Amangalla, Matara

Amangalla provides a tranquil and period styled base from which to explore the fascinating culture and tumultuous history of Galle Fort and Galle, the capital of the Southern Province. Galle is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings and polished gems. Persians, Arabs, Chinese, Malays, South Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and English appear to have stamped their mark on Galle, deeming this historical and multi-cultured melting pot one of the world’s remaining historical treasures.

LOCATION

Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is located about 30km north of the city. Travel time between the airport and the city centre is approximately ½ hour. The car transfer from BIA to Amangalla varies between 2 and 2½ hours.

Cinnamon Air runs a daily Airtaxi service from BIA to Koggala airstrip, a 25-minute drive from Amangalla. The flight time is 45 minutes. Amangalla will arrange complimentary transfers to and from Koggala by road. Helicopter transfers to Amangalla are available through Deccan Aviation. The helicopter takes a maximum of four passengers with a baggage allowance of 20kg per person.

ROOMS & SUITES 

Nine 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 twin or king-size four-poster bed, writing desk, dining table, pettagama chest – all set within the original polished jack-wood floors.  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 but are otherwise similar to the those located adjacent to Amangalla's reception.

Ten 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.  Another four Garden Wing Chambers, three with balconies and one with a twin porch, all overlooking the treetops of the resort garden. 

Seven suites look onto Para-rubber 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. This furniture is either a property original or careful reproduction.

The garden house situated within the resort gardens, this two-storey house features a private terrace and balcony offering leafy, treetop views. The original, antique furniture of the house has been restored. Double doors lead to the bedroom, furnished with a king-size four-poster bed, writing table and dressing cabinet. 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 Amangalla Suite is ideal for families as it offers two separate bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and lounging areas, and a living room. The suite is accessed via a small atrium, which opens onto the first bedroom and the living room, through which the master bedroom is reached. Situated above the resort’s spa, the suite features large shuttered windows which overlook peaceful Middle Street from the first bedroom, and the resort’s peaceful gardens from the master bedroom. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Amangalla’s history is born out of the early Dutch colonial period, and is located right in the heart of the preserved Dutch fort, offering guests a memorable and appropriately stylish stay in architectural splendour. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff.

Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.