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uilt hundreds of years ago by the Portuguese and Dutch, the fortified city of Galle marries European architectural tastes with the humid climate and colorful culture of southern Sri Lanka. The Lighthouse Hotel, too, is characterized by contrast: an imposing brick exterior gives way to airy terraces where breezes sweep in from the Indian Ocean, simple woven hammocks swing on a porch near an ornate bronze spiral staircase, coconut pudding and champagne granita are served on tables covered with white linen. The late great Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, had a flair for detail that’s evident throughout the Lighthouse, one of his final projects.

And the joy is in the details, after all, for travelers who’ve journeyed all the way to the remote southern tip of Sri Lanka. The spa offers first-class facials and massages, of course, but besides nature walks and rainforest excursions or jaunts to Galle Fort, there’s not much to do here except float in one of the huge blue pools, doze in a hammock, or watch the waves crashing up against boulders on the rocky shoreline — which is entirely the point. High-ceilinged guest rooms are simply and fashionably furnished with wooden frame beds and pristine white sheets. Pricier “theme suites” are more elegant, but all guest quarters feature private balconies overlooking an aquamarine sea. The spicy, innovative dishes at the Cinnamon Room restaurant sustain guests through the leisurely hours; lamb burgers with chili are served by the pool for those who can’t wait until dinner.