Amangalla, Galle Fort had always been on our wish list. So when our journey in Sri Lanka led us to the island’s southern coastline—after meandering through the tea-clad hills and the wilderness of Yala—there was no hesitation: Amangalla, Aman’s storied city hotel, awaited.
Alternatively, book Amangalla via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
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All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
“Located in one of the grandest townhouses in the heart of the Galle Fort, Amangalla is part of the fabric of a heritage destination in Sri Lanka, offering a tranquil and carefree time for anyone looking to soak up the Fort’s legendary atmosphere in luxury.”
— From our review of Amangalla
Arriving at 10 Church Street, the building’s stately façade gave us a glimpse of what lay within. Initially, the property was the Dutch commanders’ headquarters, then it became the New Oriental Hotel, hosting the elites visiting Ceylon. Today, Aman Resorts has reimagined the place into Amangalla, with high ceilings, teak floors, and the gentle whir of ceiling fans. Every corner here seems to hold a story, as though the centuries are still whispering through the walls.
And our suite embodied Amangalla’s unique spirit. We had an antique four-poster bed, original floors dating back three centuries, and grand shuttered windows framing views of the fort. The suite was equipped with modern indulgences, too: from deep bathtubs to elegant details that made the space feel personalized.
“Aman resorts are always quietly glamorous, but this hotel has the additional layer of history, harking back to the heyday of the steamship travel and the European colonial expansion. With a decor of antique colonial furniture, including four-poster beds and 300-year-old floors, the hotel enchants with a unique ambiance.”
— From our review of Amangalla
From the very first moment, the service felt quintessentially Aman: discreet, intuitive, and warm. Whether arranging a sunset drink, suggesting the perfect table for breakfast, or guiding us to the quiet library for an afternoon read, the team seemed to anticipate every step of our stay.
Days quickly slipped into a gentle rhythm. Mornings began with swims in the 21-meter pool, shaded by palms and surrounded by lush gardens. Afternoons were for languid hours on sunbeds, followed by indulgent spa rituals. With candlelit treatment rooms and hydrotherapy pools, the spa felt like a sanctuary within a sanctuary.
“Culinary moments: don’t miss the High Tea served on the front verandah”— From our review of Amangalla
Meals were a highlight throughout our stay. Breakfasts brimmed with local flavors—spicy omelets, egg hoppers, fresh tropical fruit. Evenings brought fragrant Sri Lankan curries and the chef’s specialties. But it was High Tea on the verandah that captured our hearts: delicate pastries, fragrant Ceylon tea, and the gentle hum of Galle life drifting past. In the heart of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, Amangalla invites guests to slow down and soak in the old-world atmosphere, also through its culinary traditions.
“A charming, sleepy atmosphere sets Galle apart from other destinations in Sri Lanka. The town is full of historic churches, temples, museums — but also stylish cafés and boutiques. Striving to preserve the colonial origins, all the establishments here invest in good interior design and maintain the European vibe.”
— From our review of Amangalla
One of Amangalla’s most delightful surprises was its in-house museum—a collection of photos, antiques, and keepsakes from the building’s past. It felt like a private glimpse into history, a reminder that this is not just a hotel, but a living landmark.
Galle Fort itself is a destination unlike any other in Sri Lanka. We spent hours wandering cobbled streets, pausing at colonial churches, browsing boutiques, and lingering in cafés that felt as much like galleries as they did coffee shops. The pace here is unhurried, encouraging you to slow down and absorb the atmosphere.
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Amangalla Galle Fort is a place where history and elegance meet in perfect balance. Whether sipping tea on the verandah, floating in the pool, or strolling through Galle’s enchanting streets, every moment felt steeped in character and calm. For us, it was the perfect pause on our Sri Lankan journey, a stay that lingers in memory long after leaving.
Pro tip: A good idea is to combine a stay at Amangalla with its sister property Amanwella (don’t miss our Amanwella review). In contrast to Amangalla’s heritage colonial city experience, Amanwella is a secluded beachfront resort set in a modernist style.
Alternatively, book Amangalla via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
*All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
*This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 22/08/2025
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