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Amangalla

Galle

Hilltop retreat in a UNESCO-listed fort

Historic location: Residing within the time-capsule ramparts of Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort, the 300-year-old property comes with a long history. For 100 years, it was the New Oriental Hotel, which was a hub for steamship passengers traversing the globe – an on-site museum off the hotel’s library is devoted to its past. Many original features are maintained, including the timber floors and tiled veranda that stretches the width of the building.

Inside the fort: Overlooking the picturesque harbour, Amangalla is a white-washed mosaic of lofty-ceilinged suites, antique furniture, dark wood and lush gardens. It’s a space imbued with a sense of refined luxury that reflects the town’s colonial legacy. Rooms are flecked across its varied wings with peaceful Chambers found within the garden, while the Great Hall – known as Zaal, a nod to its Dutch past – plays host to oversized mirrors and chandeliers. A generous pool is flanked by feathery palms with loungers inspired by charpoi textiles. The Baths spa, with its dramatic archways, sits beyond a candlelit recess with modern hydrotherapy suites and Ayurvedic treatment rooms.

Local flavours: From breakfast hoppers on the veranda to poolside lunches and fine-dining dinners within the Great Hall, local, seasonal ingredients are treated with due reverence. Guests are also given the chance to try their hand at Sri Lankan cooking one-on-one with the chef – ingredients are chosen from the local market and whipped up amid the paddy fields. For those seeking the ultimate romantic experience, a private traditional Sri Lankan roti dinner is available under a veranda in the middle of rice paddies, paired with a cultural show.

Ever-expanding horizons: Known for its intimate retreats, warm hospitality, creative approach to design and attention to sense of place, the Aman group was founded back in 1988. Today, its hotels span the globe, with the group launching its sister brand, Janu, with an inaugural property in Tokyo in early 2024, and is recognised as the winner of the Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award.

Key Information

• Rooms: 31
• Starting Rate: $850
• Dining: The Great Hall
• At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, family friendly
• 10 Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
• +94 912 233 388
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