Amangalla
Galle, Sri Lanka
Meet Pete
22 Asia visits
5 cooking lessons
8 boat trips
Why we love it
The colonial-style Amangalla offers its guests the most refined accommodation in Galle. It consists of a collection of buildings dating back over 400 years, once used as an HQ for a Dutch commander and his officers in the 17th Century and later as a billet for British soldiers. As a hotel, it offers excellent old-world luxury, superb food, arguably the best spa on the island and exceptional service.
Outside the hotel there are numerous sights and activities to explore. Right on your doorstep is the UNESCO World
Heritage site of Galle Fort, whose treasure trove of colonial antiquities, shops and cafes are all easily explored on foot, either on your own or with an informative local guide provided by Amangalla. There are also whale watching cruises, guided bike tours, jungle yoga classes from one of the most serene spots on the island and private walks through a lowland tea plantation. Amangalla can also organise cookery classes with Chef Jonathan who will take you around the Galle food markets beforehand.
Take a short stroll from the hotel to unravel the unique history of this hexagonal stone fort, revealing bustling narrow streets and the sea wall where locals gather to play cricket and fly kites.
Enjoy a cool respite from exploring in the large swimming pool, surrounded by palms and centered within the resort's established gardens.
Sail to spot blue whales off the coast between April and December. Board a restored Indonesian fishing trawler to observe these graceful giants and along the way stop for a picnic in a coconut fringed cove.
Visit the centre of Sri Lanka's mask making tradition. Families have passed this artisanal trade from generation to generation, creating the wooden masks at the heart of one of the world's most atmospheric folk rituals.
Explore the markets with a chef and have a cooking class in a private garden pavilion. Create dishes using traditional clay pots and enjoy lunch in the luxurious pool courtyard.
Scout the independent boutiques in town with an expert guide to lead you to the best hidden spots. Visit the island's top jewellers in the fort, the bustling spice and food markets of Galle town and the antiques shops dotted along the coast.
Start planning your truly bespoke itinerary by contacting one of our destination specialists.
Call +44 (0)203 137 1247
Call +1 (0) 800 635 8124
OR
Judy & Chris
We had an amazing holiday in Sri Lanka. All the hotels, transfers, trips and experiences arranged by True Travel were perfect and all the arrangements went seamlessly according to plan. Our guide and driver, Thusita, was a really nice man and so knowledgeable, going out of his way to make sure that we experienced many of the Sri Lankan foods and traditions as possible. I would recommend True Travel to anyone especially if you have not visited the country before.
Start planning your truly bespoke itinerary by contacting one of our destination specialists.
Call +44 (0)203 137 1247
Call +1 (0) 800 635 8124
OR