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The Fortress near Galle is a small, luxury, boutique resort. The two-storey Dutch Fort structure, is located on Koggala beach minutes from Galle. Accessed by the nearly 8m arched wooden doors – a massive piece of workmanship – a magnificent view opens; through the open lobby, across the infinity pool, onto the glorious Indian Ocean. Inside are five distinctive styles of guest rooms and residences with a naturally modern twist.
The Fortress near Galle has 49 guest rooms, each featuring private courtyards or balconies. While some suites have individual plunge pools and butler service. Ocean Room and Beach Rooms are located on the ground floor and have direct access to the pool and beach area. The Ocean Loft has spilt-level rooms but for the ultimate in sensual living space, book Fortress Residence for an outstanding experience. It has an infinity edge pool and a 24-hour personal butler.
There are two restaurants; one specialising in Sri Lankan cuisine, and the other offering informal al fresco dining overlooking the beach. In addition, there are two lounges offering small snacks and tea. Facilities at The Fortress hotel include a relaxing Spa Naturel, which combines signature treatments, but also offers Ayurvedic treatments and water therapies. There is a fitness suite and large outdoor swimming pool. The hotel can arrange Scuba diving with a local PADI certified operator.
Amenities
Stay The Fortress Resort & Spa has 49 rooms with courtyards or balconies. All rooms are spacious and modern, some with a private plunge pool. Fortress Rooms have full length French windows with a terrace or balcony. If you’re looking for amazing views, opt for an Ocean Room. Beach Rooms have direct access to the pool and beach area while the Beach Splash Rooms have an indoor plunge pool. For more space and luxury book the split-level Ocean Lofts that come with a lounge.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at The Fortress Resort & Spa. There is a small kids club that is opened between 9am and 6pm each day. This is equipped with play stations, movies and also painting and drawing equipment. The restaurant has a children's menu and babysitting service can be arranged, if requested.
Dine There are two restaurants at The Fortress Resort; The Pepper is the main restaurant offering a fusion of local and international dishes. The Heat is an al fresco restaurant that serves wood fired pizzas and other light bites. If it rains, try the gorgeous Tea Lounge on a mezzanine level. Evenings at the Duo restaurant offer a diverse selection of over 2,000 old and new world wines, ranging from rare vintages to great classics of the old world.
Relax The wealth of facilities at the Fortress Resort, include the Spa Naturel that focuses mainly on Ayurveda rituals with natural ingredients sourced locally. Before and after treatments, guests can indulge in complimentary 'Sublime' water therapies which include a sauna, steam and hydro-bath. Relax in one of the 6 spa suites or enjoy the steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi or vitality showers. There is also a yoga pavilion, gym and a swimming pool.
Experience There is enough to do at The Fortress Resort. During the day, you can take short excursions and visit the Galle town or the nearby village. In the surrounds is the Handunugoda Tea Estate who run highly informative tours. For some local culture visit Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum or the 13th-century Kataluwa Purwarama Temple with 200-year-old paintings. Dine out at Wijaya’s restaurant known for pizza cooked in wood-burning ovens.
Location The Fortress Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel, located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, just outside Sri Lanka's historic UNESCO-listed fortress port of Galle.
Getting There There are direct (10-hour 45-minute) flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport to we recommend leaving 4-hours for the journey to The Fortress.
When to go The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April when it’s drier and the climate is cooler. It’s also the peak time for whale-watching in the south where blue and sperm whales can be seen. From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern coast and the cultural triangle. However, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Bandarawela remains cooler. Rains may also occur between September and November.
Destination
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