If my memory serves me right, my parents took me on my very first vacation to Nuwara Eliya. I have loved it since then. Everything about “Little England” as it is fondly known, reminds me of cozy and comfy. Everything a caterpillar must feel inside his cocoon before he spreads his wings and flies. This is what Royal Cocoon wants each guest to feel at their luxury bungalow.
Situated a few hundred meters away from the world famous Victoria Park, Royal Cocoon is all about warmth. Getting here by car takes approximately 5 hours but by train would add on 2 more. Those who don’t mind the lengthy journey are welcomed by picturesque views of lush green tea plantations and snowy white clouds reaching down from the heavens. Even during the month of March temperatures are between 15-20 degrees Celsius and may drop lower in the night time so it’s best to take warm clothing anyway.
We arrived in the wee hours of the morning and were hit by the biting cold the moment we stepped out of the car. The warmth and hospitality with which guests are greeted though soon serves to warm you up as much as the steaming cup of coffee or tea that awaits your arrival.
Royal Cocoon has 7 luxury bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Each room also has its own heater and an old fireplace reminiscent of the bygone days of the British. Hot and cold water, cable TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee machines in each room adds to the comfort, homely feel.
The restaurant at Royal Cocoon provides all day dining on an à la carte menu that is a mix of continental and traditional Sri Lankan wares. For breakfast we tried both varieties and were pleasantly surprised by the magnanimity of the portions served in the garden. Continental breakfast included a platter of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs on toast with sausages, waffles with honey, yoghurt and chocolate cake. Traditional breakfast on the other hand was a plate full of milk rice made with very non-traditional long grain rice, coconut rotti served with chicken curry and “lunu miris”. That was a lot of food for just two people.
Satisfied and our tummy’s full, we decided to take a stroll in the one-acre landscaped garden that also converts to a mini-golf course on request. You can also choose to read or enjoy the weather outside basking on one of the deck chairs or under the garden umbrellas. A visit to the botanical gardens next door and the famed strawberry farms is also something you may opt to do. For those who prefer to snuggle up indoors Royal Cocoon has books to read and board games to enjoy.
Lunch we decided was to be a traditional affair as we were told the chef prepared a mean rice and curry. We heard right. Steamed basmati rice was served with tempered potatoes, beans, beetroot, chicken and fish curry, “mallung” and the unforgettable “pappadam”. Despite the heavy breakfast, this meal enjoyed historically by kings and commoners alike is satisfying to say the least. For dessert you can pick from curd and treacle, a fruit platter or ice-cream if you dare. Call me boring but the only thing you want to do after lunch is take a nice nap, and that’s what I did to wake up in time for dinner.
Dinner for us was Western. A plateful of French fries, steamed upcountry vegetables and quarter of a grilled chicken was preceded by a salty vegetable broth that is the best remedy to beat the cold outside. Royal Cocoon understands that food is an essential part of a good holiday.
Reasonably priced and with service that is exemplary, this small but luxurious boutique hotel is constantly booked by some interesting guests that you will come across if you browse through their guest book. It is best to make reservations well ahead of time. One other unique thing about Royal Cocoon is that it is private and sans the hustle and bustle of larger hotels. Tranquil is probably a good way to describe it.
By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana
Box Information
Royal Cocoon, No. 2 Wedderburn Road, Nuwara Eliya.
Tel : +94 722 324091
E-mail : info@cocoonresorts.com
Website: www.royalcocoon.lk