Lighthouse Hotel and Spa, Galle Town Sri Lanka, Galle

Geoffrey Bawa was commissioned to design this hotel towards the end of his illustrious life and, in keeping with his own inimitable style, this hotel is unobtrusive from the outside and stunning from within. The natural light and beauty around is used to a great affect. 

The entrance is a grand stairway with a startling piece of modern sculpture adorning the walls. The first floor opens out onto a glorious view of the rocks and the beach. The rooms themselves open out onto a balcony and a carefree view. They are spacious, light and comfortable.

Below the sixty bedrooms there is a bar area around a pleasant infinity pool. As you follow on down the large grassy steps, an expanse of grass stretches alongside the beach. At the end, the spa faces a large, square pool, offering, for the active, a real swim. The spa itself is excellent. Other facilities include a tennis court and a squash court.

Galle itself is worthy of several visits, especially to wander around the streets of the old Dutch Fort area. There are many local crafts in the area and several whole villages specialise in particular crafts such as basket weaving and lace making. The food is good in the Lighthouse, especially the seafood buffets, while there are many good restaurants in the vicinity.