Fort Bazaar, Fort, Galle

Galle Fort, a 17th century UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, welcomed Fort Bazaar in January 2016. Set amidst aging coral walls on historic Church Street – an atmospheric central thoroughfare – this stunning boutique hotel in Galle is home to 18 stylish rooms and suites, all with ensuite bathrooms, a buzzy restaurant and bar, a library, a spa and a superb swimming pool (which opened late 2024).

Fort Bazaar is fresh and contemporary, and its chic understated interiors feel distinctly Middle Eastern, as does its fabulous cuisine, both of which richly reflect the fort’s Moorish history. The hotel’s 15 ‘Bazaar’ and ‘Banyan’ bedrooms open onto a central courtyard flanked by cushioned alfresco seating and the three incredibly spacious ‘Upper Suites’ boast balconies with views over the fort’s red-tiled rooftops.

Fort Bazaar also entices Galle Fort day-trippers with the promise of vibrant cocktails and a gourmet restaurant plus regular live music soirees during the summer months. Galle Fort’s sights and attractions are on its doorstep, as is Galle’s famed international test cricket ground, while the region’s sandy beaches are in easy reach.