Sun-drenched luxury as Shangri-La opens first Sri Lankan property
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.