The suites are decorated in tasteful colonial style with glorious antiques, from Para Mara four-poster beds to pettagama chests, and high quality reproductions on polished Burma teak floorboards that shine on after 300 years. The bedrooms, chambers and suites offer a variety of views from Galle Fort itself to the hotel’s mature gardens. The bathrooms, in hardwood and white, are genteel and comfortable, with an ample armoire, twin vanities beneath large wooden mirrors, freestanding bathtubs and shower rooms. The two-storey Garden House, situated within the lush frangipani scented gardens, is filtered with natural sunlight and features a collection of the original antiques.

A large swimming pool, surrounded by palms, is centred within the resort’s established gardens; a cool respite from exploring, the pool courtyard has several wooden sun loungers and five serene shaded ambalamas, or rest pavilions. The classical hotel also offers remedial pleasures from ‘The Baths’, the resort’s relaxing, holistic, and traditionally inspired spa, which creates bespoke programmes for guests, while hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms and a cold plunge pool, provide a sanctum for whole body rejuvenation.

Bedrooms
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). The bedroom and separate bathroom are similar in size with furnishings including a four-poster twin or king-size bed, writing desk, dining table, pettagama chest – all set within the original polished jackwood floors. The spacious bathroom offers twin vanities, free-standing tub, separate shower and toilet. Three bedrooms are set within the property’s gardens. French windows and doors open onto the garden entrance of each room. The bedrooms offer a combined sitting and sleeping area with a writing desk, dining table and king-size four-poster bed. The adjoining bathroom includes twin vanities, a free-standing bathtub, shower and toilet. Bedrooms range from 36 to 39 square metres.

Chambers
Six chambers 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. The bathroom has a large shower, free-standing bathtub, and toilet. A gracious and authentic turn-of-the-century ambience is recreated with use of a four-poster king-size or twin bed arrangement, a planter’s chair, writing desk, dining table and a pettagama chest perched atop gleaming teakwood floorboards.

There are four Garden Wing chambers, three with balconies and one with a twin porch – all over-looking the treetops of the resort garden. The large room is furnished with a four-poster king-size or twin beds, planter’s chair, writing desk, dining table and pettagama chest. Featuring the same furnishings as the Chambers in the Church Street Wing, these have the addition of either antiques or reproductions which complement the highly polished timber floorboards and the shuttered windows on the balcony or porch. The separate bathroom has a freestanding bath and separate shower and toilet. Chambers range in size from 55sqm to 67sqm.

Suites
There are eight Suites, of which 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 spacious Suites feature the original polished teak floorboards dating back over 300 years. The entry hall leads to separate bedroom and lounge area. Adjacent to the entry hall is the bathroom with a free-standing tub, twin vanities, separate toilet and shower. The bedroom has a twin or king-size four-poster bed and arched, shuttered windows. The lounge is furnished with a chaise longue, writing desk, dining table, planter’s chair and pettagama chest. This furniture is either a property original or careful reproduction. Suites range in size from 60sqm to 80sqm.

The garden house
Situated within the resort gardens, this two-storey, 140 square metre house features a private terrace and balcony offering leafy, treetop views. The original, antique furniture of the house has been restored. At the entrance is a sitting room fitted with a chaise longue, armchairs and coffee table.  Double doors lead to the bedroom, furnished with a king-size four-poster bed, writing table and dressing cabinet. Adjoining this is a spacious bathroom, bathed in light from the pool garden outside. It offers twin vanities, a free-standing tub, toilet and separate shower. An internal stairway rises from the sitting room to the upper level, featuring a daybed and banquette. Other facilities include a pantry serviced by a private butler.

The Zaal – the Great Hall – as it was known in Dutch times, is 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 veranda facing the tree-lined street front. The menu provides light meals and snacks in the morning and afternoon tea is served daily. The veranda is the ideal place to escape the heat of the day, enjoy a tall drink and watch the world pass by.

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 Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides a choice of traditional Sri Lankan curry and rice and home cooked dishes.

The Baths (our name for the Spa) recapture memories of a bygone era of 'taking the waters', restoring the body and soothing the mind. THe five softly lit treatment chambers lead off a descending arched hallway. Gentlemen's and Ladies' dressing rooms lead to a hall of sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pools whose specifically placed jet massgae and stimulate the entire body. With candlelit recesses, tall ceilings and traditional archways, the hydrotherapy area is an experience in ancient indulgances.

The traditions of the past continue in the Barber Shop and Salon providing gentlemen's shaving, and manicures and pedicures sedately done from original planter chairs overlooking two hundred year old gardens. These also become a source for quiet contemplation and peace for those who wish to join daily yoga/meditation sessions in the Garden Pavilion. A stylish old-fashioned elegance complements a simple yet thoughtful healing approach focussing on individualised treatments that are effectively relaxing, distinctively powerful and specifically designed. From the Massgae to the Foot & Facial (a classic facial and pedicure combined) to the Ayurvedic Massage using herbs from the Ceylon cornucopia, chanting and sound, each treatment bestows the honest gifts of caring therapists, whose unique nurturing and instinctive passion is at the heart of The Baths.

Swimming pool

The Swimming Pool is centred within the resort’s gardens and measures 21m by 10.5m. Bordering the pool, the Pool Courtyard contains five shaded ambalamas (rest pavilions) on one side and a number of sun loungers shaded by palm trees. Poolside service is provided and a variety of light meals and snacks are available.

Library

Located beyond the reception hall is the Library with an extensive range of reference books on the history, arts, culture and communites of Sri Lanka as well as a selection of novels, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games. Two computer stations are provided for guests to access the Internet. There is also an eclectic collection of memorabilia drawn from the archives of the New Oriental Hotel, which provides an interesting perspective into the history of the buildings, the fort and the port of Galle. Complimentary afternoon tea with homemade scones, cream and jam and Ceylon tea is served on the Library Veranda.

Babysitting

Amangalla offers a complimentary babysitting service.

Village life

The villages of rural Sri Lanka have changed little with time and most of the communities lead a simple and traditional life. While the main road from Galle to Colombo can be noisy and busy, only minutes away from the traffic, the landscape unfolds to reveal beautiful tropical sights of rice paddies and coconut islands as far as the eye can see. Time seems to slow and stand still.

Temples

There are many wonderful temples here on this blessed island. Twenty minutes' drive from the Fort are Yatagala and Rhummasala. At the top of the 120 steps, the 1,200 year old Yatagala Temple is one of the oldest in the region, and is set in a beautiful valley of rice paddies and jungles hills. One of the most serene spots on the island, Yatagala is a rock temple with a beautiful image room, a 1,000 year old Bo tree and a wonderful meditation cave. Rhummasala is a brand new temple, built by the Japanese on the magical headlong across the bay from the Fort. The location has breathtaking views back to Galle and the stupa is one of beautiful Zen simplicity on a huge scale. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the temples. On a poya day (full moon) visitors can join the locals in their puja, offerings of fresh flower blooms and incense, in the late afternoon.

Tea

Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea, and within 10 minutes from Galle is the start of the low-lying tea country. There are various tea plantations carpeting the rolling hills through which visitors may wander before viewing the working factories, several still utilizing ancient machinery. Teams of smiling Tamil women work through the process of drying and producing the tea. The ideal way to conclude the visit is to enjoy a cup of tea from the plantation.

From 1 September 2007, enjoy the Ayurvedic experience at Amangalla. With facilities and service reflecting the period charm of a bygone era, Ayurveda at Amangalla will revitalise and balance your energies, setting the course for a healthier future.

Language
Sri Lanka has two national languages: Sinhala and Tamil, although English is widely spoken.

Currency
The national currency is the rupee. It is divided into 100 cents. Traveller’s cheques are easy to cash and some banks in larger towns have ATMs.

Immigration requirements
Most nationalities receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Enquiries should be directed to the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate prior to travel.

Health
The closest medical facility is in nearby Galle, while more extensive medical facilities are available in Colombo, a three-hour drive. Reasonable precautions should be taken against hepatitis A, malaria, cholera and typhoid. Drinking bottled water is often an adequate precaution against water-borne illnesses. Using an effective mosquito repellent is advised to minimise the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Guests should consult their doctor and arrange travel insurance prior to departure.