The legendary Galle Face Hotel has launched Galle Face Expeditions, a series of insightful journeys to Sri Lanka’s cultural and adventure travel hot spots.
The Expeditions are a chance for the most discerning travellers to broaden their horizons, savour adventure, encounter art and culture in the most exotic and fascinating destinations in luxury and comfort.
“There couldn’t be a more fitting hotel or country in which to revive the romance, adventure and glamour of travel than the Galle Face Hotel and Sri Lanka,” said Robert Hauck, General Manager and Area Vice President of the Galle Face Hotel.
“It’s the perfect time to introduce Galle Face Expeditions, which extends the unique hospitality and vision of one of the world’s great hotels to some stunning gems in Sri Lanka’s historic cities and cultural hotspots.
The Galle Face Hotel, steeped in tradition and legend, is delighted to revive this refined mode of travel with a seamless safari into adventure, fine dining, culture, wildlife, history and romance. Experience the unique grandeur of the Galle Face Hotel, then embark on an expedition to destinations including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Ella, as well as must-see historic bastions of eccentric colonial charm like the Queen’s Hotel Kandy.
THE GRANDEST OF DAMES
The Galle Face Expedition begins in luxury at the legendary Galle Face Hotel, sprawled beside the Galle Face Green in Colombo. Experience the charms of a hotel where guests have included the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Noel Coward and Mark Twain. Laze beside Sri Lanka’s largest salt-water pool or simply gaze at the Indian Ocean from your balcony.
ROCK STARS AND PACHYDERMS
The first stamp in your leather-bound Galle Face Expeditions passport will be Sigiriya, where you can ascend the famous rock where a king once surveyed his domain from his carved palace and baths. Make the vertiginous climb and wander the sunken pools and ruins, affording breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and mountains.
After a delicious lunch at EKHO Sigiriya, prepare to get up close and personal with Minneriya’s elephants in the grassland of the enchanting Angammedilla National Park with some of the best wildlife photography opportunities.
LURE OF THE LAKE
Tonight’s accommodation is the exquisite EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, which once hosted Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Rise before dawn for a birdwatching adventure that will leave you spellbound. Then repair for a leisurely breakfast on the lake and a day at your leisure, exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa, a bicycle picnic along the causeway, or with a cocktail in the lakeside infinity pool.
I WANT KANDY
Kandy is a magical city in the mountains, home of the famous annual Esala Perahera, where hundreds of caparisoned and fairy lit elephants parade through the city every night for over a week in honour of the ancient relic of the Buddha’s tooth. The evening will be spent at the excellently-appointed Suisse Hotel, after experiencing the eccentric charms of the Queen’s Hotel Kandy for High Tea in the Mountbatten Lounge Bar.
THE INEFFABLE LIGHTNESS OF ELLA
Next the Expedition ascends through the hills of tea country, to a functioning factory at Nuwara Eliya, some 2,000 metres above sea level, then on to the final destination: the delightful EKHO Ella. This stunning hideaway is all about the location, overlooking a mesmerising vista between two mountains.
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, explore a Spice Garden and stroll through a sunlit glade to the majestic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. The rooms are charming, inspired by the nearby Ella train station and the romance of rail travel.
Upon return to the Galle Face Hotel, conclude your Expedition with a private chef dinner in 1864 restaurant and some time to unwind and soak up the hotel’s incomparable charm.
The Galle Face Expedition includes:
- 10 nights including a 2 night stay in each hotel:
- Galle Face Hotel, EKHO Sigiriya, The Lake House, Suisse in Kandy and EKHO Ella
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Tours and excursions
- Domestic transfers
Prices start at USD 8,240 (approx. AUD 11,513) net per couple including service charge and taxes.
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