Galle Fort
Places to stay in Galle Fort
32 Middle Street is one of the best places to stay in Galle. The traditional Fort home is a luxury courtyard villa with a pool, conveniently just steps away from the bustling laneways of shops and cafes. Our rooms offer space, chic colonial interior and all the conveniences your holiday requires — and the villa is rented as a whole, so you can enjoy the privacy, space and personalised service of our butler and chef.
Keep scrollingSwipe sideways — the suites pass by
The largest of the three rooms, the master suite is positioned at the rear of the property overlooking the pool. It boasts a balcony and access to the shared outdoor mezzanine seating area above the courtyard.
King bed · BathtubCourtyard-view balcony with seatingWriting desk · Air conditioning
The spacious mezzanine room at the front of the home. The queen-sized bed with luxury linen and mosquito net sits on the private mezzanine, while downstairs a seating area decorated in fine antiques leads to the large polished-cement bathroom with rain shower and single vanity.
Queen bed · Rain showerPrivate mezzanine · Mosquito netAntique-furnished lounge below
Facing the double room at the front of the home, this spacious mezzanine room is perfect for kids or friends. Dressed with luxury linen and mosquito nets, the two single beds on the private mezzanine can be joined if needed; the lower level features a tastefully decorated seating area with fine antiques and a large bathroom with rain shower.
Two single beds, joinable · Rain showerPrivate mezzanine · Mosquito netsAntique seating area below
A rare courtyard pool within the Fort walls — take a dip in your private villa pool and cool down from a busy day of exploring.
Relax and unwind with a spa treatment or massage from our local therapist, without leaving the villa.
Visit the fishing boats and seaside market just down the road, then enjoy a fresh seafood platter by the pool.
Learn the art of Sri Lankan cookery with our chef — from legendary egg hoppers to aromatic curries.
Relax into a family movie night in the living room — colonial chic design with all the creature comforts of home.
Your home away from home
Galle & the South Coast
Galle is a charming coastal city, rich in history and culture. From historical sites to stunning beaches on the surrounding coastline, Galle has something for everyone — the iconic Fort, bustling shops, a thriving cafe scene, vibrant markets and palm-fringed beaches. Explore colonial architecture, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the unique blend of traditions.
On the Fort rampartsExperience the thrill of the Galle Cliff Divers, who leap from the historic ramparts of Galle Fort into the ocean below. These daring divers captivate spectators with their acrobatic feats and fearless jumps, showcasing a blend of tradition and bravery.
From the villa doorSpeak to our team about booking a guided historical walking tour of Galle Fort. Led by knowledgeable guides, hear centuries-old tales of colonial rule and maritime trade — Dutch and British architecture, ancient mosques and churches, and fortified walls with panoramic ocean views.
Every JanuaryHeld annually in January within the historic Fort, South Asia’s most anticipated arts event celebrates literature, music, culture and food — renowned authors, poets, artists and chefs from around the globe gather for discussions, readings, performances and workshops.
Hikkaduwa · Talpe · MirissaExplore the colourful and bustling southern coastline — a haven for surfers, fishing villages and vibrant seaside towns. Don’t miss the tranquil beauty of surfer haven Hiriketiya and the allure of Dondra Head, the southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
45 min awayTake the whole family on a whale and dolphin watching tour — boats depart just 45 minutes away in Mirissa. Witness the majestic Blue Whale, the largest mammal on Earth; the best sightings run November to April, when the seas are calm.
Near UnawatunaRumassalla Mountain near Unawatuna offers coastal vistas and a tranquil atmosphere. A short hike ascends to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, and the walk down to Jungle Beach unveils a hidden cove perfect for secluded snorkeling.
Your holiday menu, sorted
Being so close to the Indian Ocean we pride ourselves on our fresh seafood dishes, alongside a selection of Western and fragrant local dishes. From fine dining to casual family-friendly dining and BBQs, our chef has your holiday menu sorted — enjoyed in the dining room, on the mezzanine or by the pool on a lounger.
Fresh seafood in Sri Lanka is hard to beat — even harder when you can select it straight off the boats just down the road.
Fuel up on a hearty two-course breakfast for a day of exploring the Galle Fort, with the fresh juice of the day.
The perfect blend of roasted and unroasted indigenous spices — cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, cloves and dried red chilli — muddled with delicious, rich coconut milk.
Our poolside is the perfect location to crank the BBQ with our chef — a great option for those travelling with kids or as a group.
The table turns — keep scrolling
Galle Fort · The South Coast
Sri Lanka’s south coast is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and lively marine life. At its heart lies Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial charm and historic allure — and within the fortress walls is 32 Middle Street. If you can tear yourself away from the villa, there is plenty to discover in the region.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site — this former stronghold of the Portuguese, Dutch and British houses colonial architecture, laneways and ocean views from the ramparts, blending old-world charm with modern boutiques, cafes and galleries.
The Galle Literary Festival, held annually in January, is South Asia’s most anticipated arts event — literature, music, culture and food celebrated within the fort walls.
Sri Lanka’s oldest Protestant church — the Dutch Reformed Church of 1755 — and the landmark lighthouse overlooking the harbour, originally built in 1848, are both a stroll from the villa door.
The south coast is a tropical haven of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush greenery — beach hopping, water sports and wildlife, with blue whales off Mirissa from November to April.
The ramparts, lighthouse & Dutch Reformed ChurchOn foot
Unawatuna, Rumassala & the Peace Pagoda15 min
Beach hopping — Hikkaduwa, Talpe & Ahangama30 min
Whale & dolphin watching boats, Mirissa45 min32 Middle Street · Galle Fort
The courtyard pool, the antique interiors and the laneways of the Fort — 32 Middle Street as its guests find it.
Get in touch
We would be delighted to host you at our Serendipity Retreats hotels and villas in Sri Lanka. Whether you have questions about booking a stay at any of our six properties, or want to inquire about booking a special event, our dedicated team is here to help.
Reservations officeSerendipity Retreats, No. 12D, Haig Road, Colombo 04
