The Fort Bazaar Galle

Begin your Galle quest at Fort Bazaar, a handsome merchant’s home-turned-boutique hotel with 18 stylish guestrooms and fresh, contemporary interiors invoking a Middle Eastern vibe.

Positioned on Church Street within a UNESCO-listed 17th century fort, this spa hotel in Galle promises serenity, high-end service and gourmet modern dining, and makes a very welcoming retreat from the bustling cobbled streets of Galle Fort.

Location
The historic port city of Galle lies on Sri Lanka’s south western coast, and is the gateway to a string of intimate sandy bays carved out of the island’s exotic southern coastline.

Most come here to visit Galle’s 17th century fort, home to a striking collection of colonial buildings dating back to the British, Dutch and Portuguese colonial eras.

Galle Fort’s quaint streets offer some of the island’s most rewarding urban strolls, not only for the historic buildings that flank the fort’s cobbled streets but the little boutiques, cafes and gelaterias that lie in wait.

The coral and limestone ramparts are a hive of activity, particularly towards the day’s end when impromptu cricket games break out and people from all walks of life converge on the western ramparts to watch an Indian Ocean sunset.

Galle offers very easy access to stunning local beaches for swimming, diving and surfing, and for embarking on coastal cruises to observe whales and dolphins in the deep sea.

Galle’s verdant palm-dominated interior home to lowland tea factories, centuries-old Buddhist temples, ageing rain forests and vast cinnamon-edged Koggala Lake also beg to be explored.

Accommodation
Fifteen luxuriously appointed Bazaar and Banyan bedrooms radiate off a peaceful flagstone-tiled courtyard shaded by an age-old mango tree, quietly cosseting guests with king-sized four-poster Balinese beds, air conditioning, cable televisions, artisanal coffee machines and ensuite shower rooms.

The three Upper Suites are more decadent chambers which also have lounge areas, dressing rooms, freestanding bathtubs and fort-view terraces. Families could opt for interconnecting Banyan or Bazaar Bedrooms or the split level Upper Family Suite.

Upper Suite
Sleep soundly in Balinese four poster king-sized beds, rest awhile in the open plan lounge and from your private roof terrace, peer down onto Church Street and watch the world go by.

Located on the lofty first floor of the original building, Upper Suites offer some of the most luxurious accommodation in Galle Fort. Air-conditioned and featuring lavish amenities, the suites also have spacious dressing areas and broad bathrooms with walk-in showers and free standing bathtubs.

Church Street Social
The Church Street Social is Galle Fort’s most vibrant wining and dining venue, attracting both in-house guests and walk-ins with a convivial, buzzy vibe.

The contemporary design-led setting, infused with classic twists to reflect the history of the locale and its Arabic influencers, is reflected in our gourmet dishes, which feature elements of traditional Moroccan, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Our menus include tapas for savouring dishes sociably amongst friends, and rustic family-style sharing platters of quality imported cold meats, cheese, homemade pickles, pâtés and dips.

Asian fusion flavours used for fresh fish and modern versions of Sri Lanka’s traditional cuisine also feature highly, including black pork curry and lagoon crab salad.

Z Spa

Escape Galle’s hustle and bustle at our indulgent Z Spa where peace reigns and luxurious, restful and revitalising treatments await.

Our therapies have been conceived and designed to help you unwind. The spa has three air-conditioned single treatment rooms quietly tucked to the back of the hotel, two of which have steam showers in their bathrooms.

Treatments and Facilities
Our deeply relaxing collection of treatments include signature massages, scrubs and wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and steam sessions, and each treatment can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

Our products are all chemical free and made in Sri Lanka by Ophir; the blends are based around the therapeutic benefits of red, green, pink and black tea.

Experiences
Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s great mini destinations. Our curated collection of absorbing experiences in Galle celebrate its many facets, from Galle Fort walks to whale watching in Mirissa.

Galle Fort, a treasure trove of antiquities, shops and cafes, is best explored on foot, either on your own or, for more a more in-depth insight, with a knowledgeable guide.

If you’re interested in hands-on cultural interaction, you could craft traditional masks at the Galle Fort workshop of a notable local artist, or, if Galle’s glittering gems prove irresistible, why not learn about a world-renowned sapphire producer on a private visit to their mine?

Galle’s tropical beaches offer quiet, sunny charm, and surfing hotspots include Devata, Midigama and Weligama, while blue whale watching cruises embark from Mirissa’s vibrant local harbour.

Peddle through Galle’s verdant paddy- and coconut palm-dominated surroundings on a guided bicycle tour or absorb yourself completely in a jungle yoga class. Close to Koggala Lake is a lowland tea plantation, which offers fascinating estate tours.