnership, built on the long-standing friendship between Nayantara Fonseka (Taru), the founder of Nyne Hotels and the Esufally family, marks a new chapter for the historic property. Nyne Hotels will invest in enhancing the property’s aesthetics while maintaining its rich heritage, blending the essence of Nyne Hotels with the charm of Stafford Bungalow.

Nayantara Fonseka, speaking on the significance of the partnership, said,

“This collaboration marks an exciting expansion of Nyne Hotels into Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. Our commitment to industry leadership remains at the core of everything we do, and with the addition of Stafford Bungalow, we are bringing our distinctive approach to luxury hospitality to a new region. We aim to provide genuine, unparalleled service experiences that redefine what it means to stay in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.”

This transition is more than a simple rebranding. It signifies Nyne Hotels’ commitment to delivering luxurious, sensory-rich experiences that resonate with guests. By investing in luxury offerings that engage all nine senses—vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, temperature, proprioception (body awareness), and pain—Nyne Hotels seeks to build further differentiation and strengthen brand awareness among new and returning guests.

Esufally, speaking on the partnership, said,

“We are excited to collaborate with Nyne Hotels, a brand that shares our passion for creating unique, unforgettable guest experiences. Stafford Bungalow has always been a place of history and charm, and with Nyne Hotels’ innovative approach, we are confident that it will be elevated to new heights while staying true to its heritage.”

Nestled amidst the serene tea plantations of Sri Lanka, Stafford Bungalow is a living piece of history, where echoes of the past are woven into every stone, pillar, and stretch of land. This colonial-era residence is intimately tied to the country’s tea industry, one of its most iconic exports. With six rooms offering stunning views of beautifully landscaped gardens or the breath-taking plantations and forests of the hill country, the bungalow is part of the 50-acre Stafford Estate. The bungalow’s story began in 1884 when it was first constructed as the private residence of Scottish planters Sir G.H.D. Elphinstone and J. Paterson Snr. Stafford Bungalow stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s thriving tea industry, which transitioned from a flourishing coffee plantation under the ownership of Englishman George Wall to tea in 1880. Today, it continues to be one of the most celebrated estates in the country.

“Stafford Bungalow is more than just a place to stay; it’s an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage,” said Nayantara Fonseka. “Our guests have the unique opportunity to step back in time, experiencing the history of Ceylonese plantations and the legacy of tea cultivation.”

Guests at Stafford Bungalow can walk through lush tea fields, witness the intricate process of tea leaf plucking, and engage in tea tastings that capture the essence of Sri Lanka’s finest brew. Additionally, they can embark on three of the famous Pekoe Trails, starting from point 22, to explore the breath-taking scenery and rich biodiversity of the region. The villa combines modern luxury with colonial charm, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of early tea planters while providing a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature.