The Experience

Amangalla Resort

In the historic port of Galle, Amangalla sits within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and galla, the Sinhalese word for the town of Galle, the resort reveals the Fort’s daily activities and its rich legacy, the narrow streets lined with buildings from the Dutch and British colonial eras. Offering views of the resort’s 200-year-old gardens and of the Fort and harbour beyond, Amangalla provides for the leisurely exploration of this historic trading port and the surrounding countryside.

Rooms & Suites

The suites are decorated in tasteful colonial style with glorious antiques, from Para Mara four-poster beds to pettagama chests, and high quality reproductions on polished Burma teak floorboards that shine on after 300 years. The bedrooms, chambers and suites offer a variety of views from Galle Fort itself to the hotel’s mature gardens. The bathrooms, in hardwood and white, are genteel and comfortable, with an ample armoire, twin vanities beneath large wooden mirrors, free-standing bathtubs and shower rooms. The two-storey Garden House, situated within the lush frangipani scented gardens, is filtered with natural sunlight and features a collection of the original antiques.

A large swimming pool, surrounded by palms, is centred within the resort’s established gardens; a cool respite from exploring, the pool courtyard has several wooden sun loungers and five serene shaded ambalamas, or rest pavilions. The classical hotel also offers remedial pleasures from ‘The Baths’, the resort’s relaxing, holistic, and traditionally inspired Spa, which creates bespoke programmes for guests, while hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms and a cold plunge pool, provide a sanctum for whole body rejuvenation.

Bedrooms
Nine bedrooms are located adjacent to Amangalla’s reception, on the ground level of the Middle Street Wing. Views are 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. The bedrooms offer a combined sitting and sleeping area but are otherwise similar to the those located adjacent to Amangalla’s reception.

Chambers
Ten 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.

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 seven suites, of which six are located in the Church Street Wing and one 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. This furniture is either a property original or careful reproduction.

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.

Amangalla Suite
The Amangalla Suite is ideal for families as it offers two separate bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and lounging areas, and a living room. The suite is accessed via a small atrium, which opens onto the first bedroom and the living room, through which the master bedroom is reached. Situated above the resort’s spa, the suite features large shuttered windows which overlook peaceful Middle Street from the first bedroom, and the resort’s peaceful gardens from the master bedroom. Exactly the same size, both bedrooms are furnished with elegant four-poster beds, planters’ chairs, pettagama chests, chaises longues and writing desks. In-suite dining can be enjoyed at the dining table in the living room, or in the first bedroom which provides a dining table in its lounging area.

The Fort

Amangalla is an integral part of the 400 year old Galle Fort. Here the narrow streets are lined with old houses, displaying their Dutch heritage with their pillared verandas. The Government offices from the Dutch and English period remain in use, in varied states of repair. The community within the Fort is a bustle with daily life. Along with the bullock carts and bicycles, the three-wheelers and food carts, people socialise and shop, collect their children from school and stop to eat. Laughter, chatter, gossip and smiles abound within the rampart walls.

Whale Watching

The best time to spot Blue whales off the coast of Sri Lanka is between December and April. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.

Aman’s Fort and Beach Journey

Combine the discovery of 400-year old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the balmy seclusion of a palm-fringed golden beach on a journey that reveals the rich dimensions of Sri Lanka’s colourful south coast.

Ayurveda at Amangalla

Enjoy an Ayurvedic experience at Amangalla with a choice of a three-day Taster, a seven-day Relaxer or a 14-day Detox programme. Ayurveda at Amangalla will revitalize and balance your energies, setting the course for a healthier future.

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
• Complimentary a la carte lunch for 2 persons,
  • once during stay (excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities)
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability