The Fort Bazaar, Galle

Located at the heart of the Galle Fort, the Fort Bazaar is a great example of a beautiful transformation — from a derelict 17th-century merchant’s house into a boutique hotel infused with a colonial chic and contemporary vibe.

Galle is a popular destination and features on many an itinerary of those who travel south of Colombo to some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. Occupying a small peninsula on the southwest edge of the island, the Galle Fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. Today it’s a self-contained heritage site with a special character.

Of past and present

With the address on Church Street, the Fort Bazaar not only is the ideal base from which to explore the walled town. For us, it also embodies its spirit and atmosphere.

By imbuing the carefully renovated property with modern aesthetics, the architects and designers of the hotel gave it an ambiance of relaxed luxury. The interiors expertly blend colonial and mid-century styles, with an undertone of Middle Eastern motifs. A restrained color palette adds to an elegant, cool feel.

And while the building once might have been occupied by the merchants of spice, tea, and gems, today the chambers and spaces of the place feature facilities deserving of Galle’s hippest boutique hotel.

From rooms to spa

Entering from the street, it’s difficult not to admire the lovely veranda, enclosed within the deeply recessed arches. The elegant furniture, subtle patterns, and pastel colors are harbingers of the style inside. The porch spans the length of the facade and links the coffee shop and the restaurant.

The upper floors of the mansion contain spacious suites and a pretty library, overlooking a flagstone courtyard — which is the central feature of the hotel. Flanked by two stories of guest rooms and partially capped by canopies of old trees, the yard is the main thoroughfare here, but it also serves as a venue for the Afternoon Tea — which, this being the old Ceylon, is an important part of the day.

Not only the guest rooms surround this pretty space. A 10-seater private cinema and a luxurious spa are tucked towards the far end, and a large outdoor swimming pool is being built there too, to be opened in the future.

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Galle and beyond

Awaiting exploration by the visitors of the Galle Fort are the historical churches, temples, museums and the well-preserved walls — all only steps away from the Fort Bazaar hotel. But the heritage of the place is only one part of the experience.

What makes the town literally like no other in Sri Lanka is the heavy emphasis placed on good interior design and western vibe in its countless cafés, restaurants and boutique shops. They contribute to an atmosphere that is really quite different from elsewhere on the island.

All that, combined with the unhurried pace and relaxed ambiance, makes Galle Fort a great destination for a few slow days — and the lovely Fort Bazaar makes it more tempting still.

in our opinion

Set in a tastefully restored colonial building, this small boutique hotel wows with its understated elegance and great service. It's an excellent place from which to discover and explore the colonial city of Galle.

What we love

• The Fort Bazaar is hip and chic. From considerate renovation to swanky interior design, Teardrop Hotels created a place that manages to blend modern elegance with Moorish style and colonial architecture.
• We found our room spacious and well-designed. The interior extends the themes of the main hotel areas, paying homage to the building's heritage but not compromising on comfort.
• The excellent location in the middle of the Galle Fort is second to none.
• Unobtrusive and gracious service from the friendly, courteous and always smiling staff. They greatly contribute to the intimate atmosphere of the hotel.
• The Church Street Social restaurant is said to be one of the best on the entire south coast, and its vibe is Middle Eastern, with an inventive and varied menu to match.
• We loved to take breakfasts on the beautiful front veranda. The morning menu is great: excellent egg dishes, pastries, various jams, freshly cut fruit, coffee or tea.
• Complimentary Afternoon Tea in the pretty stone-paved courtyard.

What you should know

• If you want more space book an Upper Suite. These have higher ceilings and private balconies.
• WiFi is complimentary, and generally, we had no problems with connecting (did you follow our Stories on Instagram?)
• At the time of our visit, the hotel was awaiting the alcohol license. In the meantime, it's soft drinks only. Bringing own alcohol was advised by the staff as an option.
• Also, the swimming pool was not open. It's building was put on hold, awaiting paperwork. The Unesco World Heritage status makes building anything new in Galle Fort very difficult.
• Galle is conveniently located to discover parts of the coast, including the neighboring Unawatuna, which attracts younger crowds to its popular beaches and bars. Some are open until the wee hours, offering a local flavor of nightlife.