You could say it is a fancy excuse for a private picnic with wine! In the early days of the tea industry, before motorised travel came to its assistance, tea planters conducted field inspections across a vast area of tea fields and forests, either on foot or horseback. At mid-day, they would take a break under the shade of a tree or the shelter of a makeshift hut for lunch and a rest. The ‘Planters’ Tiffin Lunch” is a plusher version (to Relais and Chateaux standards no less!) served in tiffin boxes in an idyllic setting. The location is on the hillside above Dunkeld Bungalow flanked by tea and jungle on either side, with vistas of the rolling tea fields that begin from the glassy Castlereagh Lake and creep on to jagged mountaintops. The way up to the picnic spot is via a scenic trail that commences at Dunkeld Bungalow and we recommend guests take the walk either up to the picnic spot or from lunch back down to the Bungalow. We also offer a ‘hosted’ version of this experience in the company of our resident planter Bernard Holsinger, who is sure to provide a fascinating account of life as a planter in the ‘good old days’ and the experience a richer context.

A chronicle of remarkable narratives from across our island and resorts.