ANTIC Boutique Hotel : Redefining Antiquity
Dating back to the 16th century, the prehistoric Galle Fort is a magnificent monument, with a superb blend of architecture that brings back memories from the Dutch times. Recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Galle Fort today is home to a population of multi-ethnic and multi-religious backgrounds. Exuding old-world charm, once inside the Fort one would find the streets dotted with Dutch colonial villas, antique shops, museums, restaurants and lavish boutique hotels.
In the centre of this colonial beauty stands ANTIC, a space dedicated for a relaxing stay although it is ringed with a busy neighbourhood. ANTIC is a house which has been restored to serve as a boutique hotel and it is one of those few places where you can actually feel like home. The ground floor has a few tables for those who would like to drop in to grab a juice or a snack. The interior design perfectly highlights its antiquity with wheels turned in to a chandelier along with bulbs of different sizes illuminating it.
ANTIC has five rooms of average size which are adorned with antiques to suite its theme. The wooden floors have been painted with various shades of turquoise blues and browns to restore its antiquity. Each room number is denoted with a year of colonialism and inside the room is a plaque that speaks of the significance of that year. Each room has a private bath and all amenities including WiFi, hot running water, cable TV and lockers.
Dating back to over a hundred years, ANTIC houses furniture and fittings that are older than the property itself. The property which was originally the private residence of Irfan Ismail and his parents, has been refurbished by Irfan himself, making it more welcoming, warm and aesthetically perfect.
What makes ANTIC more unique is its entrance which has been adorned with abstract paintings done by acclaimed and established artist Mueen Saheed which tell tales of the eras long gone.
For more information contact them on +94 912224414 or +94 771640685.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Pradeep Dilrukshana
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