Opening on Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline on 1 June 2016, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa will offer unrivalled amenities and experiential activities and set a new standard for hospitality in the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Spanning 145 acres, the 300-room beachfront resort will boast lush tropical gardens, an 18-hole golf course, an artisan village and a wide array of innovative dining, event and entertainment options. Hambantota is located near several national wildlife parks that are home to an array of animals, including wild elephants, the Sri Lankan leopard and thousands of rare and exotic birds. Guests arriving to Colombo International Airport can enjoy Shangri-La’s private luxury coach transfer, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Seating up to 25 people, resort guests will enjoy the five-star service and facilities for which the hotel group is renowned, with refreshments, cold towels and snacks served during the drive along the scenic coastal route. The resort’s guestrooms include 26 suites with private butler service and range from 48 to 240 square metres. Sri Lanka’s rich culture is honoured throughout the resort and in particular at “The Village”, where guests can explore and interact with local artisans and craftsmen. The Village is dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s traditional artisan communities and features four traditional huts where the craftsmen skilfully create, exhibit and sell their items, from pottery and ceramics, to wood carvings and weavings. In the evening, the village transforms into an entertainment venue, showcasing Sri Lankan music and dance performances of Angampora (Sri Lanka’s indigenous martial art and one of the oldest fighting disciplines in the world).
