St. Andrew's is a sprawling colonial mansion nestled in the hills of Nuwara Eliya. With over 40 Superior range rooms and a handful of suites, they offer luxury in the form of perfect atmospheric settings and impeccable service.
Location and Ambience
Just a few hours away from a number of 'highests' in Sri Lanka and a cloud forest (for which they conduct tours so just ask ahead), Jetwing's St. Andrew's is barely a five minute drive to the central bus depot. Despite being nearly in the middle of the town, it's removed from the hustle and bustle and exudes the old-world charm and charisma of bygone eras.
Much of the original architecture has been maintained, including the old flooring so you walk along well-worn and nearly faded out old tilework.
Rooms and Amenities
The predominant colour scheme is white: with brightly coloured/ earthy toned swathes of fabric adding a splash of colour.
It's all very calming and soothing, and given the amount of natural light allowed in, a bright and cheery space is created.
Rooms in the Superior range starts off from around Rs. 17,000 and the suites start off at around Rs. 22,000.
The suites have a little TV lounge, and all rooms are equipped with heaters, a door leading to the lawns outside, a minibar, tea and coffee, Wifi, and other basic amenities.
Food and Service
Adhering to the high bars set by Jetwing for their service, St. Andrews doens't disappoint. The staff are friendly, courteous, helpful, and accommodating. They're more than willing to talk to you about the local sights and what the hotel has to offer, as well as take you on frog-watching tours (piece on that coming up soon!)
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Meanwhile, whilst the food is good, it's not as amazing as the food we've come to expect and love from Jetwing, especially when you compare what they dish up at Kaduruketha.
They've got set menus, and a breakfast buffet. Highlight of the buffet for Bhagya and I was that there's tons of cold meat cuts, and that they make waffles, bacon and eggs fresh upon request.
Shoutout to their soups though, which are intensly creamy, warm, flavoursome and filling. They offer a cream of chicken soup in a little cup as the welcome drink, and given the cold climes of N'eliya, it's the best thing that one could ask for.
Oh, and they also serve high tea out in the lawn.
If you're a fan of strawberries and cream you're in luck as they leave complimentary fresh strawberries and cream in your room for you. You'd also enjoy this little bowl of strawberry jam and cream to go with the scones in your high tea.
Conclusion
If you want to be close to town, yet want a quiet and soothing luxurious getaway, check in here.
There are tons of activities the staff can guide you through, including a few hikes and treks, frog watching, bird watching, and stuff like that.
They have their own herb garden and flower garden which they source flora and herbs from, as well as a biomass boiler which they use to heat water for the hotel. They're conscious of the environment and of preservation, and we're glad of that.
