The property was once a merchant’s house.

Fort Bazaar’s Moroccan-chic decor.


With a Moroccan-chic, pastel-toned interior perfumed by the earthiness of cinnamon oil, Fort Bazaar is a true haven within southern Sri Lanka’s historic Galle Fort area. Originally built in the 17th century as a merchant’s house, the once-derelict property, now fully restored following a nine-year renovation, has just 18 rooms that wrap around a two-story courtyard on Church Street, mere steps away from the Fort’s best restaurants and bars. Dining in is also a good option; for breakfast, in-house 
restaurant Church Street Social serves traditional Sri Lankan egg hoppers accompanied by an irresistible cashew-and-pea curry and the best eggs Benedict on the island. Other standouts include the tender pulled-pork burger, Moroccan lamb tagine, and barramundi fillet. Aside from its visual charm and delectable food, Fort Bazaar offers guests a meticulous no-compromise approach to comfort and luxury; from the silken Egyptian cotton to the “ring for champagne” in-room buzzers, the details here are superb. And given the absence of nightlife in the area, the hotel’s cinema room marks yet another thoughtful touch. (94-773-638-381; teardrop-hotels.com;
 doubles from US$130).