Landesi Galle Fort

Landesi Galle Fort: A Heritage Manor in Sri Lanka’s Historic Fort

A scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Colombo International Airport brings you to the UNESCO-listed enclave of Galle Fort, where cobbled streets, Dutch-era façades, and centuries of history form the backdrop to this atmospheric boutique retreat. Hidden behind a stately façade on Middle Street, Landesi Galle Fort is a beautifully restored Dutch manor house that feels more like a private residence than a conventional hotel. Designed and conserved by the late Ashley de Vos, a champion of heritage architecture, the house celebrates its colonial origins with soaring ceilings, reclaimed woodwork, and trellised verandas that whisper of another time.

With just six rooms, Landesi offers an intimacy that feels both refined and homely. Each is elegantly furnished with details such as four-poster beds, natural bath amenities, and airy verandas that capture the Fort’s timeless atmosphere. Flexible layouts mean the house is equally suited to couples seeking a private escape and families wishing to immerse themselves in Galle’s heritage together.

Stays are offered on a bed and breakfast basis, with the choice of a traditional Sri Lankan or full English breakfast each morning. A light menu is also available throughout the day, and signature dishes such as the Dutch-inspired Lamprais pay homage to the Fort’s multicultural past. Guests who wish can easily dine out, with an array of excellent cafés and restaurants just steps away within the Fort’s walls.

Step outside and the riches of Galle Fort are yours to discover—boutiques, galleries, spice markets, and the ramparts where locals gather each evening to watch the sun slip into the Indian Ocean. The nearest beach lies just a short walk away, while the golden sands of Unawatuna and the tucked-away cove of Jungle Beach can be reached within minutes by tuk-tuk. Beyond the Fort, day trips to cinnamon estates, low-country tea plantations, or the colonial streets of Galle itself add depth to any stay.

The atmosphere at Landesi is one of quiet grace, where history and hospitality blend seamlessly. A small team ensures the experience is deeply personal—warm, attentive, and genuinely proud to share their heritage. For indulgence, wellness treatments can be arranged at nearby spas such as Spa Ceylon, a local favourite renowned for its Ayurvedic rituals.

Landesi offers a characterful base in the heart of Sri Lanka’s most historic coastal town—an elegant alternative to the larger hotels that sit outside the Fort walls. It is intimate, storied, and memorable: a hotel where the essentials are done beautifully, and where the character of the setting is as much a part of the stay as the comfort of the rooms.

Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. Landesi Galle Fort Boutique Hotel is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary. To explore how this hotel might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.