The Charleston

The Charleston, Galle Fort, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"There’s nothing quite like The Charleston in Galle Fort. Once the home of a wealthy diamond merchant, this century-old villa has been painstakingly transformed into the town’s coolest boutique hotel. The white-on-white interiors, brass accents and polished wood all reflect the building's original Art Deco elegance. Galle Fort itself is glorious. Framed on three sides by the Indian Ocean, the walled community has long been a trading hub for the island’s precious gems and spices. Held in turn by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the pint-sized town is studded with heritage houses – many still home to families who have lived in the Fort for centuries. Tucked along a tranquil side street, The Charleston fuses its history with a slick, contemporary sense of style. After a warm welcome from the team, we felt cocooned in a wonderfully serene haven. Pieces by up-and-coming artists adorn the walls, curved balconies invite laid-back lounging, and wood-hewn geometric designs frame windows. Nine guest rooms are decked out in luxe linens. But the highlight for us was the glossy bistro with rooftop bar, where we knocked back cocktails while watching the sun sink over the ramparts. Highs Each of the nine guest rooms comes with a big bathtub and rain shower – a rare treat in Galle Fort! The staff are friendly and attentive, greeting guests by name and recalling details with ease, including our favourite coffee The food and sunset views from the ocean-facing terrace at Charlie’s Bar are unparalleled Minimalist, design-led interiors are a satisfying blend of classic charm and contemporary cool Uniquely tailored excursions foster engagement with craftspeople and community members Lows Expect some background noise on the rooftop terrace as groups walk along the ramparts The hotel pool is not heated, but perfectly refreshing on a hot day Charlie’s Bar & Bistro is open to the public, so it can feel busy in high season, though the team do their best to prioritise hotel guests There’s no late-night bar or party scene in the Fort, but early risers will love being a part of the morning hubbub" - Saskia Walker