We discovered Amangalla, steeped in history and colonial in style, that sits majestically within the ramparts of the 17th century Galle Fort, at the very heart and offers a base from which to explore the historic Galle Fort whose sturdy ramparts look out to sea and a growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants

 

Like Raffles in Singapore, Amangalla is a living part of the Fort's daily activity and its rich legacy, the narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings still in use.  Historic Galle Fort is, therefore, Aman Resorts’ compelling experience of Sri Lanka's south coast.

 

Here surrounded by the history of an UNESCO world heritage site, we experienced an Amangalla reborn. The restored hotel exudes an air of grandeur married with the tradition of days gone-by, amidst the vaulting spaces of its colonial Dutch interiors and its cool and beckoning pillared verandahs.

 

When we first saw the New Orient Hotel in 1998 it was totally dilapidated. It was known for having the largest most spacious rooms of any hotel in Sri Lanka. What a total contrast the new Amangalla is to the old Orient Hotel after its multi million dollar refurbishment. All the rooms are as spacious as before and are now luxuriously appointed with a four-poster king-size bed, writing desk, dining table, planters chair, wardrobe, pettagama chest and other antiques or careful reproductions all set on the original 300 year old polished teak wood floors. The spacious bathrooms feature a free standing tub, twin vanities and a separate shower and toilet.  

 

Accommodation: Seven bedrooms are located adjacent to Amangalla’s reception, on the ground level of the Middle Street Wing. Views are either overlooking the garden or the nearby historic Groote Kerk (Great Church).

 

Six chambers like the ones we stayed in and which we photographed, are located within the Church Street Wing and face the Fort ramparts. The entrance leads into the open plan room, featuring first the bathroom, followed by the bedroom and a separate sitting area.

 

There are eight Suites. Six are located in the Church Street Wing and two in the Middle Street Wing. The Suites look onto para trees, the ramparts of the Fort and the harbour, or the mature well-tended tropical gardens.

 

The Garden House is situated within the resort gardens. This two-storey, 140 square metre house features a private terrace and balcony offering leafy, treetop views. Unfortunately, it was occupied on the day we were at Amangalla and we cannot offer you our own images of the interior

 

Food and dining in The Zaal - the Great Hall - as it was known in Dutch times. It also serves as the entry point to the resort and has a wonderful colonial feel with high ceilings, overhead fans and chandeliers. There is relaxed seating within as well as on the verandah facing the tree-lined street front. Adjacent is The Dining Room that provides an intimate setting for dining with a colonial accent. The Dining Room is furnished with period chairs and tables, crisp white linen and antique silverware, with many of the original pieces being returned to their rightful place in this room.

 

The spa set within the lower level of the Middle Street building is one of the delights of Amangalla. Entry is to a reception hall that is flanked on one side by a long ascending arched corridor leading to five treatment rooms. There is a small relaxation area at the entrance to each of the rooms. On the other side of the reception hall are the female and male locker rooms and bath areas. Each contains a small number of lockers and a dressing area leading to a hydrotherapy and water massage pool, sauna, steam and cold plunge pool.

 

The swimming pool is centred within the resort's gardens and measure and is bordered by a terrace containing five shaded cabanas and a series of sun lounges.

 

Although Amangalla has no beach front front you can easily explore some of the fine beaches in the area, including Wijeya, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa. In fact, just 2 hours drive to the East is the beach resort of Amanwella, also owned by Aman Resorts in a stunning tranquil setting. We left Amangalla to stay at Amanwella on Sunday 21 January 2009