17th Century townhouse, re-defined

Begin your Galle quest at Fort Bazaar, a handsome merchant’s home-turned-boutique hotel with 18 stylish guestrooms and fresh, contemporary interiors invoking a Middle Eastern vibe. Positioned on Church Street within a UNESCO-listed 17th century fort, this spa hotel in Galle promises serenity, high-end service and gourmet modern dining, and makes a very welcoming retreat from the bustling cobbled streets of Galle Fort.

Spa & Experiences

Z Spa

Escape Galle’s hustle and bustle at the indulgent Z Spa where peace reigns and luxurious, restful and revitalising treatments await. Therapies have been conceived and designed to help you unwind. The spa has three air-conditioned single treatment rooms quietly tucked to the back of the hotel, two of which have steam showers in their bathrooms. A deeply relaxing collection of treatments include signature massages, scrubs and wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and steam sessions, and each treatment can be tailored to suit your individual needs. All products are chemical free and made in Sri Lanka by Ophir; the blends are based around the therapeutic benefits of red, green, pink and black tea.

Explore Galle

Galle Fort, a treasure trove of antiquities, shops and cafes, is best explored on foot, either on your own or, for more a more in-depth insight, with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re interested in hands-on cultural interaction, you could craft traditional masks at the Galle Fort workshop of a notable local artist, or, if Galle’s glittering gems prove irresistible, why not learn about a world-renowned sapphire producer on a private visit to their mine?

Galle’s tropical beaches offer quiet, sunny charm, and surfing hotspots include Devata, Midigama and Weligama, while blue whale watching cruises embark from Mirissa’s vibrant local harbour. Peddle through Galle’s verdant paddy- and coconut palm-dominated surroundings on a guided bicycle tour or absorb yourself completely in a jungle yoga class. Close to Koggala Lake is a lowland tea plantation, which offers fascinating estate tours.

Sri Lankan Cooking Experience

Meet the Fort Bazaar Chef for an in-depth demonstration on how to recreate the fabulous Rice and Curry dishes served at the restaurant. You’ll learn about the various spices used for flavouring and the different methods of preparing each of the delicious curries. The chef will select vegetables from the local markets prior to the cook, and you are welcome to join him if you like. In the demonstration, the chef will use clay pots to cook each curry. These clay ‘chatties’ are the secret to providing an authentic and distinctive flavour to Sri Lankan cuisine, and have been used across the island for centuries. Villagers in rural villages still use them for cooking on an open hearth.

You have the option of picking from a fish, chicken or seafood curry, along with a dhal (lentil) curry and a selection of vegetable curries depending on what is in season. The chef will also share his technique for making a traditional rice accompaniment. You can get involved in the cooking as much or as little as you like and you will have plenty of opportunities to taste the curries during the cook. After the demonstration, enjoy a lunchtime feast of the delicious rice and curry meal you’ve prepared followed by a traditional Sri Lankan dessert.

Traditional Mask Carving and Painting

Masks, thought to have healing and protective powers, have been crafted for centuries in Sri Lanka, originating from villages as part of ancient ceremonies and spirit-cleansing rituals. Today, masks are more predominantly used in dramas and dance performances but are still very much alive in rituals in rural areas. The south of the island is a famous mask-producing region. The three types of masks used in Sri Lanka are ‘Kolam’ masks, created to perform comic folk dances; ‘Sanni’ or devil dancing masks, used in exorcism ceremonies to heal individuals believed to be possessed by demons; and ‘Raksha’, which form part of local festivals and processions. This workshop in Kolam mask carving takes place at Sithuvili, a boutique arts and crafts gallery in the Fort. The workshop is hosted by Janaka, an artisan craftsman, and is designed to provide an in-depth insight into traditional Sri Lankan mask making. As part of the experience, you will learn about the history of masks in Sri Lanka, their practical uses and representations, and be shown the age-old techniques and tools used to carve the masks by the in-house carvers. Kolam masks are typically carved from ‘Kaduru’, a light, and easy-to-carve wood much like the better-known Balsa. This is a hands-on experience with the team of craftsmen primarily there to assist, correct and help you to enhance your own individual creations. If you choose to carve your own mask, you will also have the option to paint it using natural colours sourced from clay, plants and other earthy materials. If you’re short on time, you could opt for a mask painting workshop, where you’ll personalise a pre-carved mask in your own style. The gallery has a range of masks, sculptures, painted timber boxes and other antiques which you can browse after the workshop.