The Fortress is the creation of the innovative Per Aquum Resorts • Spas • Residences and is a very enticing option now available in Galle. Located on the coast just outside the ancient city, it has been sensitively fashioned in the style of a powerful 16th century fort, its historic Dutch and Portuguese styles generously infused with exotic Sri Lankan motifs. Yet The Fortress goes out of its way to showcase the latest amenities and concepts of design, all fortynine ‘naturally modern’ guest rooms sensual havens complete with super-king size beds and open-plan bathrooms, little touches including fine Frette linens, plasma-screen TVs and Bose DVD players. Split-level rooms, Jacuzzi bath tubs and infinity-edge pools are all available in the five different room grades; private balconies or courtyards standardfeatures, of course, the views varying between the gardens and the water features to the golden sand beaches looking out towards the Indian Ocean. And whilst mornings or afternoons will often be spent exploring the nearby town, the remainder of the day will probably be more leisurely, divided between the free-flowing swimming pool, the yoga pavilion or the Ayurvedic Lime spa. After dark it’s a matter of choosing between the modern Sri Lankan
cuisine of Pepper and the Mediterranean specialities of Heat; the glass-walled wine bar also there for Old and NewWorld wines, the Sea Lounge for new-age cocktails and the tea lounge for indulgently modern high teas.

7 nights from £940 per person sharing including breakfast, economy flights and private transfers.