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“A painstakingly restored heritage home set in historic Galle. Chic design throughout reflects the property's Moorish roots with delicate detailing found in carefully placed tiles, mosaic cushions and pendant lamps. A luxury spa and exemplary restaurant make this the ideal retreat.”

Hotel review

One of the trendiest spots within the century-old walls of gorgeous Galle Fort, Fort Bazaar is a restored seventeenth-century merchant’s home boasting 18 smart, contemporary rooms. Set around an atmospheric cobbled courtyard, the hotel is full of little spots to tuck yourself away: whether in a candlelit garden nook, or overlooking red-tiled roofs and the gnarled boughs of an enormous banyan tree from your private terrace. Bright, spacious rooms with elegant four-poster beds and rain showers offer a soothing space to unwind after a day spent exploring the narrow streets of the Fort. Stride along the ramparts as you watch the sun slip away across the sea in the evenings and retreat to the hotel’s chic restaurant, Church Street Social, for a cracking cashew curry.

Saskia Walker
Saskia Walker Review published: 2024-09-11

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • Stroll through Galel Fort to admire heritage homes, churches, mosques and temples, along with colonial-era buildings
  • Local exploring

    • A property filled with history set within the walls of the vibrant Galle Fort, ideal for on-foot explorations
  • Romantic Break

    • A romantic base with beautiful interiors and chich contemporary guestrooms, as well as a lovely restaurant
  • Cycling

    • Take a private cycling tour through the paddy fields with Idle Bikes in nerby Mihiripenna
  • Cooking classes

    • Join the hotel chefs for a Sri Lankan cookery class, immersing yourself in the island's flavours
  • Wildlife Area

    • Spot whales on a boat trip or helicopter tour from Mirissa, along the south coast
  • Learning

  • Snorkelling

  • Other Activities

  • Local markets

  • Museums

  • Diving

  • Surfing

  • Designer Shopping

  • Birdwatching

  • Restaurant

    • Church Street Social is a lively all-day restaurant, great for a coffee, Asian fusion lunch or seafood dinner
  • Historic

    • A historic manor house, once the residence of a spice merchant and now a boutique hotel
  • Gourmet

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Designer

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Outstanding location

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Spa

  • Sea Views

  • Boutique

  • Landmark

  • Chic

  • Antiques

  • Child friendly

  • 5* Luxury

  • Views

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Contemporary

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

Facilities

  • Restaurant

    Church Street Social is a lively all-day restaurant, great for a coffee, Asian fusion lunch or seafood dinner
  • Wifi

  • Safe

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Meeting Room

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Laundry

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Suites

  • Spa

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

  • Views

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Stroll through Galel Fort to admire heritage homes, churches, mosques and temples, along with colonial-era buildings
  • Cycling

    • Take a private cycling tour through the paddy fields with Idle Bikes in nerby Mihiripenna
  • Cooking classes

    • Join the hotel chefs for a Sri Lankan cookery class, immersing yourself in the island's flavours
  • Wildlife Area

    • Spot whales on a boat trip or helicopter tour from Mirissa, along the south coast
  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Other Activities

  • Museums

  • Local markets

  • Surfing

  • Diving

  • Designer Shopping

  • Birdwatching

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Fort Bazaar

Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th-century, the sturdy ramparts and enchanting, colonial-era streets of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, is a Sri Lankan must-see. It took 11 years to restore the historic, former merchant’s mansion that now houses, Fort Bazaar, and it shows.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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