42 Lighthouse Street Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka

A stay at 42 Lighthouse Street in historic Galle presents a holiday experience like no other. The boutique hotel has just 4 rooms, giving this nineteenth century Dutch Villa a truly unique feel, as if the opulent home in which you reside is your very own. As such, each room is individually outfitted, each more decadently furnished than the last. Whatever room type you choose, you will not be disappointed by the standard.

The bijou nature of this guest house means that visitors can expect an especially tailored experience, for instance, the shared lounge can be closed off to other guests if more than one room is taken. Guests can also expect a flexible, a la carte menu that specialises in authentic, Sri Lankan cuisine, with a variety of other options available on request. The rooms boast plush furnishings, a powerful rain shower and flat screen televisions.

Situated in the shadow of Galle's infamous lighthouse, you are within arms reach of all of the town's historic sights. The epic Southern capital is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting to create an atmosphere of congruous vivacity. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions. One can smell the spices and salts in the air, just as renaissance traders did centuries ago. The fort’s well-preserved ramparts and bastions evidence a 350 year heritage that draws culture buffs from around the globe. Today, Galle is inundated with art, boutique shops and cafes; a simple wander around town is a truly unique experience.