A STONE'S THROW FROM BUSTLING NUWARA ELIYA TOWN,

but miles away from its noise, a quiet, solid structure stands framed between some imposing pine trees, giving the onlooker a first glimpse of St. Andrew's Hotel. A series of stone steps lead you to this Tudor styled mansion, with its bright lobby and comfortable lounge where a real fireplace is lit at night to warm the late evening guest as he walks in.

If the weather allows - you could enjoy English tea with strawberries and cake on the lovely lawn outside the veranda, with the rose garden just beyond to add some colour. A stroll around the gardens of an early evening introduces you to lovely nooks and crannies, and a garden seat where you could catch your breath.

All that walking may lead you to 'The Old Course' (a no-smoking restaurant) where dinner is a fabulous, candle lit affair. You can watch your dinner prepared at the show kitchen at one end of the room or visit the well-stocked stone wine cellar, where a wide selection of old favourites from France and Germany to the newer Australian and Argentinian and of course Sri Lanka's own are stored. You are invited to choose a bottle for the night. After dinner you could retire to the smoking room for some peace and quiet where you will be served Irish coffee (a specialty here).

The hotel, in operation since the early 1900s, was once a grand home of a wealthy land owner, and still carries a few antique pieces, and a selection of black and white photos from its past. Each room has its own balcony and quaint old-world furniture.

The hotel also accommodates a lovely wood paneled bar, a cocktail room furnished with a television and a mini library, a children's playroom and a billiards room.