This Iconic Hotel Reopens Inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site

With tourism on the road to revival, the quest for unique holidays and stays has taken the front seat. And if you’re planning to travel to Sri Lanka and looking for an offbeat stay then this heritage hotel is the ideal escape.

Sri Lanka’s most iconic heritage hotel — the Galle Fort — has reopened after two years of extensive restoration process. Apart from the history and heritage elements attached to the property’s hat makes it unique is its location. It is situated inside the Unesco World Heritage Site — the Galle Fort. This luxury boutique hotel finds its home inside a Dutch mansion that dates back to 300 years. Before serving as a hotel, it donned many hats, including a warehouse, residence of a renowned family of gem merchants, the Royal Air Force barracks as well as a cricket pitch. The building’s three centuries old walls and facade have been conserved as authentically as possible with the heritage restoration conducted in line with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Archeology.  

With history and culture surrounding the outpost, the restored property features 11 suites, each with varying themes and decor, including looks inspired by the Dutch East India Company, illustrations of a Dutch botanist as well as Chinese inspired decor. One can also spot antiques across the property and the suites. One of the highlights at the property is the Palladian colonnade verandah.