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Amangalla
Galle

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Amangalla is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Boutique HotelsTop 10 Aman Resorts in Asia and Top 10 Hotel Spas.

Without a doubt the Grande Dame of Galle Fort, Amangalla boasts all the period charm of a bygone era. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ and the Sinhalese name for Galle, the resort stands within the UNESCO-protected fort walls at the junction of Church and Middle Street and offers commanding views of the harbour and ramparts.

The sophisticated property is an amalgamation of buildings dating back over 400 years, and as soon as you set foot in the hotel, you feel whisked back in time; the Grand Hall with its glinting chandeliers and soaring fin de siècle ceilings speaks of a golden era of colonial elegance. The buildings were originally built in 1684 as headquarters for the Dutch commandeur and his officers, and were later used as a billet for British soldiers. In 1863, the historic property opened as the Oriental Hotel, before becoming the New Oriental Hotel and trading for 140 years until 2002, when Aman acquired the property.

The accommodation is spoiling; choose between 26 bedrooms, chambers and suites, a two-bedroom Amangalla Suite or even the secluded Garden House. The latter is hidden away at the back near the tranquil swimming pool, which is just to die for. While the layout of each room varies slightly, each one offers a spacious en-suite bathroom as well as a four-poster king-size bed. Delicate features also abound, from original antiques and 300-year-old wooden floors to latticed shutters and beautiful arched windows.

The Grand Hall houses the smart dining room, which serves an array of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. If you prefer, you can dine alfresco on the veranda in the evening and enjoy breakfasts and lunches outside in the 200-year-old gardens. The bar is the ideal spot to take a seat, enjoy an evening cocktail and listen to the grand piano, or upstairs, the Sunset Balcony is a picturesque spot for sundowners with views across Galle. Outdoors, the established gardens give way to the shimmering, green-tiled 21-metre swimming pool with its palm-shaded sun loungers: bliss. At the end of the gardens are Amangalla's Baths with hydrotherapy pools and one of the best spas in Sri Lanka, offering treatments drawing on Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Providing a truly luxurious experience, Amangalla emanates sophistication and old-world charm and is the perfect base for exploring the historic town of Galle.

>> Read our blog: New Year's Eve at Amangalla

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To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

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