Otherland Hotels makes its debut in Galle

Otherland Hotels has opened its first hotel property in Galle, bringing 66 accommodation units together with dining, music and locally organised experiences on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, according to the operator.

Otherland Galle officially opened on 12 October on Matara Road, approximately 400 metres from Dewata Beach and 2.8 kilometres from Galle Fort. The venture was founded by Rishi Sreedharan, Samarth Gowda and Emanuel Siddhartha in partnership with Beryll Group.

The accommodation comprises 24 Ocean Rooms, 25 Terra Rooms, 12 suites and five dormitories. Rooms range from 27 square metres to a 70-square-metre Patio Suite, and the property includes rooms designed for guests with disabilities.

Studio Camarada, led by Andre Camara, designed the hotel. Its interiors use coastal colours alongside rattan, ash, hand-tufted textiles and marble finishes.

At ground level, Bar-kery combines reception, a coffee shop, bakery, aperitivo counter and informal co-working space. A Vinyl Corner allows guests to browse records and choose music. Colombo Coffee Company developed a signature blend for the property.

The rooftop venue, Creatures, includes a restaurant, cocktail bar, infinity pool and music space. Its programme includes resident DJs, live performances and planned international artist residencies.

Chef Rajeev Kumar leads the food programme, which combines Sri Lankan dishes with international influences. Arijit Bose heads the cocktail programme, while Aneesha Thapa manages day-to-day operations.

The hotel’s experience programme, The Other Side, has been developed with local surfers, fishermen, artisans, guides, chefs and musicians. Activities include cooking classes, Galle Fort walks, surf lessons at Dewata, whale-watching trips off Mirissa and kayaking at Koggala Lake.

The opening is the first phase of the property’s development. A gym, wellness centre and banquet facilities are planned for a later phase, extending the range of facilities beyond those introduced at the launch.