THERE'S A PLACE IN THE HILLS, NOT FAR FROM KANDY,

where tranquility reigns and nature takes pride of place. It's called the Hotel Tree of Life - an eco hotel worthy of the name, with ayurvedic philosophy at its core.

Set in 63 acres of idyllic uplands, with stunning views to all points of the compass, this health spa resort is gaining more 'devotees' and personal recommendations with every passing season. Guests may come on a one night tour stop and vow to return for two weeks; they may book for two nights and stay on for a week. It happens all the time. The authentic draw of nature's tranquility is hard to resist.

At this altitude, the climate is cool and refreshing all year round. The day begins with a 6am nature walk, the bird's dawn chorus still echoing around the grounds. Deer and wild buffalo still grazing out in the open. Jogging and mountain bike trails may be your preference that day. Having done that, go further afield with the resort's naturalist. There are numerous hikes of varied distances and difficulty into the surrounding bush and woodland. Take it easy in the afternoon, fishing down at the pond. Or maybe head off in a trishaw to the villages and get a taste of the local life.

However much or little you choose to do, the ayurveda center should not be missed. Especially constructed in the manner of old, it is a haven of peace in itself. The treatments are fully authentic and may involve a simple one-off warm oil massage or may be personally designed for a period of many days. The final goal is always to rebalance the forces within the body. The center offers the whole spread of treatments, including traditional steam bath, herbal sauna and aromatherapy.

With first class cuisine and delightful rooms on top of all that, this spa resort surely deserves to flourish, and surely will.