Shangri-La to open huge resort in Sri Lanka

The Hong Kong-based hotel group said Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa will “set a new standard for hospitality”, offering unrivalled amenities and extensive activities - including lush tropical gardens, an 18-hole golf course, an artisan village and an array of dining, event and entertainment options.

Aerial view rendering “Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Indian Ocean and a beautiful country with incredible natural attractions, wonderful people and more than 2,000 years of culture. We are delighted to be opening the first international luxury resort in Hambantota and look forward to bringing Shangri-La’s hallmark hospitality from the heart to this exciting destination,” said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan.

Main Lobby Located near several national wildlife parks on the south coast of the tiny island nation, the resort offers a private luxury coach transfer - with refreshments, cold towels and snacks - from Colombo International Airport and is 35km from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The resort is also in close proximity to traditional fishing villages and the Bandagiriya Temple. The resort’s 300 rooms include 26 suites with private butler service. Rooms offer views of landscaped gardens and are decorated with neutral tones and carved-wood fixtures, with each room having its own secluded balcony or terrace.

Guestroom Guests can interact with local artisans and craftsmen and enjoy Sri Lankan music and dance performances at The Village; practise their swing at the resort’s eco-friendly 18-hole golf course; try their hand at a variety of water sports on the lake; or visit the resort's CHI spa. A 30-metre lap pool, lagoon-style pool, tennis court and retail outlets are also available at the resort, along with a Kids Club which offers a full programme of supervised daily activities.

CHI Spa massage tables All-day dining restaurant Bojun Hala offers a buffet of international and Sri Lankan specialities, whilst the neighbouring Beach Grill serves simpler food from old local fishing boats. Giman Hala (a place to rest), The 19th Hole Bar and Lounge, and The Lobby Lounge also offer guests drinks and dining options. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa offers over 2,525 square metres of events space, including outdoor pavilions for to 1,000 guests, which Shangri-La points out “provides a spectacular backdrop for a tropical wedding.”

Bathroom Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is the first of two Shangri-La hotels under development in Sri Lanka and the group’s third resort in the Indian Ocean. The second hotel – Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo – is slated to open in 2017.