Fortress is a brand new boutique hotel, just opened in December 2006.  Perched at the edge of a beautiful stretch of beach in Koggala, just 15 minutes away from the historic city of Galle, the Fortress is an exciting addition to the island’s collection of luxury properties.  True to its name, the hotel rises like a fortress by the roadside opening its gigantic gates to a world that ensures guests leave their troubles behind.  This is all about relaxing in sheer comfort and style.  Exquisite suites and lofts with pillow menus, a meandering swimming pool with fibre optic lighting that creates stars underwater to match the stars in the sky on a romantic night, a spa that immerses you in serenity with style are all complemented with wondrous sunsets and the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.  The building design taps on historic Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences that are blended successfully with a chic contemporary style.  Designer amenities, accentuated with carefully infused colours and textures, permeate the rooms, ensuite bathrooms, lounges and restaurants.   The hotel is managed by the world-renowned Per Aquum Resorts & Spas, a group most famous for their luxurious properties in the Maldives and Seychelles. Their vast experience in resort management ensures the highest possible standards of service.

Accommodation
Five types of luxurious accommodation are available, including rooms, lofts and residences. All rooms are furnished with luxurious 7ft. x 7ft. super king-size beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linen. An additional day bed that can be used for a child.  Each room has airconditioning, overhead fan, Plasma screen television, Bose DVD player and sound system, in-room safe, IDD telephone facilities, Espresso machine, and private bar. The ensuite bathrooms have rainfall showers and baths.

• Fortress Room: There are 11 Fortress Rooms, which are 65 sqm in size with an open plan bathroom with rainfall shower and bathtub.  The rooms open out to a private courtyard or garden balcony.
  
• Beach Room:  The 12 Beach rooms are located on the ground floor opening out to the garden that blends seamlessly with the sea.  These spacious rooms have a split-level lounge area and stylish open plan bathroom.
  
• Ocean Room:  The 18 Ocean rooms are similar to the Beach Rooms, but located on the upper floor with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.  Each room has a split-level lounge area and bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and rain shower.
  
• Ocean Loft:  The exquisite and spacious Ocean Lofts occupies two floors.  Guests enter the living room with a private plunge pool and spectacular views of the ocean.  This area is furnished with a day bed that serves as additional accommodation.  The upper floor consists of the bedroom and stylish bathroom with wall and rain showers and bathtub.  Each of the 6 Ocean Lofts covers a floor area of 140 sqm.
  
• Residence:  The ultimate in sensual living, the two super-luxurious Fortress Residences are located on either end of the hotel and each covers an area of 240 sqm.  Each Residence includes two bedrooms, a separate living and entertainment area, an outdoor dining deck and a private infinity pool enjoying magnificent views of the coastline. Fortress Residences have a 24-hour personal butler.

Facilities
The Fortresss sense of design and style even extends to their cuisine with an array of exciting culinary delights including Sri Lankan and western dishes served by the poolside, fine dining at the indoor restaurant, in the winery, or in the sanctuary of your own room. There is also a stylish bar opening out to the pool terrace and a Tea Lounge located on the upper floor where guests can sample numerous varieties of world renowned Sri Lankan teas.  A freeform swimming pool curves around the gardens of the hotel and is magical at night with wondrous mood lighting.  Wellness is taken seriously at the Fortress with extensive facilities.  The well-equipped gymnasium and the Aquum Spa occupies one entire wing of the hotel.  Guests working out at the gym are provided with an ipod shuffle.  The Spa offers ancient traditional Ayurvedic treatment, Homeopathy, and an extensive menu of international spa therapies as well as complimentary water therapies including sauna, steam and hydro bath. The resident Ayurvedic doctor and other trained international therapists provide guests with a holistic approach to well being.  The Fortress has a library filled with interesting books, CDs and DVDs for guests to borrow and enjoy in the privacy of their own rooms. An in-house Kids Club provides interesting activities for children allowing parents to relax and enjoy time on their own.

Excursions
For those interested in Scuba diving, the Fortress arranges diving trips to the reefs and offshore shipwrecks with a local PADI-certified dive operator. Visit the historic town of Galle and the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site and a melting pot of cultural influences with its well-preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium. Wander through the narrow streets and explore interesting restaurants, shops and boutique hotels full of character. Located nearby are the beautiful beaches of Unawatuna, Mirissa and Weligama. Day excursions are possible to Yala, Uda Walalwe and Sinharaja National Parks.