The Fortress

From the outside the Fortress looks a little like a formidable theme park ride, but once inside the huge wooden gates you soon realise the beauty and calm of this hotel.

It offers a harmonious balance between old and new. It is luxurious without being stuffy. The hotel is large enough to provide a good array of facilities, but not so large that it loses its sense of intimacy, exclusivity and most importantly the personalised service you would expect from this hotel.

WHAT ITS GOT

The hotel has 47 rooms in total which come in five categories and run round a large rectangular central courtyard over two levels. While the exterior of the Fortress has been designed in traditional style the interior, especially the bedrooms offer futuristic interior design with some wonderfully quirky touches.

Fortress Rooms - There are 11 Fortress Rooms covering 65 sqm. They feature a super king 7ft by 7ft bed dressed in Egyptian cotton and an open plan bathroom with rainfall shower and bath. Rooms open out onto your own courtyard or garden balcony. A cutting-edge entertainment system and designer fittings include plasma screen, Bose DVD and sound system, espresso machine, air-conditioning, overhead fan, private bar, day bed, in-room safe and IDD telephone.

Beach Rooms - There are 12 Beach Rooms covering 70 sqm. They are all located on the ground floor with views into the gardens, beach and the Indian Ocean beyond. Highlights of these rooms include the open plan bathroom with large bath and split-level living area.

Ocean Rooms - There are 18 Ocean Rooms covering 70 sqm. Similar to the Beach Rooms, the Ocean Rooms but located on the upper floor of The Fortress they feature high vaulted ceilings. Guests also have the added bliss of enjoying a jacuzzi bath whilst taking in the magnificent views.

Ocean Lofts - There a 6 superb Ocean Loft Rooms covering 140 sqm. The design of these split-level rooms creates a one-of-a-kind experience on each of their two separate floors. Guests enter into an oversized living room with indoor plunge pool, inviting day bed, plasma screen and Bose DVD sound system. The upper floor houses the bedroom, showcasing a designer bed adorned in soft Egyptian cotton and a sumptuous day bed. The stunning upstairs bathroom features both rainfall and wall showers.

Fortress Residences - Finally there are 2 Fortress Residences covering 240 sqm each. The ultimate in sensual living spaces, The Fortress Residences are both on the upper floor of The Fortress and each feature two bedrooms and outdoor dining deck. Each offers guests astounding experiences, with a private cantilevered infinity edge pool to enjoy magnificent views of the coastline. Guests staying in these residences are pampered by their 24-hour personal butler, catering to their every whim.

RESORT LEISURE FACILITIES

•The hotel has a stunning swimming pool with sunken bathing platforms and LCD spot lights that make the water twinkle by night.

•There is an impressive Spa and Ayurvedic centre, along with a Yoga Pavillion and fully-equipped gymnasium.

• The hotel offers SCUBA diving - PADI certified, offered off-site as well as a good water sports centre.

• There is a lovely boutique and an art gallery featuring local artists. Ideal for whiling away a for hours.

• There is a Little Adventurers Club for children and also a babysitting service available.

• There are bicycles for hire, a turtle hatchery and also a CD & DVD library.

FOOD & DRINK

The hotel has a number of different restaurants for guests to explore.

Pepper - Is the central dining venue at The Fortress. It serves light, flavourful international cuisine and authentic Sri Lankan specialties.

Wine3 - Is a glass cave with a floor covered in white sand. It is home to a breathtaking array of Old and New World wines and can be booked for private dining.

Heat - Is set in the Fortress's lush gardens and is designed for savouring hot creations from the wood-fired pizza oven.

In-room dining - Twenty-four hour in-room dining is available for guests wanting to indulge within the intimate settings of their room, loft or residence.

T - Is an authentic experience where you will discover the various flavours of Sri Lankan tea.

Sea Lounge - Is the hotels bar ideal for trying something different such as funky tea-influenced cocktails while sitting in retro bubble seats suspended from the ceiling.

Destination Dining - A private dining experience in secluded areas of the garden.

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

The hotels reception can arrange any of the following services.

• Luxury car service
• Tuk tuk services
• Airport transfers
• Butler service
• Multilingual staff
• 24-hour in-room dining
• Poolside service
• Wedding hosts
• Resort naturalist
• Wi-fi internet access
• IDD telephone services
• Laundry, dry cleaning and valet services
• Pillow menu
• Bath menu
• Foreign currency exchange
• All major credit cards accepted

The resort welcomes children and is suitable for the elderly, although a ground floor room would be recommended.

The hotel is 4/5hours drive from Colombo international airport.

Click for more information on: Sri Lanka Holidays, Sri Lanka Villas, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tours. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email srilanka@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis.  Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust.  Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618.