Fleewinter
30 Bedrooms, Sleeps 60
Swimming Pool
Spa
Air Conditioning
Library
"Step back in time at Amangalla, this grand old lady of Galle Fort. With its historic background and beautiful refit it surely is the jewel in the crown. From the moment you arrive to when its sadly time to depart you are surrounded by a peaceful old world ambience. The rooms and common areas are spacious and elegantly furnished with dutch colonial antiques, many retained from the original hotel. Take time to wander the corridors with it original artwork and photographs depicting "those days" to have a sense of what life was like in her early years." MT 2013
"In the 80s as a 'traveller' I sat on the verandah of the New Oriental Hotel enjoying the colonial charm and a cool drink. How special it was to return in 2013 and stay as a guest in Amangalla. The hotel has lost none of its charm and heritage - in fact it has been enhanced by a very thoughtful renewal by Aman Resorts. The verandah is still the place to be in the afternoon - enjoying the cool, a drink, afternoon tea - timeless.
We stayed in a garden room at the rear of the hotel. Our room was beautifully furnished with dutch colonial furniture and had a shady verandah overlooking the garden towards the pool." TA - 2013
The amalgamation of buildings that house Amangalla have been painstakingly restored from former use as the headquarters for the Dutch commander, home to a billet of British soldiers and from 1865 the New Oriental Hotel. One of twelve hotels in the Fort at that time the New Oriental traded for 140 years. Most of the original features and antique furniture have been retained and restored with 300 year old teak floorboards in the suites.
There are four categories of accommodation at Amangalla.
Bedrooms: There are seven bedrooms with views overlooking either the garden or the nearby historic Groote Kerk (Great Church). The bedroom and separate bathroom are similar in size with four-poster king-size bed, writing desk, pettagama chest, original polished jackwood floors, twin basins and free-standing baths.
Chambers: Six chambers are located within the Church Street Wing and face the Fort ramparts. An entrance leads into the open plan room, featuring first the bathroom, followed by the bedroom and a separate sitting area.
Suites: There are eight spacious Suites featuring 300 year old polished teak floorboards. An entry hall leads to separate bedroom and lounge area with the bathroom adjacent to the entry hall.
The Garden House: This two storey house is essentially a private villa set within the hotels grounds. It has one bedroom, bathroom, a sitting room, small pantry, day bed, veranda and private balcony offering leafy, treetop views. The original antique furniture of the house has been restored.
The Zaal - the Great Hall - is the main communal area, with dinning at the far end and a relaxed lounge area at the other. In the evening guests are entertained by a pianist playing the huge grand piano proudly situated in the centre of the hall. Guests also have the option to eat and drink on the outside verandah which faces a tree lined street and the Fort's ramparts. Light meals are available on the verandah all day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room.
For dinner there is a choice between a traditional Sri Lankan menu or western dishes which can best be described as fusion cooking. Excellent seafood features heavily and we enjoyed an outstanding crab curry and monkfish served with a tomato salsa on a bed of spring onion mashed potatoes.
Amangalla's 21m by 10.5m pool is a marvel considering the hotel is located in the Fort where space is at a premium. It's cool contemporary appearance blends harmoniously with the hotels historic fa?ade, thanks to complimentary walkways, a modern spa and library. Poolside service is provided and a variety of light meals and snacks are available.
Some may initially feel a little on edge in the sumptuous and ultra luxurious surroundings of Amangalla, but with an emphasis on relaxation and service this is sure to dissipate quickly.
We wouldn't recommend too long a stay in the Fort with its city like hustle and bustle. Instead, why not opt for three nights at Amangalla and then head out to Amanwella on the beachfront for a further four days. Aman provide a Fort & Beach package to facilitate this.
Children of all ages are welcome and Amangalla offers a complimentary babysitting service.