Discover Fort Bazaar’s New Pool, Suite & Menu In Sri Lanka

There is something enchantingly timeless about Galle Fort — cobbled lanes, the scent of spices on warm sea air, and sunsets that stain the sky gold over 400-year-old ramparts. Nestled at its heart is Fort Bazaar, a boutique hotel that has long captivated you and your loved ones with its seamless blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. This year, the elegant sanctuary unveils a trio of fresh offerings: a shimmering new courtyard pool, the debut of a secluded Court Square Studio suite, and a bold new culinary direction at Church Street Social. If you have been searching for your next unforgettable escape in Sri Lanka, this one is worth putting on your 2025 travel list.

Cool Dips in the Courtyard

Fort Bazaar’s latest indulgence is a 14-metre courtyard pool, discreetly tucked just beyond the property’s central courtyard. Lined with sumptuous four-poster sunbeds and bathed in dappled sunlight, this new addition is the perfect answer to Galle’s sultry afternoons.

Whether you are cooling off with a crisp cocktail in hand or easing into a tranquil siesta between heritage walks, the pool promises serenity in every ripple. It is an inviting space where luxury feels effortless — a quiet reprieve after a morning exploring centuries-old churches and spice warehouses, all just steps from the hotel. The setting is lush yet restrained, cocooned in tropical greenery and warm stone. You can dine, sip, and stretch out under the sun — or simply pause to listen to the world slow down.

Introducing Court Square Studio: Privacy Meets Proximity

Just 150 metres from Fort Bazaar, along the atmospheric Leyn Baan Street, the hotel has expanded with the debut of Court Square Studio — a luxurious, split-level suite set within a cluster of historic lawyers’ chambers. While technically outside the main hotel building, it feels intrinsically part of Fort Bazaar’s story. The space is a love letter to Galle Fort’s layered past, reinterpreted through contemporary Sri Lankan design. You will find vaulted ceilings, artisanal details, and expansive windows that frame the fort’s iconic banyan tree.

This intimate hideaway is perfect if you seek the rhythm of Galle’s history with just the right touch of seclusion. With its own entrance and a distinct character shaped by both heritage and design, Court Square Studio is a sanctuary where you can write your own chapter within the fort’s living legacy. Its addition brings the total number of rooms at Fort Bazaar to nineteen — each a testament to restoration done right.

Bold New Flavours at Church Street Social

Tucked behind Fort Bazaar’s signature arches lies Church Street Social, a dining spot that has evolved into one of the south coast’s culinary standouts. In 2025, the restaurant has taken a bold new turn under the vision of Group Executive Chef Sumudu Kadawata and Fort Bazaar’s Executive Chef Sashika Wickramatunga. Expect menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients, local traditions, and a dynamic fusion of Sri Lanka’s coastal and spice-trading heritage.

Begin your morning with kola kanda, a warm herbal porridge made from gotukola, beautifully paired with buffalo curd and coconut treacle. Add in a plate of hoppers — bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk — and your day is off to an authentic start.

By midday, Church Street Social transforms into a sun-drenched retreat. You and your loved ones can settle into the leafy courtyard or breezy veranda with a signature Arrack Attack in hand — a cocktail that packs a local punch. The updated lunch menu makes a hero of the Authentic Ceylonese Rice and Curry, complete with mud crab in coconut gravy, dry beef curry, and Miris Malu seer fish curry, served alongside crisp papadam and seasonal vegetables.

For those craving something global with a Sri Lankan twist, there are delights like the Pulled Jackfruit Burger, Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with baby potatoes and green beans, and Whole Steamed Snapper. Even the pizzas nod to the locale with gotukola toppings, while Grilled Jumbo Prawns arrive with crusty kade paan — rustic local bread that is perfect for soaking up flavourful sauces.

Pair your meal with a selection from one of the fort’s most impressive gin collections — or simply watch the world go by as flavours mingle, history lingers, and the sea breeze weaves through the arches.

Plan Your Stay

Whether you choose to stay within Fort Bazaar’s heritage walls or opt for the quiet elegance of Court Square Studio, every stay is steeped in style and story. Both options come with a generous breakfast and full access to the hotel’s updated amenities, including the new pool.

Rates: Fort Bazaar starts from USD $370 per night for two people (inclusive of breakfast), while Court Square Studio starts from USD $300 per night for two people.

If you have been dreaming of slow mornings, cultural meanders, and evenings infused with spice and soul, then Fort Bazaar’s 2025 refresh might just be the perfect chapter in your next Sri Lankan journey.

Getting There

Fort Bazaar is located within Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport takes approximately two hours via the Southern Expressway, offering scenic views of the island’s coastline and countryside.

You can visit Fort Bazaar’s official website to explore more: https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/fort-bazaar/