Tranquillity in the hills

Holidaying in safety at The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire

Another holiday season has come around, but everyone’s thinking twice about heading out for the holidays, thanks to the pandemic refusing to give us a long-awaited break. Forget running away to a beachside hotel; people are somewhat worried even about going around town to see the lights or do their Christmas shopping amidst the threat of yet another wave.

Still, there’s no denying that we all need a break, and fortunately, there are ways to holiday safely. The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire is one such place, nestled away atop a hill in Meepilimana, some distance away from the town of Nuwara Eliya.

Bringing together the cosiness of a bungalow with the luxury of a hotel, The Forest and Lake is the ideal place for a group of people – or even a couple – to escape from the hustle and bustle with a slow-paced, laid-back sojourn in cooler climes. Situated 8 km from Gregory Lake, The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire features accommodation with a shared lounge, a garden, and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience.

Each unit features a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. There is also a minibar, toaster, and a kettle.

Guests at the villa can enjoy an à la carte or American breakfast, freshly made at the villa. We got to indulge in lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The food was warm and inviting, and having a fresh, homemade meal was quite rewarding considering the cold climate.

When speaking to the staff at the villa, we were told that if guests would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a car rental service. Hakgala Botanical Garden is 10 km from The Forest and Lake by Schofieldshire, while Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya is 8 km from the property, so there is plenty to do during your stay here. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 79 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service, offering the convenience anyone could need.

Most villa communities are built in a massive area and come with serene landscapes. The Forest and Lake has a lot of greenery and natural recreational space that gives you a sublime sense of serenity. An eco-friendly atmosphere has excellent positive effects on your physical and mental wellbeing, and lets you have fun amongst the goodness of nature.

They even have a large garden with a whole range of herbs and vegetables they harvest to add into the food, so most of the ingredients going into your food at the villa are organic and healthy. There is also a small pathway in the garden, and a hike down would lead to a large lake – the water’s going to be freezing cold, but it’s refreshing nevertheless. The climb back up will be tiring, but the lure of soft beds and warm blankets awaits you once you return to the villa, and we would encourage you to embark on this adventure.

At night, obviously the air grows colder and we would warn you to prepare for the bite of wind, but stepping outside the property onto the front garden space, you’d be able to see the sky glittering with more stars than we’d seen all our lives in Colombo. It’s a magical site to behold and it was worth braving the freezing cold weather. An absolute straight-out-of-a-fantasy-novel moment.