Soma Palmshore Beach Resort

3.0 star property
Beach fun in outdoor pool, near Kovalam Beach
your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Soma Palmshore Beach Resort

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; beach views
View from property
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

7.4 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Spa
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
The price is AU$118
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2025

Explore the area

Map
Light House Road, Kovalam Beach, Neyyattinkara, Kerala, 695521
  • Vizhinjam Beach
    19 min walk
  • Afsal Fastfood
    7 min walk
  • Balaramapuram Station
    34 min drive
  • Thiruvananthapuram (TRV-Trivandrum Intl.)
    42 min drive

Room options

Deluxe sea facing ac

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Sea Facing A/C (Single)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard sea facing ac

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Sea Facing AC (Single)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Sea Facing A/c Cottage

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

Sea Facing A/C Cottage (Single)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Sofa bed
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Neyyattinkara

At Soma Palmshore Beach Resort you'll be within a 20-minute walk of Vizhinjam Beach and 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from Lighthouse Beach. Highlights at this beach resort include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering at Somatheeram can include massages, facials and body treatments along with aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments. The family restaurant, Palma, is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the gym and pool loungers as well as access to yoga classes. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a conference centre and a coffee shop/cafe. Free buffet breakfast is available daily between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this 3-property class Neyyattinkara resort include Kovalam Beach and Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

What's nearby

  • Vizhinjam Beach - 19 min walk
  • Kovalam Beach - 5 min drive
  • Lighthouse Beach - 10 min drive
  • Grow Beach - 15 min drive
  • Samudra Beach Park - 21 min drive

Getting around

  • Dhanuvachapuram Station - 22 min drive
  • Thiruvananthapuram (TRV-Trivandrum Intl.) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Afsal Fastfood - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Sunset Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Santana Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ustad Hotel - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Malabar Cafe - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Soma Palmshore Beach Resort

Beach fun in outdoor pool, near Kovalam Beach
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A rooftop terrace, spa services, and a library are also featured at the business-friendly Soma Palmshore Beach Resort. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Neyyattinkara resort is smoke free.

  • 42 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • Built in 1995
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Supervised kid's activities
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference centre
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • On-site shopping
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort offers 42 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features a safe and free newspapers. Rooms open to furnished balconies. This accommodation is furnished with double sofa beds. Select Comfort beds feature premium bedding. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Bathrooms include a rainfall showerhead and complimentary toiletries.

In-room wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include a ceiling fan and blackout curtains. An iron/ironing board and hairdryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa, Somatheeram. Services include facials and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic.

Languages

English, Hindi

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (surcharge); wired internet (surcharge)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Palma
  • Palmshore Cafeteria

Things to do

  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorised watercraft
  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Free cot
  • In-room sofa bed
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Supervised activities for children

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Conference centre

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Rooftop terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Facials
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Double sofa bed
  • Free cot
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 AM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
To register at this property, guests who are Indian citizens must provide a valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India; travelers who are not citizens of India must present a valid passport and visa.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding. Children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: INR 2500
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: INR 2500 (from 5 to 12 years old)
  • Christmas Day (25 December) Gala Dinner per adult: INR 3500.00
  • Christmas Day (25 December) Gala Dinner per child: INR 3500.00 (from 5 to 12 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per adult: INR 3500
  • New Year's Eve (31 December) Gala Dinner per child: INR 3500 (from 5 to 12 years old)

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: INR 2000 per vehicle (one way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services. For reservations, contact the resort before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast.

Property is also known as

Palmshore
Palmshore Beach Resort
Soma Beach Resort
Soma Palmshore
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Neyyattinkara
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort
Soma Palmshore Resort
Soma Resort
Soma Palmshore Beach Neyyattinkara
Soma Palmshore Neyyattinkara
Soma Palmshore Beach
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Resort
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Neyyattinkara
Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Resort Neyyattinkara

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Soma Palmshore Beach Resort offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

As of 23 Dec 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort on 4 Jan 2025 start from AU$118.31, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Yep, Soma Palmshore Beach Resort has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Yep, Soma Palmshore Beach Resort is a short 19-minute walk from Vizhinjam Beach. Fun beach activities include scuba diving, waterskiing and windsurfing.

Is there a spa on site at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Yep, Somatheeram is available for guests. You'll enjoy heaps of services like facials and body treatments.

Does Soma Palmshore Beach Resort have a pool?

Soma Palmshore Beach Resort has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.

What makes Soma Palmshore Beach Resort a romantic place to stay?

Beachfront dining and 24-hour room service, as well as rainfall showerheads and comfy beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort.

Is Soma Palmshore Beach Resort family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as children's meals and laundry facilities, as well as free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Soma Palmshore Beach Resort is a hit with families.

Does Soma Palmshore Beach Resort serve breakfast?

Yeah, complimentary buffet brekkie is on offer daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort's onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Soma Palmshore Beach Resort?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 64 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

harshit

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Property was really beautiful,.light house and sea was clearly visible from the balcony, two downsides were that there was crack in the bathrooms door and the telephone for the room service, restaurant eas not working properly

6/10 Okay

Tarun

Disliked: Amenities
Ok for a day stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Neetu

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

4/10 Poor

Satish

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Unsatisfied for cost paid.
Recently stayed at Soma Palmshore, Light house Road, Trivandrum from 23 Dec 2019 to 26 Dec 2019 and my overall experience was unsatisfactory considering I paid Rs.6000/- per unit per night. Had booked 2 standard sea facing AC units 115 & 116 and the rooms were quite shabby to begin with. The pictures put up at hotels.com are quite misleading to begin with. The hotel is pretty old and is in need of some serious maintenance. To begin with there is no lift to reach the rooms. So if you have old parents with you, the stay is going to become horrible as they have to climb up stairs. The door lock of one of the unit was troublesome, one room had a chain type flush system, both rooms had no Wi-Fi and service is just OK. The hotel does not have a stretcher and wheel chair and one of the cleaning staff collapsed in one of my room and evacuating her took some serious effort and involved calling about 6-7 people from the hotel staff. Restaurant food is decent and some dishes like Chole Batoore, Puri Bhaji etc were good for complimentary breakfast. The staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful but that did not cover up for their unprofessionalism. Will rate the overall experience as 4 on a scale of 10.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The bedroom was fine. There was a balcony and near to the beach. The bath room was in a state of disrepair and needing a deep clean with bleach. Tiles in bathroom really needed to be cleaned. Linnen and towels could have bèn cleaned better. The dining room was basic however the food was a good quality.after we got to know the staff they were friendly and helpful. Food in dining room was good and reasonably priced. We had a massage organised by the hotel, this was good value. I had a yoga class which was great. We would return here.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

stuart

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good location
Loved the gardens, the view and the temperature of the swimming pool, it was a good stay for the price we paid. The hotel is slightly dated but would only need a few changes to make it stunning as the location, a few minutes walk from lighthouse beach and you have your own Private beach is a plus. We felt there’s lots of staff around the hotel which could be updating things when they seem to have very little to do at times. The hotel is very clean which is the main thing, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very enjoyable stay
Rooms comfortable, however the A/C was very noisy but we couldnt live without it. There is a kettle in the room which is totally unnecessary as there are no mugs or tea making equipment - we were told to just order room service which is very reasonable price. Food in the restaurant was good and the staff very helpful and attentive. Reception staff also very helpful - quickly changed our room in the middle of the night when we had a problem with the local wildlife. There is no hairdrier in the room but one was quickly available when I asked Reception. There is a super swimming pool with sunbeds and towels available and a willing pool boy to help put up umbrellas. The location is great with a beach on the doorstep down steps and a short walk to Lighthouse beach with all the shops and restaurants. It is a steep hill back to the hotel but a local tuc-tuc costs a very reasonable 100R. Overall it was good - I particularly enjoyed the yoga - but it is all a bit shabby and with some decoration and upgrade it could be 5*
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Anjana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Beautifully located Hotel .
Great hotel with incredible views. The rooms are comfortable with a large balcony . However the bathrooms need a complete overhaul . The decor needs upgrading . However the location with private beach beautiful gardens and pool with walking distance to local restaurants public beach and tourist shops makes up for the dated decor . The massage spa gives fantastic value for money with wonderful services. The food was varied , very tasty and also good value. The staff could not do enough to help you. Checkin was quick and simple. Minor downside no safe in room nor fridge. However fridge was quickly supplied when requested for storage of medication. Overall we would recommend this hotel as good value and would stay there again. Would also consider booking the cottage if available .

4/10 Poor

Carol, New Zealand

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Tired Bathroom and Room Functional
The bathroom was small and tired and not clean i.e. stained shower tray and hair in plug hole. Room itself was ok but didn't have anywhere to put suitcase, no wardrobe, not tea/coffee facilities. The room had a balcony overlooking the beach which was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

lucia, london

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Beautiful beach view
Tucked out of the way in a beautiful beachside location, this fairly informal hotel with helpful staff is off the beaten track and an oasis if you want peaceful relaxation. Pleasantly weather-beaten with an airy spa on the top floor offering Ayurvedic treatments and yoga. Lovely garden and pool just above the beach. Pleasant balcony restaurant - just don't expect haute cuisine.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

6/10 Okay

denise, england

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
don,t expect to much and you will be ok
what expected in need of a refurbishment room nice cleaned every day noise from generator kept awake at night breakfast very good
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Lohit

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

8/10 Good

Travel Freak, India

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Decent hotel in a vantage location near lighthouse
Hotel is in vantage location close to Kovalam beach, light house and beach. The Ayurveda facilities, pool, private beach, sea facing balcony, cooperative and helpful staff made our stay memorable.

8/10 Good

TANYA, ENGLAND

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
LOVELY HOTEL AND VERY NICE HOLIDAY
WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED OUR HOLIDAY .VERY GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY .ALL THE STAFF WERE DELIGHTFUL COULD NOT DO ENOUGH FOR US .ESPECIALLY MR DHANEESH ,R SIVARAJ AND RESHMA.WE WOULD RECOMMEND TO OUR FRIENDS .

8/10 Good

Jane, UK Worthing

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location with private beach.
We enjoyed our stay here relaxing in the pleasant warm pool and on the private beach, although the waves are huge so swimming is not recommended. The cottages are very sweet and worth paying more for as they are larger and have a fridge, mosquito nets and a sitting area inside as well as out. The restaurant had a lovely setting overlooking the sea and the breakfasts and snacks were very nice though there is no pool service. The pool is very pleasant but could do with more sunbeds and sunshades. There were shaded areas in the garden though. The hotel is up a steep hill on the edge of the town and there are many steps down to the pool and beach. It is very close to Lighthouse beach with all its shops and excellent restaurants. Not really suitable for children as sea not safe and pool is small and has many rules.

8/10 Good

guerbac, moscow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent place to stay!
Pros - Great front of house staff; room clean and large with a great view; restaurant food is 5*; great pool and private beach. Cons - A/C was intermittent (although I never ask for it to be looked at and fixed) and the sun beds could do with updating.

10/10 Excellent

Sunil , New Delhi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I can rebook
A Very Good experience while staying in this resort. Be it stay, staff or food, everything was nice

6/10 Okay

Harpreet

Liked: Cleanliness

8/10 Good

Kishore Kanna, Bangalore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good place for relaxation but little far from city
It is a nice comfortable place to stay. But if you are interested in visiting places like zoo, temple and place you have to travel. But if it is for relaxation it is a best place to stay.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Terrible managerial show
We thought nice to start with then found we never got what we ordered electricity in room was sub standard and dangerous the massage packages were cut short and not really proper massages on leaving we were detained having to pay for meals we didn't get massages that were short and not fulfilled after manager had told us we would only pay what we received then causing a scene as we had our taxi waiting he locked the gate forcing us to pay unsigned bills otherwise would have lost our flight

10/10 Excellent

mahesh, new york

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent hotel
Excellent villas, nice beach view, walking distance to beach, shopping. Very helpful staff, tasty food. Hope the hotel includes local items during breakfast. Overall great place to stay..

8/10 Good

Michelle, Schaumburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly and helpful
I chose this hotel because it had a pool and "private" beach that I thought might be more comfortable for sunbathing. (Turns out I would have preferred to stay at the main beach as tourists were quite comfortable there.) Pluses: The room was very large, the ac always cold, good hot water in the shower. Drinking water provided as well as a water dispenser in the lobby where I filled my water bottle and saved some plastic. Excellent service at breakfast and they would make me masala dosa or banana pancakes at no extra charge. Staff was always helpful and friendly. Not so great: bathroom is tight, older, and some of my shower tiles were corroded so water from the shower leaked into the bathroom floor. Nice balcony facing the ocean but as the ac unit blows out hot air out there you never want to sit there unless you turn your ac off. Pool water was hot and not refreshing. Steep 5-10 min walk up from the main beach and at night has some dark spots. As I was alone I was a bit concerned but was never bothered.

8/10 Good

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort