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This charming hotel enjoys an enviable location within the ramparts of Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site. The building itself is a beautifully restored colonial villa dating back to the time of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Its huge rooms, situated around a courtyard with a lovely pool, are lavishly decorated with unique period furnishings. Each of the 14 rooms is different; some are split with the bed on a mezzanine level and a seating area below. On the top floor, a huge two bedroom suite with a sitting area would be ideal for a family or two couples.

In 2007 the Galle Fort Hotel won the coveted UNESCO Award for 'Outstanding Conservation Achievement' — where the hotel's restoration was described by the award committee as "A carefully considered transformation of an abandoned historic residential compound into a stylish boutique hotel has evocatively captured the spirit of place of the colonial world heritage fortified town of Galle. The restoration has been carried out with sensitivity to the historic fabric and the surrounding urban context, retaining the building's modest scale and street façade."

Its enthusiastic owners confidently assert that their restaurant serves the best food in Sri Lanka, and it would be hard to contradict them. Dinners here are an experience, the menu is likely to include Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese dishes prepared by local staff who have been meticulously trained on overseas visits.

Free yoga sessions are held every morning on request or in the evenings if you prefer a long lie in the very comfortable beds. A house masseur is also available offering Thai and Swedish massage.

OUR RATING: Medium