Fort Bazaar

Name: Fort Bazaar
Rating: 5.0

Journey back in time

Introduction
Rooms
Facilities
Reviews

A former merchant’s house turned charming boutique hotel, arranged around a lovely open-air central courtyard.

There are hotels with a rich history. And then there is Fort Bazaar, which is part of history. This enchanting bolthole sits on a narrow cobbled street, among the imposing ramparts and colonial-era buildings of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. It took 2 years to restore the former merchant’s mansion – and it paid off. A huddle of whitewashed buildings is arranged around an open-air central courtyard, scented by a riot of frangipani flowers and illuminated by glowing Moorish lamps after dark – a scattering of cushion-topped chairs are heavenly chill-out spots. While the architecture and interiors nod to its colonial past, a contemporary twist updates its 17th-century heritage – think hand-woven Sri Lankan fabrics and lots of pale wood.

Why we love Fort Bazaar

Thanks to its setting in the heart of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, it’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric heritage bolthole
You know a hotel restaurant is good when it’s a local hangout, and that’s certainly the case with buzzy Church Street Social
The beautiful shady internal courtyard is a fabulous, frangipani-scented retreat on hot days and warm evenings
It has a delightful spa with a tempting menu of treatments using all-natural products starring Ceylon tea extracts

Based on {{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews}} reviews

Our rating 4.5 stars

Best time to go Dec - Mar

Location Galle

Avg Flight time Colombo 10½ hours

Setting In Galle Fort, on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka

Transfers Approx. 1¾ hours' transfer from the airport

Interests Sustainability

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Rooms

Just 18 rooms create an intimate vibe; the 15 Bazaar Rooms are calming cocoons with pared-back, Scandi-style interiors; the latter with the added perk of a private balcony or terrace. For a slice of luxury, plump for one of the three Upper Suites – sleek dens with oodles of space and fort views, along with original features; all wood beams and pitched ceilings. For families, there are the split-level Upper Family Suites which have a mezzanine level with a couple of single beds - perfect for kids.

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Banyan Bedroom

Set around a courtyard, close to the back of the hotel, that is home to a stunning banyan tree.

air-conditioning
balcony or terrace
four-poster, king-size bed (twin bedrooms are available)
tea and coffee making facilities
minbar
television
Wi-Fi
bathroom with rainshower
35m²

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Bazaar Bedroom

Opening out onto the hotel's charming courtyard.

air-conditioning
balcony or terrace
four-poster, king-size bed (twin bedrooms are available)
tea and coffee making facilities
minbar
television
Wi-Fi
bathroom with rainshower
35m²

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Upper Suite

Spacious and beautifully designed suites with a roof terrace and views of the Galle's Church Street.

air-conditioning
balcony or terrace
four-poster, king-size bed
tea and coffee making facilities
minibar*
television
Wi-Fi
bathroom with rain shower
75m²

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Upper Family Suite

Split-level suites with a master bedroom area with four-poster bed and a mezzanine level with twin single beds.

air-conditioning
balcony or terrace
four-poster, king-size bed (twin bedrooms are available)
tea and coffee making facilities
minibar*
television
Wi-Fi
bathroom with rain shower
100m²

* Denotes local charge

Facilities

Restaurants & bars
Board
Spas & wellness
Diving & Watersports
Sustainability

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The inviting all-day café-bar-brasserie sees locals and guests mingling over morning coffee or plates of fish tagine, against the comforting hum of the streets beyond the wide-open doors.

Church Street Social
Church Street Social is a buzzy spot with a gourmet menu of traditional Moroccan, Turkish and Middle Eastern Cuisine. Linger over rustic sharing platters and feast on sizzling plates of tapas for a sociable, fun meal, followed by tasty dishes or fresh seafood.

Our pick

The stars of the menu are Sri Lankan classics such as black pork curry and the standout lagoon crab salad.

What's included

Breakfast at main restaurant.

Upgrade options

Half Board Breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant.

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The Z Spa is a peaceful, restful and revitalising retreat. There are three cool and calm single treatment rooms, two of which have steam showers. Treatments include signature massages, scrubs and wraps as well as facials, manicures, pedicures and steam sessions. There’s a spa menu but each treatment can be tailored to suit your needs. Private yoga sessions can be arranged.

This part of Sri Lanka is known for surfing; staff can organise lessons if you want to give it a try.

The building was all but derelict when restoration began, so the creation of the hotel has saved a part of Galle’s built environment. Fort Bazaar has its own water treatment plant and a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation. The natural, plant-based spa products are made in Sri Lanka and feature local oils, spices, herbs and tea extracts. Staff regularly organise and take part in clean-ups in the fort itself and on nearby beaches

Guest reviews

Average Rating

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