Highlights
- Characterful boutique hotel
- Access to lovely beaches
- Cultural and wildlife activities nearby
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireLocated on a peninsula in Galle a stone’s throw from the coast, Fort Printers is a boutique hotel set in a wonderfully restored 18th century mansion. The independently owned hotel lies within the boundaries of Galle Fort, a 16th century fort initially built by the Portuguese then fortified by the Dutch. The fort’s remains have been designated a World Heritage Site. When staying at the intimate and well-appointed Ford Printers, guests are very well placed indeed to explore the fort’s many surviving features and everything else Galle and the surrounding area has to offer. If you’re curious about the name Fort Printers, the hotel is so-called because until 1992 the mansion housed a printing company.
The property houses a total of 18 suites, all of which are handsomely furnished and very well presented. In the mansion itself are five of the suites, four of which are linked by a walkway up on the second floor. As for the fifth, it’s right by the small lap pool. The five suites showcase a rich blend of architectural styles and design features - original features such as whitewashed walls, rain showers lined with copper, exposed wooden beams, jackwood floors, shuttered windows and a delightful array of antiques really give the hotel a unique sense of character. The 13 remaining suites are located in two heritage villas that were constructed in 2013. Though they’re not as old as the original ones, these suites boast a contemporary style and are just as elegant and comfortable.
It would be easy to wile away the hours exploring the cultural melting pot that is Galle, but for any visitor wishing to go further afield, there are plenty of attractions that are well worth visiting. The city is in the southwest of Sri Lanka and has many fine beaches and coves that attract both tourists and locals alike. Depending on the season, visitors can take to the sea and go whale watching to view these giant marine mammals on their annual migration across the Indian Ocean. The best places to go for this are Dondra Point and Mirissa, both of which are quite close to Galle. Also nearby are the Hiyare Forest Reserve, a lush and expansive rainforest reserve home to a number of endemic species, and the Yala National Park, which is home to over 100 species, from leopards and elephants, to jackals and peacocks.
Children are very welcome. All suites have a king-size double bed that sleeps two, but the hotel will allow one child under the age of 10 stay in a room with parents for free. For children over 10 years of age, there’s an additional charge. Each room accommodates a maximum of three people, so a family of four would be obliged to book two rooms. Three meals are served every day, with a sumptuous and delectable array of dishes available, including plenty of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Meals are served either in the grand dining room or the courtyard that overlooks the lap pool at times to suit guests.
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024