Fresh from their filming in the Maldives, the production team have made a quick hop over to Sri Lanka to shoot Helga’s Folly. The proprietor of this eccentric art hotel was the inspiration for Stereophonics‘ UK hit ‘Madame Helga’, and by the look of her fabulous attire, we can certainly see why! Definitely a front-runner in the Weird & Wonderful style stakes.

Image courtesy of John Heffernan

If you’re a self-confessed tea-aholic, then where better to stay than in a genuine Tea Factory?

This Colonial themed hotel is nestled amongst acres of lush tea plantations and offers guests the chance to experience life as tea picker first hand. You’ll learn to identify the freshest leaves and how to pluck each branch correctly, before your harvest is dried ready for you to drink.

After all that tea-picking you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite. Fortunately the Tea Factory has its very own Railway Carriage Restaurant, where you’ll be welcomed aboard with a shrill whistle and a wave of the green flag by the maître d’.

Don’t expect to see a menu though, at this restaurant the Chef visits each dining ‘passenger’ to discuss their culinary preferences and create a meal unique to them. We don’t recommend you ask for spaghetti hoops though!

Behold the world of Sri Lanka’s Helga’s Folly.  As unconventional as it is memorable, it was the inspiration behind the Stereophonics’ hit, ‘Madame Helga’.  

Suitable for single travellers, couples or families, the quirky décor and four-poster beds provide an interesting base for exploring the surrounding Buddhist temples and ancient cities.

As fascinating as Madame Helga herself, and situated in the breath-taking city of Kandy, this is one destination to which you’re sure to return again and again.