Amangalla -

Overflowing with colonial landmarks, in the heart of a 17th century Dutch fort, rests a peaceful, and immaculately restored historic hotel, Amangalla. Galle Fort, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, houses the most charming and characteristic buildings in the ancient trading port of Galle. In the 19th century horse drawn carriages delivered parasol-bearing gentry to the famous doors of the, then New Oriental Hotel. Today, the hotel portrays the complex patina of its past in an exemplary setting, surrounded by the rich colonial tapestry of Sri Lanka’s exceptional Dutch fortress. Amangalla’s history is born out of the early Dutch colonial period, and is located right in the heart of the preserved Dutch fort, offering guests a memorable and appropriately stylish stay in architectural splendour. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff.

 

Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy

Amangalla has respected, down to the finest detail, the heritage and natural appeal of its legendary predecessor by skilfully unveiling and restoring original features, furnishing the polished jack-wood floors with fine antiques and period-styled reproductions, the culmination of which reflects an ambiance of a bygone era.

Cuisine - The Zaal – the Great Hall – as it was known in Dutch times, is the entry point to the resort and has a wonderful colonial feel with high ceilings, overhead fans and chandeliers. There is relaxed seating within as well as on the veranda facing the tree-lined street. The veranda is the ideal place to escape the heat of the day, enjoy a tall drink and watch the world pass by. Adjacent is The Dining Room that provides an intimate setting for dining with a colonial accent. The Dining Room is furnished with period chairs and tables, crisp white linen and antique silverware, with many of the original pieces being returned to their rightful place in the room.
 

Library - the Library offers an extensive range of reference books on the history, arts, culture and communities of Sri Lanka as well as a selection of novels, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games. There is also an eclectic collection of memorabilia drawn from the archives of the New Oriental Hotel, which provides an interesting perspective into the history of the buildings, the Fort and the town of Galle. A desktop computer is available for Internet access. Complimentary afternoon tea with home-made scones, cream and jam and Ceylon tea is served on the Library veranda.
 

The Baths (spa) - The Baths recapture memories of a bygone era of 'taking the waters', restoring the body and soothing the mind. The five softly lit treatment chambers lead off a descending arched hallway. Gentlemen's and Ladies' dressing rooms lead to a hall containing a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pools whose specifically placed jet massage and stimulate the entire body. With candlelit recesses, tall ceilings and traditional archways, the hydrotherapy area is an experience in ancient indulgences.
 

Yoga & Meditation - These also become a source for quiet contemplation and peace for those who wish to join daily yoga and meditation sessions in the Garden Pavilion. A stylish old-fashioned elegance complements a simple yet thoughtful healing approach focussing on individualised treatments that are effectively relaxing, distinctively powerful and specifically designed.
 

Revitalisation - From the Massage to the Foot & Facial (a classic facial and pedicure combined) to the Ayurvedic Massage using herbs from the Ceylon cornucopia, chanting and sound, each treatment bestows the honest gifts of caring therapists, whose unique nurturing and instinctive passion is at the heart of The Baths.

 

Swimming Pool - The Swimming Pool is centred within the resort’s gardens and measures 21m by 10.5m. Bordering the pool, the Pool Courtyard contains five shaded ambalamas (rest pavilions) on one side and a number of sunloungers shaded by palm trees. Poolside service is provided and a variety of light meals and snacks are available

Babysitting - Amangalla offers a complimentary babysitting service

Bedrooms – Bedrooms have views of either overlooking the garden or the nearby historic Groote Kerk (Great Church). The bedroom and separate bathroom are similar in size with furnishings including a twin or king-size four-poster bed, writing desk, dining table, pettagama chest – all set within the original polished jack-wood floors. The spacious bathroom offers twin vanities, free-standing bathtub, separate shower and toilet. Three bedrooms are set within the property’s gardens. French windows and doors open onto the garden entrance of each room.
 

Chambers – chambers are located within the Church Street Wing and face the Fort ramparts. The entrance leads into the open plan room, featuring first the bathroom, followed by the bedroom and a separate sitting area. The bathroom has a large shower, free-standing bathtub, and toilet. A gracious and authentic turn-of-the-century ambience is recreated with use of a four-poster king-size or twin bed arrangement, a planter’s chair, writing desk, dining table and a pettagama chest perched atop gleaming teak floorboards.
 

Garden wing Chambers - There are four Garden Wing Chambers, three with balconies and one with a twin porch – all over-looking the treetops of the resort garden. The large rooms feature the same furnishings as the chambers in the Church Street Wing, these have the addition of either antiques or reproductions which complement the highly polished timber floorboards and the shuttered windows on the balcony or porch.

 

Suites - There are eight suites, of which six are located in the Church Street Wing and two in the Middle Street Wing. The Suites look onto Para-rubber trees, the ramparts of the Fort and the harbour, or the mature well-tended tropical gardens. The spacious Suites feature the original polished teak floorboards dating back over 300 years. The entry hall leads to separate bedroom and lounge area. Adjacent to the entry hall is the bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, separate toilet and shower. The bedroom has a twin or king-size four-poster bed and arched, shuttered windows. The lounge is furnished with a chaise longue, writing desk, dining table, planter’s chair and pettagama chest.

 

The Garden House - Situated within the resort gardens, this two-storey house features a private terrace and balcony offering leafy, treetop views. The original, antique furniture of the house has been restored. At the entrance is a sitting room fitted with a chaise longue, armchairs and coffee table.  Double doors lead to the bedroom, furnished with a king-size four-poster bed, writing table and dressing cabinet. Adjoining this is a spacious bathroom, bathed in light from the pool garden outside. It offers twin vanities, a free-standing bathtub, toilet and separate shower. An internal stairway rises from the sitting room to the upper level, featuring a daybed and banquette. Other facilities include a pantry serviced by a private butler
 

Temple - Twenty minutes' drive from the Fort are Yatagala and Rhummasala. At the top of the 120 steps, the 1,200 year old Yatagala Temple is one of the oldest in the region, and is set in a beautiful valley of rice paddies and jungle hills. One of the most serene spots on the island, Yatagala is a rock temple with a beautiful image room, a 1,000 year old Bo tree and a wonderful meditation cave. Rhummasala is a brand new temple, built by the Japanese on the magical headland across the bay from the Fort. The location has breathtaking views back to Galle and the stupa is one of beautiful Zen simplicity on a huge scale. On a poya day (full moon) visitors can join the locals in their puja, offerings of fresh flower blooms and incense, in the late afternoon
 

Tea - Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea, and within 10 minutes from Galle is the start of the low-lying tea country. There are various tea plantations carpeting the rolling hills through which visitors may wander before viewing the working factories, several still utilizing ancient machinery. Teams of smiling Tamil women work through the process of drying and producing the tea. The ideal way to conclude the visit is to enjoy a cup of tea from the plantation.