The Fortress Resort and Spa

Of the various types of rooms available at The Fortress Resort & Spa, the aptly named Fortress Room has everything you’ll need for a serene stay. With a king-size bed and sofa, as well as an elegant and expansive bathroom that features a marble tiled shower and full length mirrors, this room opens onto your own private patio or balcony – perfect to catch a moment of privacy and take in the evening sunset.

For seclusion and the utmost comfort, the in-room jacuzzi and private terrace of Beach Splash Room provides guests the level of luxury to match the splendour of the Sri Lankan sunset. With views of the garden and the Koggala beach, it is the perfect room for a honeymoon, or to simply get away from it all.

Of the two types of suite available at the Fortress the Fortress Residence Suite is the height of luxury. Located on the upper floor, this suite has views stretching out over the ocean, so take a dip in the private infinity pool and lose track of time in the serenity. With a king-sized bed, all modern amenities and beautiful design, a stay in the Fortress Residence Suite might just be the life of Riley!

The Salty Snapper outdoor restaurant in Galle is truly one-of-a-kind. Located by the beach, this fabulous all-day dining venue is perfect for those looking for a Galle seafood restaurant to unwind in as it offers direct access to the beach and provides breath-taking ocean views. Feast to your heart’s content on an enticing array of seafood delicacies, complemented by a cool drink or sweet king coconut water. For dessert, indulge in one of the homemade ice creams, including the rather unusual but completely divine ‘pol sambol’ ice cream!

Relish a cup of world-famous Ceylon tea while feasting your eyes on spectacular sea and garden views. A popular choice amongst cafes in Galle, T-Lounge at The Fortress Resort & Spa gives you the chance to not only sample premium handpicked teas, but also discover the story behind Ceylon tea, and watch a special tea making ceremony too. So unwind with friends or family over a delicious Sri Lankan teas and some delightful sweet treats.

If you fancy an evening spent in the seclusion of your room don’t think you have to compromise on exquisite cuisine. The Fortress Resort & Spa offer 24 hour in-room dining, with food available from all the dining venues, that can be enjoyed course-by-course. Head Chef Asanka Wickramasinghe has designed dynamic menus full of internationally inspired dishes, using fresh and local ingredients, so you can retreat to the privacy of your room and have the feast come to you.

The Fortress is within easy reach of many different natural sanctuaries and forests, full of the rich flora and fauna that Sri Lanka is famous for. For example, UNESCO World Heritage Site the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a haven for many different species of plant and animal, so set off down the winding paths deep into the forest and get lost in the stunning wild.

Witness the world’s largest animal in its natural habitat. Just half an hour away from the Fortress Resort & Spa is a quite fishing hamlet that has now become renowned as a top whale watching spot. The waters around the hamlet are rich in plankton which the whales are very fond of munching on, so watch as the still waters are broken by the magnificent creatures mid-lunch.

A sacred site wrapped in serenity, the Yatagala Temple offers a rewarding insight into the island’s Buddhist heritage. Within easy reach of The Fortress, this ancient rock temple dates back more than 2,000 years and is a beautiful example of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history.

Patiently standing watch out over the water and protecting the lives of those within its walls, Galle Fort stands as a testament to the varied and rich history of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. While the original structure was built by the Portuguese, it was the Dutch who expanded and improved the fort during the 17^th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among one of the most visited sites in Galle, it is well worth a visit!

Have you ever been on the beach sipping a cocktail and witnessed a bale of tiny turtles scurrying to the sea? Because at The Fortress you can do just that, and even get involved! The waters around Sri Lanka are visited by five different species of turtle every year, and The Fortress founded the ‘Relax and Release’ community project to help protect them from extinction and educate the local community in how to help them. A stay at the Fortress is not complete without a visit to the hotel’s very own turtle hatchery; between October and April, the hatchery is bubbling with anticipation of the birth of intrepid little travellers. With the hotel’s very own Turtle Ranger, guests are encouraged to pay a visit and learn more about how we can prevent their extinction.

It is undeniable that The Fortress Resort & Spa focuses on providing luxurious experiences for its guests. But behind the work ethic and world-class standards of service are standards of another kind; The Fortress is committed to being a steward of the environment, helping to ensure ecological health of the beautiful Sri Lankan wildlife on land and in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean. The team at The Fortress work hard to ensure that all activities respect local tradition and culture, and do nothing to harm the biodiverse environment. Management of water, waste and energy all ensure the hotel can be as ecologically-aware as possible, while simultaneously maintaining the tranquility synonymous with resort and spa.