We had spent an idyllic few days at Kumu Beach, one of the sister properties in the Teardrop Hotels portfolio of stylish boutique hotels and tea bungalows. Now it was off to explore Galle, undoubtedly one of the gems of Sri Lanka, and a place that every visitor should have on their itinerary.
It’s a short hop to there further down the coast and we had discovered that Ubers were incredibly easy and plentiful so the hour-long journey was straightforward and pleasant.
The trip takes you through the tropical forests of Sri Lanka and along the south coast, past the famous cricket ground and into Galle Fort – a major trading centre over the last few hundred years for the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and Sri Lankans in that order. Galle Fort is a World Heritage site, and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
The Elegant Fort Bazaar
The Fort Bazaar was originally an old Dutch colonial building in the heart of Galle Fort. It was a merchant’s house dating back to the 1800s and was transformed into the hotel it is today in 2015. The aim was to reflect the history and heritage of the Fort in the design of the hotel, married with contemporary style and touches.
As we got out of our taxi we noticed the Lloyds of London agency next door with a board still showing the ship arrivals and departures from the heyday of British trade in the 1920’s. History is all around and we were already drawn in, this promised to be an exciting place.
First impressions matched our expectations as we heard wonderful swing and blues music drifting into the street. A few steps from the taxi stop and under the arched terraces, where a few guests were enjoying a cooling drink, we were into the cool interior of the hotel and were offered a welcome drink in the air-conditioned luxury of the bar. After the drink, it’s through the courtyard past the mid-century armchairs and upstairs to our extremely large suite complete with a balcony. There we stood and watched the bustle of Church Street, taking in the view of the fort ramparts and the bay of Galle in the distance.
Our first-floor suite led from an entrance hall with dark wooden floors and pale green hues set off against white walls, in a large bathroom with roll top bath and large shower. Then into our bedroom with its white painted rafters, pale furnishings and vibrant splashes of colours in cushions and throws.
The focus here is urban, colonial-style elegance. From the open courtyard where rows of tiny fairy lights glittered in the dusk to the stylish bar with its bar top made of reconstituted rafters from the original building. The room spills out to an outdoor terrace where you can sip a Gin and Tonic to the strains of Edith Piaf and Nina Simone and as the evening cools down it’s a short walk to the many and varied shops and restaurants in the Fort streets.
Experiences
For our first morning, we were up before the heat of the day set in, taking the option of a walking tour led by a local archaeologist and arranged by the hotel. It was fascinating to see the varied architecture of the four nations which have made their mark here, with churches and temples of all denominations, plus of course the famous Galle Fort Lighthouse. From the ramparts, you can see long stretches of golden beach, and glimpse the Galle test cricket ground rebuilt after the 2004 tsunami with donations from Harrow School in the UK among others.
From the past to the present, one of the great charms of the Fort is that it’s very much a working town and the hustle and bustle adds so much to its charm. As we walked through the streets small children were rushing down the streets towards school, desperately trying not to be late as the school bells rang.
Back for breakfast in the hotel with a range of eggs cooked how you like them and accompanied by Western or Sri Lankan food, excellent tea or coffee and tasty local fruit and fruit juices. The day is then yours to visit the nearby beach, do some surfing or simply wander through the narrow cobbled streets and browse the fabric, clothing, antique, home interiors and art stores offering a varied selection. It’s a lovely place to shop, and I happily did.
If all that sounds like too much hard work, the hotel has its own spa with a range of relaxing and soothing treatments for mind and body.
The Food Offering
The Fort Bazaar offers complimentary tea and cakes on the terrace or vestibule in the afternoon, quickly followed by generous cocktails in the bar or on the terrace come early evening – a favourite spot to sit and watch the world go by.
We enjoyed eating at the hotel restaurant, Church Street Social is Galle Fort’s open to both in-house guests and locals with a convivial, atmospheric vibe. The setting is contemporary with Moorish floor tiles, arched doorways, ambient jazz music and lofty ceilings with fans to keep it breezy. You can choose from Sri Lankan, International, and Asian dining options with ingredients sourced from nearby vendors and fish markets washed down with a selection of local and international wines, beers and spirits. I loved my mud crab curry, complemented with a portion of stir-fried long beans and the requisite Lion lager.
The Best of Sri Lankan Hospitality
Throughout our visit all the staff at Fort Bazaar were wonderfully friendly and attentive, showing the hospitality that is so much part of your Sri Lankan experience. Galle is a must-go place on any Sri Lankan itinerary and Fort Bazaar is the perfect place to spend a few days in. It’s also perfectly positioned between Colombo in the north and the beautiful beaches and national parks in the south. Really, what’s not to like?
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All imagery courtesy of Fort Bazaar Galle.