The idyllic island nation of Sri-Lanka has long been associated with boutique accommodations and understated luxury, with a number of Victorian and Art Deco properties gracing the picturesque landscape. Now, as the Southeast Asian country continues to gain recognition - featuring on many people’s destination wishlists - the big hospitality chains are moving in.
However, the opening of the 300-room Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa did not go as smoothly as planned, with guests - including the President of Sri Lanka - forced to evacuate after a straw hut caught fire following a firework display during the opening ceremony. No one was injured and the blaze was quickly under control, with the celebrations continuing uninterrupted.
The five-star property, located beachfront on a 145-acre former coconut plantation on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka, is the first of two developments in Sri Lanka that Hong Kong-based Shangri-La has planned, with a 500-room hotel slated to open in Colombo next year. “We are excited to unveil the first of two Shangri-La hotels in Sri Lanka and to add a third Indian Ocean resort to the Group’s portfolio,” said Shangri-La President and CEO Greg Dogan. “This stunning resort is the perfect backdrop for guests to experience the incredible beauty, culture and warmth of Sri Lanka. We have created a destination within a destination where guests can discover unique experiences and find personal moments of ‘Shangri-La’.”
Nestled beside the Indian Ocean and framed by swaying coconut trees, the sun-drenched resort doubles as a quiet retreat or spirited getaway, Shangri-La said in a statement. Upon arriving at the resort, guests are whisked away by electric tuk-tuk to their private room, which start at 48sqm. Rooms feature louvered shutters and wooden floors, with balconies that offer views of the resort’s lush gardens - complete with roaming peacocks – or ocean views. Rooms offer a modern luxurious style, with spacious bathrooms housing stone-clad bathtubs and rain showers. The resort’s 21 suites range in size from 96 to 240sqm, and come with their own butler service.
A selection of four restaurants and bars include 'Bojunhala', serving an international buffet and Sri Lankan specialities, as well as 'Sera', with a Southeast Asia-inspired offering. Spa enthusiasts can indulge at CHI, The Spa, where Ayurvedic treatments are available in twelve indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa also has three salt-water swimming pools, a kids club and a par-70 golf course, which offers players ocean views and fairways surrounded by vegetation and wildlife.
Along with recreational activities, including beach volleyball, mountain biking and jogging, the resort features an on-site Health Club offering state-of-the-art fitness facilities and yoga classes. The resort is located a four-hour drive from Colombo and is 35km from the nearest airport.
To fly, to serve. That is the tagline of the UK’s main carrier British Airways. It takes pride in offering reliable and friendly service...
Read more
If you are looking for a discreet, private bolthole when visiting Rome rather than one of the larger grand dame properties, then take a...
Read more
Fabulous Business Class fares to a selected range of destinations in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Far East, Middle...
Read more