Amangalla

In the historic port of Galle, Amangalla sits within the ramparts of the 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort reveals the Fort's daily activity and its rich legacy, the narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings still in use. The buildings that comprise Amangalla date back over 400 years. Collectively the buildings have been used as headquarters for the Dutch commandeur and his officers and later as a billet for British soldiers. In 1865, the buildings were combined to create the New Oriental Hotel, one of twelve hotels at the time within the fort. As the New Oriental Hotel, the property traded for 140 years. Historically, the fortified town of Galle has been a significant trading port. More than a thousand years ago it was the essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Later came the Javanese and Sumatrans, followed by Marco Polo in 1299. But it was with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 that a small foreign trading post was established. In 1589, when the Kandyans forced the Portuguese out of their Colombo fort, a Portuguese settlement commenced in earnest with a fort of palm trees and mud.

There are four categories of accommodation at Amangalla. Ten bedrooms offer views 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 four-poster king-size bed, writing desk, dining table, pettagama chest- all set within the original polished jackwood floors. The spacious bathroom offers twin vanities, free-standing tub, separate shower and toilet. Bedrooms range from 36 to 39 square metres. Six 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. There are four Garden Wing Chambers, three with balconies and one with a twin porch- all over-looking the treetops of the resort garden. Chambers range in size from 55sq m to 67sq m. The ten Suites look onto para 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 tub, twin vanities, separate toilet and shower. The bedroom has a king-size four-poster bed and arched, shuttered windows. The lounge is furnished with a chaise lounge, writing desk, dining table, planter's chair and pettagama chest. This furniture is either a property original or careful reproduction. Suites range in size from 60sq m to 80sq m. Lastly, Amangalla features The Garden House, a two-storey, 140 square metre house- with a private terrace and balcony offering treetop views- situated within the resort's gardens. The original, antique furniture of the house has been restored. At the entrance is a sitting room fitted with a chaise lounge, 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 tub, 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.

Amanresorts recommends travellers combine stays at both Amangalla and its sister property, Amanwella. Amangalla, approximately 100km south of Colombo, the capital, is the ideal starting point and provides the opportunity to explore the historic Galle fort as well as the scenic and cultural attractions of the region. From Amanwella, with its tranquil setting and abundance of swimming and sun bathing opportunities, it is a two-hour drive to Amangalla.