Hidden amidst the mist draped highlands of Upcot in Maskeliya, The Mountain Links is more than a luxury villa, it is a private sanctuary where elegance meets seclusion. Nestled within the prestigious The Willows Estate, this exclusive gated property invites discerning travellers to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the beauty of nature in complete privacy. Surrounded by sweeping tea estates, rolling mountains and crisp highland air, The Mountain Links offers a world that feels worlds away.
Your Sanctuary in the Hills
Within this serene estate, time seems to stand still. The Mountain Links blends the understated charm of colonial architecture with the warmth and sophistication expected by the modern traveller. Wide verandas open to endless views of cloud kissed peaks, while manicured gardens frame intimate pathways and sunlit courtyards. Days unfold gently here – mornings often begin with the soft glow of sunlight spilling over the hills as you enjoy breakfast on the terrace, followed by an unhurried round of golf on the Estate’s private nine-hole course. Afternoons may drift by in the quiet comfort of a shaded lounge or beside the glistening swimming pool, where the only sounds are birdsong and the distant rustle of leaves. Evenings bring cool mountain breezes, candlelit dinners and a sky scattered with stars. Every moment here is curated for rest, reflection and renewal.
A Place for Life’s Most Meaningful Moments
Whether you are seeking the perfect backdrop for a cherished family holiday, a sophisticated setting for an intimate honeymoon or a secluded escape to celebrate an anniversary, The Mountain Links promises an experience as unforgettable as the occasion itself. Its serene setting and expansive grounds make it equally ideal for friends yearning for an elegant highland retreat, where late night conversations by the fire give way to leisurely mornings surrounded by mist kissed peaks. For discerning corporate leaders, the villa offers the rare luxury of clarity, a private and undisturbed environment where the mind can wander freely, making it the perfect venue for high-level strategic planning sessions or exclusive executive retreats. Here, every stay becomes more than a getaway, it becomes a moment to pause, reflect and create lasting memories.
Exploring Maskeliya – nature’s secret paradise
While destinations like Kandy, Sigiriya, Galle, and Trincomalee often steal the spotlight, Maskeliya remains one of Sri Lanka’s most unspoiled treasures, just 20 kilometres from Hatton and 50 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya. This quiet town in the central highlands is a canvas of emerald tea fields, misty mountain ranges and hidden waterfalls and a beautiful Castlereagh Reservoir. It offers the kind of raw natural beauty that travellers often seek but rarely find, with each turn in the road revealing another breathtaking view.
One of Maskeliya’s most intriguing landmarks is the Sunken City of Maussakelle Reservoir, a forgotten village that re-emerged during a drought in 2016 after lying submerged for decades. Walking among its haunting ruins, a colonial-era seated Buddha statue, ancient shrines, a mosque and the remnants of a stone bridge that once led pilgrims to Sri Pada is like stepping back through time.
Equally mesmerising is the Castlereagh Reservoir, just 19 kilometres away from The Mountain Links. Encircled by mountains and lush estates, this shimmering lake invites you to enjoy tranquil boat rides, birdwatching and picnic lunches on its serene banks. Its mirror-like waters and sweeping viewpoints make it a favourite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Closer still lies the enchanting Gartmore Falls, just 15 kilometres from the villa. Hidden among sprawling tea plantations, these twin cascades offer a serene hike leading to Upper Gartmore’s natural infinity pool, which spills into the Maskeliya Reservoir below. The cool waters are perfect for a refreshing dip, while the surrounding vistas seem untouched by time.
For those seeking quiet grandeur, the Saptha Kanya (Seven Virgins) mountain range rises in solemn majesty against the skyline. Wrapped in legend, the seven peaks are said to have formed when seven maidens, fleeing a king’s advances, were hidden by the earth itself. Each peak offers a different level of challenge and an unparalleled view over the valleys below. While many travellers speak of the famed Knuckles Mountain Range, the Seven Virgins remain a secret whispered among seasoned trekkers. Untouched, ethereal and deeply rewarding.
Why Choose The Mountain Links
Choosing The Mountain Links is choosing to disappear into a world of rarefied calm. It is where silence becomes a luxury, where privacy is absolute and where every detail is designed to soothe the senses. The experience here is deeply personal: mornings filled with the scent of mist and tea leaves, afternoons shaped by gentle leisure and evenings lit by the quiet glow of lanterns under a canopy of stars. The villa offers all the comforts of modern hospitality without disturbing the surrounding stillness, creating a perfect harmony between indulgence and simplicity. And while it feels far removed from the world, it remains close to Maskeliya’s most beautiful and unspoiled wonders, allowing you to venture out, yet always return to your sanctuary.
At The Mountain Links, you do not simply visit the mountains. You become part of them.