Becoming Sri Lanka’s First Shangri-La Resort Hotel
BEIJING, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa will open in June 2016, offering comprehensive facilities that allow guests to engage in a variety of experiential activities, setting new standards for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka...
Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa will open in June 2016, offering comprehensive facilities that allow guests to engage in a variety of experiential activities, setting new standards for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka. Situated along Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coastline, the resort spans 145 acres and features 300 beachfront rooms overlooking lush tropical gardens. It also offers an 18-hole golf course, a craft village, and a range of innovative dining, activity, and entertainment options.“Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean, boasting stunning natural scenery, warm-hearted locals, and a history spanning over two thousand years. We are honored to be the first international luxury resort in Hambantota and look forward to bringing the legendary Shangri-La hospitality to this vibrant destination,” said Mr. Greg Doggett, President & CEO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.“This vibrant destination.”
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s best locations for wildlife viewing, and Hambantota is close to several national wildlife parks that are home to wild elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, thousands of rare and exotic birds, and other animals.
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, guests can take the Shangri-La private luxury shuttle bus to the resort — a first for Sri Lanka. The shuttle can accommodate up to 25 people, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic drive while sipping refreshing drinks and snacks, with ice-cold towels available on board.
In addition to the Shangri-La luxury shuttle, guests can also fly directly to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, just 35 kilometers from the resort, via Flydubai and Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Jet. Local carrier Cinnamon Air and SriLankan Airlines also operate regular domestic flights from Colombo.
A Paradise Within Paradise
Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa offers 26 suites ranging from 48 to 240 square meters, where guests can enjoy expansive views of the verdant landscaped gardens, along with private butler service. The rooms feature neutral tones accented with wood carvings and elegant turquoise highlights, seamlessly blending modern design with traditional Sri Lankan elements. Each suite has a private balcony for enhanced privacy.
Sri Lanka’s rich culture is evident throughout the resort, especially in the “Craft Village,” where guests can interact with local artisans. The Craft Village is dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s traditional crafts, featuring four heritage-style huts where artisans create, display, and sell handmade items such as pottery, ceramics, wood carvings, and textiles. In the evening, the village transforms into an entertainment venue, showcasing Sri Lankan music and Angampora dance performances (Sri Lanka’s indigenous martial art and one of the oldest combat training systems in the world).
Shangri-La’s 18-hole eco-friendly golf course is designed for golf enthusiasts. Nestled within a vast coconut plantation with meticulously maintained fairways, the picturesque 70-par course was designed by Rodney Wright and divided into three landscape zones: the Dune Zone facing breathtaking ocean views, and the Sapphire Zone overlooking open areas rich in water resources. The resort is the first in Sri Lanka to have a golf course.
The colonial-style clubhouse offers a relaxing retreat. For the more active, there are exciting water sports, as well as archery, darts, barefoot bowling, and table tennis.
Nearby attractions include the Hummanaya Blowhole, secluded turtle beaches, and quaint traditional fishing villages — all perfect for exploration. Guests can also visit the Bandagiriya Temple and climb Hambantota’s highest peak, dating back to the 2nd century BC, to uncover the island’s ancient heritage.
The resort’s “Cool Zone” is a children’s paradise, offering round-the-clock activities supervised by professionals. These include a seven-meter-high flying fox, a drone zone, and staff-versus-guest games, making family vacations more convenient and fun.
Influenced by Sri Lanka’s rich traditional culture, the resort’s restaurants offer a diverse culinary experience. The global team of chefs creates a dynamic dining atmosphere, including the all-day dining restaurant Bojun Hala, which serves international buffets and Sri Lankan cuisine. Sera Restaurant, meaning “lemongrass,” offers a vibrant Southeast Asian street-food vibe. Adjacent Beach Grill, inspired by traditional local fishing boats, serves freshly grilled dishes. Giman Hala (“The Retreat”) and the 19th Hole Bar & Lounge offer a selection of snacks and beverages throughout the day.
The lobby lounge provides different services during the day and evening. After a morning yoga session, guests can enjoy fresh, healthy meals and a selection of local teas. As night falls, the lounge transforms into a romantic spot for champagne and cocktails while watching the sunset.
For those seeking pure relaxation, CHI, The Spa is a haven for rejuvenation. CHI spa treatments are inspired by time-honored Asian wellness traditions and therapies, offering a tranquil space to unwind.
The 12 treatment rooms and outdoor pavilions provide luxurious yet cozy spaces for relaxation. Skilled therapists use 100% natural products, along with Chinese and Indian herbal therapies. The fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment, a diving center, a 30-meter swimming pool,、an irregularly shaped pool, and retail facilities.
The multifunctional meeting and banquet area spans over 2,525 square meters, making it one of the finest venues in Sri Lanka for conferences, weddings, and celebrations. Outdoor pavilions can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for any type of event. The Kandy, Hatton, and Badulla meeting rooms, each around 84 to 91 square meters, can host up to 100 guests. Smaller rooms such as Haputale and Nuwara Eliya, approximately 70.5 square meters, can accommodate 84 guests.
The resort also offers a magnificent venue for tropical weddings. Whether on a breezy beach shaded by swaying palm trees,oron lush green lawns, Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa is the perfect place to celebrate a special union.
Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa is one of two hotels under the group in Sri Lanka, with the other being Shangri-La Colombo, tentatively set to open in 2017. It will also be the group’s third resort property in the Indian Ocean.