IS IN THE PROCESS OF REINVENTING ITSELF.

After several fascinating previous lives, it will be reincarnated as an Aman Villa. This fabulous chain of perfect, small resorts will bring 21st Century luxury, style and amenities while retaining the hotel's unique building and ambience.

The building has its origins in the 17th Century as the administrative office of the Dutch military force, doubling as the Officer's Mess. It stands proudly on a rise not far from the old gate of Galle Fort and opposite the historic Dutch Reform Church. They certainly built it to last. The substantial stone walls painted white, with their colonnades and large, arched windows with wooden shutters are as solid, reassuring and attractive now as they must have been to those first Dutch officers. And that goes for much of the interior too, with the wood paneling, the antiques and the floor tile designs that would have made them feel right at home.

In 1865 it was transformed into 'Ceylon's' first significant hotel, serving the well-heeled passengers arriving in Galle Harbour, the country's main port of call at that time. An atmosphere of gracious living, of ease and moneyed elegance seeped into the very walls. There is hardly a guest that could come here and not find relaxation, seduced by its palpable olde-worlde charm.

The expectations of those up-market guests inevitably changed and increased with the passing decades. If the hotel was less and less in a position to fulfil those demands, Aman Villas certainly won't be found wanting. The company has a well-earned reputation of meeting the highest modern standards of resort life. With so much to see and enjoy around the Fort as well as in the wider region, the hotel will once again attract and delight the international set.