Where to stay
We are delighted to be partnering with some of the area’s top hotels, many of which are kindly hosting our visiting authors, as well as providing the venues for our intimate lunch and dinner events.
Set within UNESCO-listed Galle Fort — where much of our Galle Literary Festival takes place — and dotted along the coast and Galle’s verdant interior, these are brilliant places to stay if you’re coming from out of town for the Festival. Read on for a flavour of each hotel or villa:
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.
The Merchant, in the heart of the action on the Fort’s bustling Pedlar Street, has 14 rooms clustered above a cobbled courtyard, as well as a three-bedroom villa just nearby. Interiors are fresh and contemporary, with high ceilings, a soothing cream palette and lots of natural textures. Sip cocktails at the bar or dine on Sri Lankan specialities in the courtyard restaurant. The villa is fantastic for families.
The Charleston, which opened in late 2023, is a striking Art Deco property on Lighthouse Street in Galle Fort. Once a merchant’s home and now a nine-bedroom boutique hotel with a hip bar, it’s a top spot for trendy design aficionados. Pick a perch at Charlie’s Bar for cocktails before heading out to explore.
Fort Bazaar is a chic, 18-bedroom hotel fusing contemporary style with nods to the building’s past as a 17th-century Fort merchant’s residence. Feast on Asian fusion food at trendy Church Street Social before retreating to spacious, earthy-toned rooms with modern four-posters and big bathtubs in the candlelit courtyard.
Experience the essence of colonial luxury at Elliot House, nestled in the heart of Galle. Our villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering an exclusive escape into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Elliot house provides an unforgettable journey of indulgence and Serenity!
Galle Fort Hotel is a heritage aficionado’s dream, with eleven grand, antique-filled suites reflecting the building’s long history through displays of 19th-century porcelain and homages to famous travellers. Savour delicious dishes after cracking cocktails at The Ropewalk. It’s also one of the few hotels in Galle Fort with a swimming pool — and a particularly beautiful one at that.
The Sun House is a charming terracotta-roofed villa set atop Lady Hill, overlooking Galle Town and the Fort. Built by a Scottish spice merchant in the 1860s, the house has been recently refurbished and now offers eight comfortable rooms and suites, as well as an inviting, leaf-framed swimming pool. A characterful base for those looking to explore Galle on foot.
The Chatham Collection has four refined properties in Galle Fort and on Habaraduwa beach. Two of the villas will be hosting our authors, but 3-bedroom beach villas Ahasa and Sulanga, both designed by Channa Daswatte, are fabulous for families or groups of friends looking to unwind in sophisticated surroundings. Think light, airy spaces with contemporary elements and antiques from Hong Kong, where the owners have long been based.
Skinny Beach House gets its name from its narrow plot of land, cleverly utilised to make the most of splendid ocean views from two floors. Close to the tranquil lagoon of Dalawella beach, this modern two-bedroom villa is a brilliant base for families or friends, who can kick back in the sea-facing sitting room, sink into the plunge pool on the deck, or catch orange and pink sunsets from the upstairs balcony.
Sielen Diva, a striking modernist villa in Thalpe, comprises seven rooms and suites, each with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Think big bathrooms, a games room, soothing in-room spa treatments, delicious food cooked by in-house chefs and superb sunrise and sunset strolls on the beach. A residents-only escape, ensuring total privacy and customised service.
Ishq Talpe is a family-owned, bespoke luxury villa on the quiet Talpe coastline. This beautiful five-bedroom villa was designed by renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith in the 1990s, and later renovated under the guidance of award-winning architect Philip Weeraratne. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and the comforts of a boutique hotel. Expect high ceilings, airy spaces, king-sized beds for deep slumbers, and low-slung chairs for sunbathing by the courtyard pool. Therapeutic evening massages on the lawn and lazy swims are perfect for taking in gorgeous sunsets.
Why House, nestled among lush gardens in Mihiripenna, close to Dalawella beach, is a favourite with returning guests of all ages. Famed for its warm hospitality, this ten-bedroom hotel has fabulous interiors with bold prints and huge bathrooms, as well as an excellent restaurant-bar serving cold gin & tonics and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Little ones will adore the big swimming pool and leafy grounds.
Sri Mathie B&B, set on seven acres of forest inland of Habaraduwa, has a sensitively restored antique villa at its heart. Built in 1910, the charming house is home to welcoming hosts Guy and Mary, who also run an organic farm from the property. Book one of the characterful rooms, or kick back in a cottage on the grounds. Guests share access to the jungle-fringed swimming pool, and can enjoy breakfasts featuring fresh eggs.
Ginigala House has a wonderfully easy-going feel. Hidden in leafy gardens near Heenatigala, this century-old house has been carefully restored to offer three comfortable guest rooms, each with draped four-poster beds. The first-floor suite with clawfoot tub is particularly special, but all rooms promise verdant views. Unwind on the terrace, savour cracking cuisine from the in-house chef, or take refreshing dips in the jungle-framed pool.
Pooja Kanda, a five-bedroom villa with beautiful hilltop views, sits close to Koggala. A tranquil private hideaway for families or groups of friends, this airy, white-painted house has characterful interiors with big four-poster beds, a colonnaded verandah and inviting seating areas. Sink into the infinity pool, enjoy delicious food, or venture to the golden beaches of the coast, just 10 minutes away.
Tanty’s Hostel is a friendly base for backpackers, with simple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a shared space for socialising. Set in Dewata, the hostel is just two minutes’ walk from buzzy Bonavista beach, perfect for keen surfers looking to hone their skills – and a short drive from Galle Fort.