Fort Bazaar
Galle

Tucked discreetly behind a chic façade on Galle Fort’s Church Street, Fort Bazaar is a beguiling blend of heritage, style and modern Sri Lankan soul. Sitting at the heart of Galle Fort, a 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former Moorish merchant’s townhouse has been artfully reimagined by the team at Teardrop Hotels into a breezy boutique hotel that hums with understated glamour and colonial charm.

The property centres around a peaceful central courtyard that softens the tropical heat and whispers of the Fort’s storied past. There are 18 sleek rooms and suites, each with four-poster beds, muslin-draped elegance, crisp linens and white-tiled en suites, a confident blend of contemporary cool and old-world romance. High ceilings, timber-framed windows and curated touches of Middle Eastern design, nodding to Galle’s spice route legacy.

The Church Street Social, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, is something of a local star, drawing in hotel guests, Fort wanderers and discerning Galle residents alike. Expect a thoughtful menu of flavour-rich Sri Lankan curries, spiced salads, grilled seafood and Middle Eastern-inspired plates, served in a buzzy but laid-back setting.

The rooftop pool is an intimate 15-metre outdoor oasis surrounded by lush, leafy views, a perfect quiet retreat after exploring Galle Fort. There’s also a small spa for Ayurvedic rituals and jetlag-soothing massages.

The location is near pitch-perfect - step outside and you’re moments from Galle’s boutique shops, colonial churches, rampart walks and art galleries. Just a short drive away are whale watching cruises in Mirissa, surfing beaches, spice plantations and bike rides through lush inland villages. The hotel’s in-the-know team can tailor excursions, transfers and dining to suit every rhythm.

Fort Bazaar is part of Teardrop Hotels, the acclaimed collection behind Wallawwa near Colombo, Kumu Beach boutique on the coast and the idyllic Nine Skies in Ella. Each property shares the same quiet design confidence, intuitive service and commitment to Sri Lanka’s culture and craft.

It’s little wonder Fort Bazaar has caught the attention of the international press, Condé Nast Traveller calls it “a haven of cool and calm,” while The Telegraph praises its “impeccable design and standout location.”

Whether you’re on honeymoon, travelling solo or touring the island, Fort Bazaar is the perfect base to soak up Galle’s culture, cuisine and coastal charm, all wrapped up in barefoot-luxury polish and warm Sri Lankan hospitality.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson