Overview
The Fortress is a newly opened hotel near Galle taking its inspiration and style from the ancient Dutch Fort, but translating it into the 21st century. Set near the picturesque Lake Koggala.
The Fortress' design and luxury is a a cut above all hotels in Sri Lanka despite its having no true heritage in the building itself. It is hard not to arrive or depart this residence without the words "wow" not passing one's lips.
The 47 guest rooms are available in 5 different styles, all finished and furnished to the same high degree of luxury. You may choose your view to gaze beyond the golden beach onto the Indian Ocean, or the nearer perspective of the magnificent gardens and water features.
The gardens are beautifully landscaped and scattered with daybeds and hammocks for real relaxation - perhaps after you have refreshed yourself in the pool or yoga pavillion or punished yourself in the well equipped gym.
Throughout the hotel you will enjoy a touch of funky flair from brightly coloured "egg" chairs to suspended armchairs floating between neon lights.
The magnificence of the hotel photographically is echoed in the breezy spacious lobbies and verandahs and yet there is a real sense of intimacy and privacy when you take to one of the sunken seating areas or the sun loungers facing the ocean. Modernity never overpowers style and the large infinity pool has the most tranquil setting by night and transforms into a magical sparkling pool .
A nearby watersports centre offers scuba diving with PADI certified staff, or for more soporific leisure the Sen Spa will soothe away any executive stress you may have brought with you.
Dining is very much your own choice of venue and style; from woodfired seafood pizza in the lush gardens to 24hr in room dining. Dine by the pool, in secluded areas of the garden or on the beach - you have only to state your desire.
To help you to enjoy some of the culture of Sri Lanka, there is an art gallery, a Sri Lankan Dilmah Tea Room and a boutique intertwined among the gardens and water features.When you wish to explore beyond your peaceful cocoon, all the history and cosmopolitan buzz that is Galle Fort is on your doorstep.
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Rooms
All rooms feature enormous 7ft by 7ft beds, large bathrooms of superb modern design, plasma screen TV and DVD players with surround sound, IDD telephone, fans and air conditioning, safes and espresso machines. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available.
Fortress Rooms (11 ) have high ceilings and multi layered floors. The open plan bathrooms have a rainfall shower and bath. Bi-fold doors open the rooms on to your own courtyard or garden balcony.
Beach Rooms (12) are located on the ground floor with views into the gardens, beach and Indian Ocean. Highlights of these rooms include the open plan bathroom with jacuzzi bath and split level living area.
Ocean Rooms (18) these are similar to the Beach Rooms but located on the upper floor and feature high vaulted ceilings. Enjoy the magnificent views.
Ocean Lofts (6) these split level rooms create a one- of- a- kind experience on each floor. Enter an oversized living room with indoor plunge pool and day bed. Step up to the bedroom floor to another day bed and the huge designer bed and on into a stunning bathroom with both rainfall and wall showers.
Fortress Residences (2) are the ultimate in sensual living spaces. On the upper floor of the hotel each features two bedrooms and bathrooms, a separate living area, entertainment area and outdoor dining deck.
A private infinity pool blends into the magnificent coastal views. Guests staying in this accommodation are pampered by a personal 24hr butler service.
Dining
All tastes are catered for by an enthusiastic and talented team of chefs, from light flavoursome international cuisine to authentic Sri Lankan dishes.Find all of these in Pepper, the central dining room of The Fortress.
A wood fired pizza oven set in the lush Fortress gardens will cater for many a younger appetite, or lunch time snack.
Fine dining can be where you wish, in Pepper, in the gardens, the beach, poolside or in suite.
A futuristic bar and glass cave called wine3 presents an enviable array of wines from both the old world and new world.
The Sea Lounge, a poolside bar, offers interesting cocktails in a sublime evening setting amidst glistening lights and a starry night sky and T, the Sri Lankan tea room, reminds you how tea used to taste before we all succumbed to the ubiquitous tea bag.
Things to do & local tips
Koggala is about 20 mins east of Galle and has a charming community spirit. Fisherman and villagers embrace tourists. It enjoys quiet beaches which are frequented predominantly by fishermen, boat catchers and stilt fishermen, but they tend to work in opposite time zones to the tourists and are most respectful in terms of noise and friendliness.
The hotel has a host of facilities suitable for R&R, diving enthusiasts , cultural excursions and the romancing of couples on honeymoon. Their central courtyard makes a superb setting for wedding.
Sen Spa has a fully equipped gym and is under the wing of world renowned Per Aquum .
The Yoga pavillion is available for solo practices or lessons are held morning or evening to spring you out of your sunbathing slump.
Swimming pool, water sports centre and Scuba diving are all available at the hotel or very closeby. Diving for reefs and wrecks are your choice.
The hotel has an extensive library and boutique to keep any book worm or shopoholic amused. Galle's buzzing fort has even more shops to explore.
Bicycles can be hired to wander through the local villages or to visit the nearby temple in the lake. Jump onto a boat to reach the bird sanctuary.
Golf can be arranged but is a good 3-4 hours drive away.
Weddings can be arranged in the nearby chapel or a civil ceremony in the hotel grounds.
Turtle hatcheries are spread along the coast but the best centres offer viewing of a range of eggs and turtle ages plus arranged outings to watch the turtles bury the eggs by night
Weddings at The Fortress
This venue can be a superb backdrop to a stylish wedding. The attention to detail and privacy is second to none and teh hotel have developed a number of wedding packages to give you an idea of costs.