Wellness at the heart of Costa Rican lifestyle
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Galle Fort Hotel: The charm of a Seafront Fortress
Galle is a tremendously inspiring place where many writers, artists, designers, poets, and photographers currently live. Its history, light, elegance, and people exert a strong attraction on any traveler visiting Sri Lanka.
The city of Galle was the port of ancient Tharsis, where the Hebrew King Solomon sent for the ivory and peacocks indicated in the Bible. Today, travelling to Galle is like travelling to the past of colonial Ceylon, when the Portuguese built a fort facing the Indian Ocean in 1588 that was later extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century, making it one of the island's main ports, with its iconic lighthouse.
Galle is a vibrant fortified city that concentrates history and life in each of its streets
Strolling through the streets of Galle transports you back to the colonial era, with numerous buildings from the Portuguese and Dutch eras, which have been carefully restored and give a European feel to one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka.
Vintage cars still on the streets of Galle add vintage charm to the town
Galle is a bustling, bohemian city with a very personal style and aesthetic that fuses Asian with European
The Galle Fort Hotel was once one of the great mansions of the fortress. More than three centuries old, the property was originally a Dutch mansion and warehouse. During the British era, the property was remodeled by Maccan Makars, a well-known family of gem merchants.
Later used as RAF barracks, it was also a post office, a bakery, and even a field for junior cricketers. After a period of neglect and deterioration, the building was restored in 2003, retaining all its historical value, elegance, and authenticity. It is now an exclusive boutique hotel with 13 suites, each decorated with a unique and different interior design that pays homage to Galle's rich cultural and aesthetic values.
Start or end the day by walking along the wall to the lighthouse, which was built in 1934 on the site of Sri Lanka's first lighthouse in 1848, which was destroyed in a fire. The sunrises and sunsets from that area of the city are breathtaking.
The lighthouse was built by the British who took control of the country in 1796 until 1948
At Galle Fort Hotel, you will find the perfect combination of luxury, culture, elegance, and comfort, combined with delicious cuisine. When you arrive at your room, a perfectly prepared kit awaits you, ready to mix and taste a perfect gin & tonic in its purest British style. After a dip in the swimming pool in the building's central courtyard, amidst columns, balconies, and greenery, you can enjoy a cocktail on the classic colonial veranda at sunset while overlooking the vibrant and bustling streets of Galle Fort.
Afterwards, pamper yourself with a dinner of dishes made from local recipes based on the delicious local lobster. The menu is a wonderful journey inspired by the famous Spice Route, featuring traditional curry.
Interior of one of the themed suites at Galle Fort Hotel
Wood and colonial style interior design are the hallmarks of this lodging
Maintaining the original structure of the building, the swimming pool is located in the central part of the inner courtyard
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the streets of Galle hide numerous historic buildings, witnesses to the area's splendid colonial past.
The Dutch Reformist Church, the Meera Mosque, the Church of All Saints, the Clock Tower, the Lighthouse, the National Maritime Museum, the Market, the International Cricket Stadium, and the old Dutch-Dutch Hospital are some of the must-sees in Galle.
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