The 12 room property on Church Street boasts a rich history dating back to 1695, a little younger than the key landmark in which it resides, the fortress of Galle, built by the Dutch East India Company in 1663. The property was once the home to one of the most prestigious gem merchant families in Asia, the Macan Markers, famed for their sapphire collection including the 182 carat “star of Bombay” now in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

The property ceased to be a private residence in the latter stages of the first half of the 20th century and post independence, (1948), it spent time, among other identities, as a bakery as well as the fort post office.

Following its restoration the hotel opened its doors in November 2004, just weeks before the Boxing Day Tsunami. In the immediate aftermath of this tragic event The Galle Fort Hotel was a centre of operations for NGOs, journalists and other organisations as well as providing support to the surviving victims.

oday the hotel is a collection of buildings from different periods, testament to its prominence through the ages and each reflecting different architectural styles.

The heritage wing, that dates to the early 18th century, houses a range of suites each with a unique character. For example the Admiral Cheng Ho Suite, or ACH as the guests refer to, commemorates the great Chinese explorer who paid several visits to Galle, the first in 1405. The Porcelain Suite has a display of antique Chinese ceramics between the bathroom and bedroom and original Dutch period 9m (30 ft) ceilings.

There are other antiques on display in the other guest rooms as well as the public areas of the hotel. These are all part and parcel of this boutique heritage hotel and add to its charm and character.

The hotel has maintained an enviable reputation for food in its short history, even with the current interest in the fort today and the increasing range of cafes and restaurants.

From its casual lunch time cafe menu and tapas bar menu to the fine dining Asian fusion set dinners, well catered for both foreign and local guests. The bar has a full range of drinks including an extensive wine and cocktail list. The restaurant and bar are open to the public daily from 12pm. The newly revamped page of the Galle Fort Hotel can be found on Facebook.

Sri Lanka has become a popular hotspot for Eid this year.

The Khaleej Times reports that although Asia, Thailand and Malaysia remain at the top of the list of tourists heading out overseas for the holy festival, countries like India and Sri Lanka are also getting some interest this year, particularly among the UAE nationals.

Mary Thomas, managing director of Bin Moosa Travel, says that mountainous areas, beaches and the backwaters in countries like Sri Lanka are proving to be an attraction for UAE nationals.

In Europe, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy are the sought-after destinations, while a considerable good amount of traffic is flocking to the US, particularly to Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

Mohammed Abdulla Al Fahim of Al Fahim Group, has said for Emiratis, the favourite destination this season is Thailand. However, expatriate tourists purchased packages for serene, majestic and economically affordable tourist hideouts like Sri Lanka and Maldives. Other popular places, he said, are in Europe.

Source: The Khaleej Times

Preparations have been made to bring 23 contestants who have qualified for the final round of the Chinese Universal Beauty Queen Contest to Sri Lanka as a strategy to attract more Chinese tourists to the island.

It was revealed during a media conference in Colombo that these 23 Chinese Beauty Queens would tour Sri Lanka from 25 August to 01 September.

This tour is an official part of this contest and following the regional selections the final pageant of the Chinese Universal Beauty Queen Contest would be held on a grand scale in Shanghai on 13 September.

The intention is to attract more Chinese tourists towards Sri Lanka since this tour of these beauty contestants gains much prominence among the Chinese media.

While around 55,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka last year, this number increasing by about 90 percent as compared to 2013 is a very significant feature.

Bringing the Chinese beauty contestants to Sri Lanka has been organized and hosted by the Cinnamon Grand Hotels and resorts while their flight is being sponsored by SriLankan Airlines.

The organizers say that since Emmy winner Chinese-American television presenter Yue-Sai Kan is vastly popular in China this would be an additional advantage to make Sri Lanka popular among Chinese tourists.

This Chinese beauty pageant is being organized as a production of Yue-Sai Kan.

While speaking to adaderanabiz.lk on the programme to bring down the Chinese beauty contestants to Sri Lanka, Vice President of John Keells Group Ajit Gunawardena said that they would be hosted while giving prominence to Sri Lankan hospitality and that they would be taken around the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

It is vital to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism potentials within the world’s largest tourism market in China, added Ajit Gunawardena.

The Bard of Avon once wrote that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. The Galle Face Hotel for almost a century and a half has been known by many names. Asia’s Emerald on the Green, the Grande Dame of Serendip and the Beautiful Duchess are but a few that are reminiscent of the grandeur and history of perhaps the oldest hotel East of the Suez. Among its quaint stone pillars the GFH has quite a collection of stories and memories from the years gone by.

GFH possesses a prestigious heritage. Built in 1864, embedding the colonial style architecture which has been preserved to this day, the hotel echoes the bespoke and nostalgic feel throughout the property. In the years since, the hotel earned its place as a landmark that gracefully lent romance and grandeur to Colombo. The tales of the GFH and the Galle Face Green that it overlooks have been captured by writers, artists and even scientists who favoured the hotel as their retreat of choice.

In many ways the GFH mirrors what Ceylon once was. Under British colonial rule, Ceylon thrived and was often known as the empire’s favourite colony. In another sense the GFH also embodies the true Sri Lankan spirit of strength. It is said that the area adjoining the hotel was used as a practicing ground for the British Royal Artillery Company and on one bright and sunny day a young Ceylon lascar ignited a 30-pound cannonball that went off course and ended up in the hotel dining room where it rolled and came to rest beneath a chair but fortunately did not explode. The governor at that time Sir Collin Campbell on hearing of the incident arrived to view “the incredible cannonball” and the mischief done. Over the years the hotel has marked this event with the annual Cannonball Run.

The hotel has also stood its ground through two world wars, 30 years of civil strife, the ever-changing tropical weather in Sri Lanka and a rollercoaster economy, even while others around it have risen and fallen. Today the GFH is undergoing extensive restoration in preparation for its 150th anniversary but the old world charm and the countless stories that its walls have seen and heard will live on.

About the Galle Face Hotel

The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka.

Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka.

Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp.

The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor.

“The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy”.

About the Galle Face Hotel Group

The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC.

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses.

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection.

Galle Face Hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy.
Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds.

The Resorts Collection

4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country.

The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa
Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors.

The Heritage Rest House Collection

The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island.

Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama.

Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.

Colombo Courtyard has received a 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.  Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.

When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that takes into account reviews ratings. Businesses must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, volume and recency of reviews. Additional criteria include a business’ tenure and popularity ranking on the site. Colombo Courtyard, nestled in the heart of the city is an urban boutique hotel which perfectly captures a fusion of contemporary style with the essence of environmental design. Art and elements with the extensive use of recycled material, dashes of vivid color and a sense of space are all thrown together to create striking impact. With open courtyards and water bodies, Hotel with 32 rooms including 15 Suites each uniquely designed.  “TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional hospitality businesses for consistent excellence,” said TripAdvisor for Business President Marc Charron. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers. We want to applaud exceptional hospitality businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience

Centara Hotels & Resorts of Thailand is to stage the grand opening of Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka on May 29, 2014.

The official opening ceremony will be presided over by Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The resort is located on the Bentota Peninsula, at the southwest of the island, with the Bentota River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. The resort’s arrival lounge is situated at Aluthgama, on the inland side of the river, with guests travelling across the water by barge, a journey that takes two minutes.

“The opening of this beautiful new resort, set in one of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding tourism destinations, is a proud moment for us,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“We view Sri Lanka as being of great potential for us, and the island is part of our strategy for developing our market in the Indian Ocean region.” Alexandre Glauser, area general manager of Centara Hotels & Resorts Sri Lanka, says that the hotel is ready with a full complement of staff to welcome its first guests.

“Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa is an outstanding property that will have both a romantic appeal for couples and lots of leisure attractions for families,” he says. “For guests, the scene is set with the charming ride across the river on board our ferry, and no matter which room or suite they are staying, the view for guests will be stunning.”

The resort has 165 rooms and suites, including family residences, with all the accommodations featuring views across the river, or across the beach and the ocean.

Restaurant facilities will include Café Bem, serving Sri Lankan and international cuisines along with buffets; 360 Seafood, which specialises in locally sourced seafood; and Ceylon Club, which will have a gourmet selection of Ceylon teas. Spa Cenvaree will offer traditional Sri Lankan and Indian treatments along with its range of signature Thai therapies, there is a fitness centre, an oceanfront swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a children’s pool, a water sports centre, and a Kids’ Club with separate zones for the youngsters and the teens.

The resort’s versatile events space can accommodate a wide-ranging number of functions including meetings, incentives groups, weddings and outdoor receptions, all supported by state of the art audiovisual equipment and the facilities available at the business centre.

The resort is just a few minutes from Aluthgama railway station. Colombo is reached in less than two hours by road and Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is 100 kilometres away from the resort.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 46 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

The beautiful capital of the Southern Province, Galle boasts of a history stretching back centuries, even before the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial times. In the old days when Galle was a busy port, foreign traders – Greeks, Arabs, Romans and Chinese stopped by. Galle is marked in Ptolemy’s world map of 125-150 AD and the Arab traveller Ibn Batuta made it a port of call in the mid 14th century.

Galle’s Dutch Fort declared an archeological reserve by the UN since 1969 is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Enter the Fort through one of the two main entry points- the Main Gate built by the British in 1873, between the Sun and Moon Bastions, and the Old Gate on Queen Street which was completed by the Dutch in 1669.

Interestingly, construction of the Fort was started by the Portuguese who first arrived in Galle in 1505 with Lorenzo de Almeida making contact with King Dharmaparakramabahu and getting his blessings to build a camp. Built ostensibly to ensure the safety of the island, ultimately it became a prison for the local Sinhalese who rebelled against the Portuguese oppression.

After a bloody siege in 1640, the Dutch seized Galle Fort and began constructing the magnificent 36 hectare hexagonal stone fort that survives intact to this day, with its granite and coral bastions and military architecture of European design. The Dutch introduced a system of roads and canals for transportation and a sewage system that carried all the waste from inside the Fort to the sea by gravity, using the high tide.

The British army took over the Fort in 1796 and today, centuries later, it remains the best preserved and most intact fortified city built by the former European colonial rulers in Asia. The narrow streets of Galle Fort lined with villas and old houses with pillared verandahs and arched doorways which still bear Dutch lettering on their facades, while redolent of the past, are equally the setting for a living city with residents going about their day-to-day business and walking the old ramparts at sunset.

Galle’s mixed cultural heritage is plain to see- the sound of church bells mingles with the call to prayer from the mosques and the Pali chants from Buddhist temples heard every evening.

Stroll through the quaintly named streets- Pedlar Street, Church Street and you will see the Old Dutch and English churches. Pause to explore the old Dutch Reformed Church (Groote Kerk) with its gabled roofs which was built in 1640 though the present structuredates from 1752 to 1755. This has the tombs of Dutch officials within and carved memorial tablets on the walls which hint at intriguing stories of lives lost.

Opposite is the old Dutch Government House, dating back to 1683. For a feel of the British, walk further down Church Street to the Gothic style All Saints Church. Its construction was begun in 1868 and consecrated in 1871, the church stands out as one of the most beautiful Anglican Churches in Sri Lanka.

The massive VOC (the Dutch East India Company) warehouses, the Court Square, the elegant pillared facade of the Old Dutch hospital, the Shri Sudarmalaya Buddhist temple and the Clock Tower are all other sites worth exploring. Make sure to take a walk down Leyn Baan Street to reach the ramparts. The Meeran Jumma Mosque re-built in 1904 is a landmark not to be missed. The original mosque is said to have stood from the 1750s.

Arriving at the ramparts stop by the lighthouse, to take in the view. This is an offshore Lighthouse operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and incidentally the country’s oldest light station dating back to 1848 though the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934.

The Dutch Warehouse and National Maritime Museum and Information Centre is another ‘must-see’ not just for maritime buffs for its collection of marine biological and anthropological material but also because of its innovative and modern display and effective use of an original historic space- the warehouse was built in 1671. The first gallery depicts the types of watercraft used in passenger transport and maritime trading in southern Sri Lanka.

The second gallery is focused on marine eco systems and their flora and fauna. Models of mangroves, sea shore plants, turtles, sea birds and marine mammals are displayed with their taxonomic details. Don’t miss the large skeleton of a Whale mounted on the roof. The Museum is closed on national holidays, Sundays and Mondays but open from 9 – 5 on other days. A nominal entry fee is charged.
The Galle National Museum in the oldest Dutch building of the Galle Fort, constructed in 1656 has a collection of traditional masks used in various rituals, ornamental objects made up of turtle shell, ancient wooden carvings and a Beeralu collection. There are large water vessels, V.O.C. porcelain and arms and weapons used by the Dutch soldiers, all obtained from Dutch ships of yore. Opening hours are like the Maritime Museum.

Another landmark in the Fort is the magnificent colonial mansion built in 1684 to house the Dutch Governor and his staff and converted into the New Oriental Hotel in 1856. It is now the luxurious ‘Amangalla’ Hotel.

At sunset, stop by the ramparts to see the ‘jumpers’ in action. These young men who make the daring and dangerous leap off the ramparts into the churning waters below are an integral part of the Fort experience.

There’s no doubt, Galle Fort has a trendy vibe thanks to the advent of boutiques, hotels and restaurants, coffee shops, designer clothing shops and galleries. Home to the Galle Literary Festival which brought international writers and literary minded visitors, the Fort has become a popular location for television commercials, photo-shoots and even movies. The sizeable population of foreign artists and writers has seen cafes and coffee shops mushrooming to cater to the demand, so there are places aplenty for lunch, tea or coffee to suit your budget.