[3] The post-modern minimalist hotel reflects the 17th-century Dutch fort at Galle,[4] in that it looks down on the ocean from atop a rocky promontory.

A small portal opens to an enclosed entry plaza, which features a spiral staircase, with intricate bronze and copper sculptured balustrading, topped by a blue-tiled Moorish dome.

The rest of the property unfolds through a series of immaculately sculpted pools, courtyards, and stairs – which almost seem to be part of the natural landscape.

Bawa made a number of the natural boulders the focus of the hotel, framing views of them from the air-conditioned dining room and the open-air lounge.

[3] The rooms feature teak floors, hand-carved furniture and original paintings,[3] by Barbara Sansoni and Ena de Silva.