Our few nights at Doornberg were a haven of tranquility. We shared long lunches on the lawn, read books on the terrace and took cool dips in the pool. The property oozes a quiet luxury and subtle comfort, where every need has been considered and items placed with purpose. You’ll find beautifully embroidered sheets, custom made soaps and a wonderful soft scent of cinnamon in the evenings.The staff stayed one step ahead of us, with cold coconut water waiting for us by the pool or the proposal of a massage after a long day walking – the service was impeccable. Chef put together perfect meals for us that were both healthy and tasty.
The hilltop location we preferred over a Fort property as you are away from the bustle of Galle but a short walk to the restaurants and Fort gates – it was the best of both worlds.
It feels like a place one would return to year after year. We thoroughly recommend!
Doornberg – Lost in time…
Views to the harbour of Galle. Ocean breezes. Deep verandahs. Art filled walls. Books. Afternoons by the pool. Dinners in the garden.
Cared for by the most elegant & attentive team…. Dreaming of the next return.
As the gates opened & we drove down the drive, I was struck by the beauty of this grand colonial home, Doornberg, built in 1712.
It just got better, large cool rooms, grand verandas, an endless lawn leading down to a shaded 16m length pool, surrounded by an abundance of local flora, birds and monkeys playing in the trees.
Contemporary art, a library, delicious dinners, superbly appointed suites with the lovely team always quietly in the background.
A week in paradise – I began my mornings with yoga arranged on the verandas, followed by a swim and delicious breakfast under the rose apple tree; idyllic days exploring the locale, relaxing around the beautiful pool, hidden from the house, sharing the space under the canopy of the great mango tree and countless exotic birds. After dinner in the garden, they’d end in my sumptuous bed, veiled by its mosquito net.
Genuine hospitality, the staff & service are charming but almost invisible, creating a feeling of total serenity and privacy. I’m counting the days until I can return….
Doornberg is the most extraordinary place we have ever stayed – like a gracious and luxurious private residence. Tucked away above the bustling town of Galle, the Dutch colonial house, built in 1712, exudes a timeless charm and sophistication – from its imposing columns and verandas to its meticulously groomed gardens and lawns leading to the secluded pool; every detail reflects a commitment to its heritage and to the wellbeing of its guests. First class…
Doornberg is a thing of beauty. From the moment you enter the grounds through the impressive gates, a sense of tranquillity engulfs you. The house is beautifully restored and maintained. Each room is stylishly furnished with an interesting collection of Sir Lankan and Australian art. The guest suites are so comfortable, that they feel like a luxury home with every need catered to. The pool is a refreshing private haven of calm surrounded by jungle. All of this is topped off by the staff and service. Each staff member goes the extra mile with their easy smiles and attentive care. The chef creates wonderful, tasty meals with the freshest of local produce. If you can bear to leave Doornberg, you have the beauty of Galle and its surrounds on your doorstep. The staff are very knowledgeable and will always be able to assist with arranging trips to the beach, great sightseeing and restaurant reservations.
Warmly greeted upon our arrival, the household team set us up in one of four spacious and well-appointed rooms. With our wardrobe unpacked and organized in the closets, we retreated to the porch to get the insider lowdown on what not to miss in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Fort Galle and its surroundings. Doornberg, the house itself, was exactingly restored and precisely balanced by a modern relaxed level of chicness. All, thanks to Mr. H.’s unerring eye and sophistication; carried over from his background in the world of luxury fashion retailing. The word, “reluctant” suggests the attention to detail that comes to him instinctually; while (gratefully!) lacking the obsequiousness that’s inherently a part of traditional hotel training. Every consideration to maximize a most satisfying experience there, was beyond exceptional.