The Fortress - captured in a lap of luxury

Prasad Abu Bakr

Luxury abode: A few minutes drive from the colonial city of Galle and you are at the gates of the latest luxury abode created within the exquisite backdrop of the southern beach and the serene Koggala lake.

The hotel is styled with reference to the famous Dutch Fort of Galle which stands as a reflection of the past rulers of this Sun beaten southern city. Once inside the enclave of the gigantic hotel one will pace through many moods that bring back past memories of the Dutch and Portuguese design and architecture combined with traditional Sri Lankan motifs and concepts.

Within the giant walls is a sprawling garden with many exciting features for relaxation. The 49 rooms are mostly sensuous living spaces based on five distinct styles. Most have private courtyards and balconies with views of the well laid out courtyard and the all blue Indian ocean with its golden beaches.

The rooms fall into five categories, namely Fortress Rooms, Beach Rooms, Ocean Rooms, Ocean Lofts and Fortress Residences.

All rooms boast of 7 x 7 ft king size beds all dressed up in pure Egyptian cotton linen. An open air plan bathroom is designed with rainfall shower and bath. The state of the art entertainment system includes a plasma screen together with Bose DVD system with surround sounds.

Among other leisure facilities are a spa and ayurvedic centre, yoga pavilion, fully equipped gymnasium, a flowing swimming pool, SCUBA diving-PADI certified and offered off site, Water sports, Business centre and meeting rooms, shopping facilities, Art gallery featuring local artists, Wedding Pavilion, Turtle hatchery and DVD and CD library.

While you are staying there you may enjoy the excursions that is on offer such as a visit to the old city of Galle and its high rising Dutch Fort which is amongst some of the living world heritage cities.

Rumassala shrub forest for a nature walk, Yala National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest, Peace Pagoda and the Cultural Triangle by seaplane.

The resort serves an exclusive menu which fits into its ultra luxury image, Pepper, serves light, flavoured international and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and an all glass enclosed wine cellar offering an array of old and new world wines in store.

Heat, offers hot creations from the wood-fired pizza oven. Set within the Lush Gardens of the resort. T - offers a wide varieties of local teas of all flavours brewed to your liking. While The Sea Lounge offers a variety of tea influenced cocktails to be indulged under the evening stars and glistening lights and Destination Dinning is a novel experience to be indulged in and will be arranged in secluded areas of the lush garden or on the golden sands of the beach.

So! Whichever way you want The Fortress has opened its doors for an all indulging experience. It's a glimpse of a world of impossibilities made possible with the discerning traveller, with a mind all set to indulge and satisfy the soul.

Special Christmas theme at Galle Face Hotel

Happenings: Christmas has always been celebrated in a special way at the Galle Face Hotel and each year the theme has revolved around something very seasonal and joyful. This year the hotel has taken on the concept of "Sparkling Starz" indicating the spirit of Christmas and the starry eyed guests will wander with the many happenings at the different restaurants and venues at the hotel.

The Sea Spray will cover a sea food market, food from South Asia, a Mexican and Mediterranean fiesta, a

gala Christmas eve dinner buffet and black and gold New Year's eve dinner dance. The 1864 will carry a range of activities, starting from business lunches, sea food extravaganza with French wines, a 7-course Christmas eve dinner, a 5-course Christmas dinner, and the 1864 will wrap up the year with a stunning 7-course set menu with a live band performing.

The Verandah Restaurant takes pride in providing guests with business lunches, Thai flavoured Siam dinner buffets, Christmas eve dinner, and a range of Christmas delights.

The Cookie Hut at the Regency car park, will have exciting hampers, X'mas cakes, tartlet and pies, cakes and gateaux, puddings and toppings and a range of mouth watering goodies to tempt the taste buds.

The season will definitely put stars in every guests' eyes with their many seasonal promotions with the 31st night dinner dance at the Jubilee Room.

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