A vibrant city that embraces its ancient and colonial past, Galle is made famous by its 17th century Dutch fort. The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a vibrant and bustling area with a distinctively Mediterranean feel to it and is abuzz with activity. You can spend a full day exploring its narrow streets and laneways, bustling with jewellery shops, numerous cafes, restaurants and luxurious villas. The Galle Fort Mosque, the Lighthouse, the Anglican and Dutch-reformed Churches and the Maritime Museum are some of its must-see sites.
Between the months of November to April, you have the opportunity to view the mammoth blue whale at Mirissa. The tropical rainforests at Hiyare and Kanneliya, close to Galle, provide opportunities for nature walks where you can see some of the island’s endemic flora and fauna. The golden sandy beaches along the southern coast and a number of luxurious retreats makes Galle a very popular destination for beach goers.
The lovely Fortress Resort and Spa is situated just a short 15 minutes’ drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galle Fort. Drawing inspiration from the region’s rich cultural heritage, the resort offers a wonderful blend of Dutch, Portuguese and Sri Lanka architecture. The Fortress Resort and Spa offers six distinct styles of guest rooms and residences, each with an open-plan bathroom, an oh-so comfy king-sized bed and a world-class entertainment centre.
Guests can tuck into a delectable array of international and authentic Sri Lankan flavours at two of the resort’s first-class restaurants. The Fortress Resort and Spa is also renowned for its soul-soothing spa, which offers a range of Ayurveda therapies. In addition to the glorious attractions of Galle, the resort offers a selection of day excursions to nearby wildlife havens such as the Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
What we love about The Fortress Resort and Spa
- Before your traditional Ayurveda treatment, indulge in a sublime sauna, steam or hydro-bath session
- Tuck into a sumptuous wood-fired pizza at the Pepper and Heat restaurant, they are simply scrumptious
- Take in the stunning sea or garden views of your surrounds through the floor to ceiling French windows in your suite
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