The Closenberg Hotel

The room was comfortable, and the hotel had a calm feel that made it easy to relax. We ate well too: the food was fresh, nicely prepared, and had a decent amount of variety. The stay was pleasant, and thanks to the team for the experience.

I really enjoyed relaxing here. The pool was divine, and most of the time I had it to myself. The bedroom views over the beach and ocean are gorgeous, and I loved the architecture. It’s a historical gem, though it could use some investment to help preserve the place.

We stopped by Hotel Clothenberg for a short visit in the morning and breakfast, and I found it really special. The interiors feel rustic, authentic, and quirky, almost like a film set. The hotel has a fascinating old colonial atmosphere, with a sense of grand parties from another time, before everyone was busy taking Instagram photos on their phones. It’s charming, admittedly dated, and somehow maintained without being unnecessarily redone. Set in the hills outside Galle, it also has breathtaking views. If you want generic concrete Instagram aesthetics, this won’t be your place, try ahangama or welligama. We loved its character and authenticity, and were thrilled by its edge and history.

There are restaurants and supermarkets less than 500m away on foot, and the high vantage point gives the ocean view room an exquisite outlook. I booked one while it was discounted, and it was worth every cent. The infinity pool is open, though it seems like it needs some renovation. When occupancy is low, they may replace the buffet with individual meals, which is understandable. The pool bar and coffee station may also have cutbacks, but fewer guests do mean more privacy.