Imprinted in my travel memories, this remarkable piece of luxury, noted not only as the most affordable Aman hotel, but also abounds in intriguing tales and rich history, leaving its exceptional mark amongst the numerous Aman properties I've had the pleasure of staying at.
A Love Affair with Galle
Among all the cities I've visited in Southeast and South Asia, Galle is undeniably my favorite small town. It's not too touristy and yet, exudes a tranquil charm, rich with cultural stories.
The historical Galle fort, a piece of colonial history, was firstly built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, later occupied by the Dutch who reinforced the fortress and erected a majority of the buildings on the site as seen today. The British expelled the Dutch and took over until Sri Lanka gained independence.
Today, the fort stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living ancient town with the refreshing scent of spices and the sea breeze lingering in the air. I dare say, a trip to Sri Lanka will be incomplete without a visit to Galle.
The Hotel with a Romantic History
Built by the Portuguese initially in 1684, the current building of Amangalla was formerly used as the Dutch command center and later occupied by the British. Fast forward to 1899, the building was purchased by the Ephramusa family of Dutch origin and converted into a hotel called New Oriental Hotel.
Nesta, the legendary lady hostess of the hotel, was born in room number 25 in 1905. She fell in love with a 20-year-old British boy, Rainey Brohier when she was 60 and they spent over 30 years living together. After Nesta's demise, the hotel was handed over to Aman's founder, Adrian Zecha, who got the hotel beautifully renovated by famed architect Kerry Hill, thus, marking the birth of Amangalla.
Modern Tribute to its Roots
The hotel pays tribute to the enchanting love story of Nesta and her unusual life. A visit to the library is recommended to understand more about Nesta and the evolution of Amangalla. There are various ancient items on display, giving you a peek into the past.
The best garden suite of the hotel is reserved for Rainey Brohier, and during November to February, if the suite appears unbookable, it’s likely that Mr. Brohier is back from the UK for the winter.
The Rooms & Dining
With less than 30 rooms, Amangalla is a small boutique hotel. The rooms have vintage charm with some of the furniture dating back to the New Oriental Hotel era.
As to food, the unique cuisine at Amangalla, even if you're not staying at the resort, is something you must experience. The signature meal includes two types of rice and over a dozen curries for just over 20 US dollar. Additionally, their English afternoon tea, with the most delicious scones, doesn't cost more than 15US dollar, making it an incredible luxury offering at a low cost.
Local Attractions & Activities
Every morning at Amangalla hotel starts with Yoga sessions in the hotel's centuries-old garden. Sightseeing can be done on foot and the hotel provides a guided walking tour of the city. Attractions include temples and historical sites from various religions, like Christianity, Buddhism and Islam.
A Unique Experience
Overall, a stay at Amangalla is akin to living a story. From the elegance of its colonial style decoration to the romantic charm of the bygone days – every aspect of this place is part of a grand narrative.
Additionally, this might just be the most affordable Aman hotel you can find.
Compared to many of its overseas counterparts, the rates at Amangalla are much lower.
My search was rather casual, without any specific dates or special discounts in mind, so you could potentially stumble upon even more cost-effective deals.
If your next holidays are still up in the air, why not consider a stay at the Amangalla, the most affordable Aman hotel, in the serene setting of Galle?
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