Sri Lanka 2015. Contributed by Jens Hoffmann.
We landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo International Airport ).
It is named after the former Prime Minister Bandaranaike and is one of the busiest hub airports in South Asia.
The airport began as a Royal Air Force airfield in 1944 during the Second World War and is located in Negombo (which was in former times a top tourist spot).
We took a train to Galle to the lovely Fortress Resort & Spa.
It really looks like an amazing fort and was opened in the year 2007.
It is overlooking the beach and set in a walled garden with and lush planting, The Fortress Hotel has stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Styled after the Dutch Fort in Galle, this tranquil haven has an Ayurveda spa, suites with private pools, a restaurant 240 persons in the kitchen serving international and great Sri Lankan cuisine.
The spacious rooms at The Fortress Hotel have huge beds and a private courtyard.
Suites provide 24-hour butler service and private plunge pools. Head to the inner sanctum of the spa where sublime water therapies take you into a world of cosy Ayurveda treatments and relaxation.
The hotel has a yoga pavilion and a free-flowing pool.
It is nearby (around 20km) to the town of Galle, where you will find Dutch colonial architecture and the fort. Return to The Fortress Hotel for dinner in the Pepper restaurant and watch your meal being prepared in the show kitchen. We enjoyed a perfect Valentines dinner with amazing lobbster and nice french wine.
This striking, modern resort combines elements of colonial Dutch and Portuguese designs, mixed with Sri Lankan styles to create a unique luxury property reminiscent of Galle’s famous Dutch Fort. The Spa Naturel is popular for their signature treatments, combined with healing Ayurvedic therapies. You can work out in the gym, or reach a Zen state of mind in the yoga pavilion. Explore the locale by tuk tuk – a must for anyone visiting this beautiful island, or laze by the huge infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Close to the fortified city of Galle, The Fortress echoes its strong architecture with immense gates, white washed walls and extensive courtyard. The courtyard is the focal point of the resort, with many people enjoying the cooler air and pretty gardens found within. Here you’ll also find the spa, famed for its range of Ayurvedic treatments and water therapies.
When it comes to dining, there are two restaurants to choose from, one specialising in innovative Sri Lankan cuisine, whilst the other offers informal al fresco dining overlooking the beach. For a special occasion, Duo is a romantic fine dining venue, where the walls are floor to ceiling wine racks. There are also two lounges, one specialising in local tea, the other offering cocktails, including some infused with tea.
Fortress Rooms have an enclosed courtyard. If you’re looking for amazing views, opt for an Ocean Room or a Beach Room. Beach Rooms are on the ground floor so also have direct access to the pool and beach area. Rooms are spacious and modern and some even come with a private plunge pool, perfect for couples.
Travelling along the coastal road by tuk tuk, we turn off the road to be faced by the two huge wooden doors of The Fortress. As they open they reveal one of the best views from our entire Sri Lanka tour; through the open plan luxury boutique reception. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
