Amangalla

Galle

Sri Lanka, a small Indian Ocean island which broke off from the tip of India a long time ago and which is now separated by the Straits of Palk, is a hospitable country with an impressive cultural wealth. Originally under Arab influence and European as of the 16^th century, it possesses superb sites steeped in history, bearing witness to its past, to the delight of tourists who have been coming here in greater numbers every year. The fortified city of Galle is a favorite with visitors. In this charming city, which was once an important part of the spice and silk trade, the main attraction is the old city, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage. Tourists can discover old colonial style houses as well as the city’s celebrated fort, built by the Dutch in the 18^th century and which was occupied by the British a century later. Its granite ramparts are now covered with greenery, offering visitors pleasant walks along the sea. Another of the city’s monuments is the Groote Kerk, the oldest Protestant church on the island, dating back to 1754. This austere edifice was built on the ruins of a former Capuchin convent.

A journey in time

Just a few steps from the ramparts of the historical Sri Lankan city of Galle, we see the classic and traditional lines of the celebrated luxury hotel, Amangalla. Located within the walls of a superb white building which once billeted the Dutch and later, the British troops that controlled the region, it was transformed into a hotel for the first time in the late 19^th century, before being purchased by the Aman group which renovated it while at the same time, conserving the building’s very particular style.

The hotel offers visitors a journey through time. More romantic guests will undoubtedly appreciate the charm of each of the thirty rooms and suites. They are all refined with decorations inspired by the colonial era, including period furniture and every possible modern comfort. They are spacious with large four-poster beds, parquet floors of precious wood and lovely windows which generously let in the natural light and which offer views of the gardens or the fort. The bathrooms are also very pleasant and functional thanks to a large cupboard, two sinks, a shower and a bathtub.

The hotel’s lush gardens possess a large swimming pool, comfortable deck chairs in the shade of the palm trees as well as several pavilions designed for relaxation and a meal or snack service throughout the day. Guests have the choice between two restaurants: the cool veranda of the Zaal or the refined Salle à Manger (dining Room) filled with magnificent antiques, ideal for enjoying a Sri Lankan curry.

The hotel also has an upscale spa where massages based on ancient traditions are practiced, as well as a hammam, sauna and Jacuzzi, offering total relaxation in the heart of aromatic gardens.