The tropical island of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has a long reputation for natural beauty, historical monuments and exotic allure. To truly capture that unique combination, Amanresorts has created a four-night Fort & Beach Journey that combines the best of the rich and varied dimensions of Sri Lanka’s colorful southern coast. On this sojourn, guests can combine the discovery of 400-year-old Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home to Amangalla – with the balmy seclusion of a palm-fringed golden beach at Amanwella.
The trading port of Galle was the gateway to the Orient in the 19th century, with throngs of passengers disembarking from steamers daily and wending their way through narrow streets and exotic bazaars to what was formerly the Oriental Hotel in Galle Fort which, in its new incarnation as Amangalla, has been restored to capture the genteel ambience of the bygone era. A two-hour drive to the east, the beachfront retreat of Amanwella – set amid a mature coconut grove near the village of Tangalle with suites featuring individual plunge pools and terraces – is the perfect place to unwind with the option of day trips to visit historic rock temples or spot wildlife in Sri Lanka’s national parks.
www.amanresorts.com