Great — here are some of the top villas and small luxury properties set on tea estates in Sri Lanka, with where they are, what makes each special, and quick tips for booking. I focused on high‑quality, well‑reviewed options across the central highlands (Nuwara Eliya / Dimbula / Ella / Hatton areas) where tea country experiences are strongest.

1. Ceylon Tea Trails (series of restored planter bungalows — Castlereagh, Summerville, Norwood, Tientsin, Dunkeld)

• Location: Bogawantalawa valley / Dimbula (central highlands, accessible from Hatton / Nuwara Eliya).
• Why go: Five restored colonial‑era tea planter bungalows scattered across a working estate — intimate, historic rooms, personal butler service, guided walks and tea‑factory visits, pools with valley views. Often described as the quintessential luxury tea‑estate stay in Sri Lanka.
• Best for: Couples, honeymooners, travelers wanting immersive tea‑estate luxury and privacy.
• Booking tip: Rooms sell out in high season; consider booking directly for special packages (some rates include meals/activities). (i-escape.com)

2. Heritance Tea Factory

• Location: Nuwara Eliya (in the middle of its tea plantation).
• Why go: A dramatic conversion of a 19th‑century tea factory into a hotel — distinctive architecture, great views of the tea fields, comfortable rooms and a strong emphasis on the estate/tea story and sustainability. Good base for exploring Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding highlands.
• Best for: Travelers who want a unique industrial‑heritage property close to Nuwara Eliya town.
• Booking tip: Useful for shorter stays or as part of a multi‑stop highlands itinerary. (Tikalanka.com)

3. Craig Appin Bungalow (and other private tea bungalows)

• Location: Dickoya / Nuwara Eliya district.
• Why go: Restored Scottish‑planter bungalows with old‑world colonial charm, typically small (a handful of suites), personalized service and lots of character — classic “tea bungalow” experience.
• Best for: Travelers seeking an atmospheric private‑house stay rather than a big hotel.
• Booking tip: These properties often have limited rooms; reserve early if you want a whole bungalow or specific dates. (Tikalanka.com)

4. Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge (Madulkelle / Knuckles Range)

• Location: Madulkelle, near the Knuckles Mountain Range (central highlands).
• Why go: Eco‑lodges and villas perched above tea terraces with dramatic views of mountains and valleys — strong on nature, guided hikes, village visits and a relaxed, eco‑minded vibe.
• Best for: Active travelers and nature lovers who want tea‑estate scenery plus trekking.
• Booking tip: Ask about included guided walks and any estate/tea tours when booking. (Tikalanka.com)

5. Jade Villas / Glen Nevis Plantation (small villa on a tea estate)

• Location: Digana / Kandy district (near Knuckles area).
• Why go: Small, recently opened villas on a restored plantation — intimate property with estate walks, tea tastings and off‑the‑beaten‑path feel. Good if you prefer a private villa base.
• Best for: Small groups or families wanting a private villa experience surrounded by tea.
• Booking tip: These smaller properties sometimes list only on local sites or the property website — check direct for availability and transfers. (ceylonteamarket.com)

Other options to consider

• Private heritage tea bungalows in the hill country (many privately run short‑let bungalows around Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella and Dickoya) — great for authenticity if you prefer a small, romantic house rather than a hotel. (See local listings and specialist Sri Lanka travel agents.) (destinationseekers.co.uk)

Quick practical tips

• Best season: December–March (drier months in the highlands), though tea country is pleasant year‑round; expect mist and showers at times.
• Transfers: Most tea‑estate villas are remote — arrange airport transfers or private car from Colombo or Kandy; some properties offer seaplane or regional flight + transfer options.
• Activities to ask for: Estate/tea factory tours, guided plantation walks, tea tastings, village visits, short hikes and in‑room spa treatments.
• Book early for high season and special bungalows; check whether meals, guided activities or a butler service are included.
• If you want the “classic” luxury tea‑estate experience (colonial bungalows, butler service, estate trails), Ceylon Tea Trails is widely regarded as the gold standard; for a unique converted‑factory experience, Heritance Tea Factory is the standout. (i-escape.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to a specific area (Nuwara Eliya vs. Ella vs. Knuckles) and give price/season estimates, or
• Check current availability and sample rates for selected dates (I’ll look up live availability and bookable rates).