Accommodation on Sri Lanka’s Galle Coast

Once the residence of a Dutch Merchant, 20 Middle Street is an exquisite five-bedroom villa dating back to the 1750s. This sprawling, privately-owned villa is one of the largest residences within Galle Fort.

41 Lighthouse Street is a charming three-bedroom villa tucked away inside Galle Fort. Offering a spacious living area, beautifully designed rooms, an exquisite swimming pool and well-maintained courtyard, this villa is a much sought-after sanctuary.

Aditya is another must-have property in Sri Lanka’s increasingly impressive boutique market. This artistic hotel oozes class and style and sits on a secluded stretch of beach in Rathgama, midway between the hedonistic beach resort of Hikkaduwa and the historic old town of Galle.

Amangalla is a fabulous boutique hotel in Galle Fort seeking to offer the highest possible luxury in intimate, historic surroundings. The property is an amalgamation of buildings dating back over 400 years and offers excellent old-world luxury.

Ambalama is a stylish beach villa set on a pristine beach at Dalawella, 7km south of Galle. It has four suites situated either side of an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Enter the house across stepping-stones set over a pool which lead all the way into the cool white interior of the villa.

Quirky and stylish, Antic is a charming guesthouse that offers good value accommodation within the walls of Galle Fort.

Apa Villa is a delightful boutique hotel which overlooks a coral beach in Thalpe, a few miles south of Galle. It was named after Hans Hoefer, the founder of the Apa Guides – later to become the Insight Guides – and his photographer’s eye has ensured that this is a villa of beauty and elegance.

Auraliya has a prime position in Thalpe, the beach settlement for Galle’s well-to-do. It is ideal for families, benefiting from a lovely swimming beach guarded by a coral reef. This spacious, six-bedroom courtyard villa has a swimming pool, formal dining area and a large tropical garden.

Coco Bay, just minutes away from lively Unawatuna Bay, is a modern 12-room hotel blessed by a quieter aspect than the main beach strip. It has vibrant interiors and spaciousrooms with sea views.