This is the first time I've personally looked for and decided on a hotel online (i usually have a travel agent's package hotels or on-the-go sort of bookings done). And so, after much reading through reviews on hotels.com and many other popular sites, I decided on Arabella. I just had to see if the photographs that were being posted, were infact the real deal.
It turned out to be one of those places where 'photos don't do justice'. The service was excellent from the minute we arrived, and at times i felt they were even going out of their way to make us feel comfortable. The design language of the hotel is a mix of minimalism, contemporary design and Srilankan style. The Suite was nothing short of spectacular. The balcony doors opened to the beautiful and clean beach, with views of the garden and swimming pool below. I couldn't stop taking pictures of the room and the view, and found it very pleasing to sleep to the subtle sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.
Even their restaurant - ahara - has a beautiful range of food and drinks to offer. It overlooks the pool and the beach, almost as if it all flows as one.
We're a family of 3, and we went to Galle only to experience everything we had heard about the place - from the fort and the architecture, to the great food and the beach. Next time however, it'd be for all that + Arabella on Boossa.
