Sri Lanka’s five-star luxury boom
The island nation of Sri Lanka is now a regular destination on the international 5 star luxury scene and the Shangri-La Hambantota Resort and Spa is luxury at its best.
The three hundred room, one hundred and forty-five acre resort sits on a former coconut plantation along the southern coastline of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s rich and colourful heritage awaits guests along with a wealth of wildlife, including exotic birds in some of the nearby national parks. The resort’s Indian Ocean, coastal locale will enhance guests’ sense of wanderlust, allowing for leisurely exploration of secluded beaches, fishing villages and historic temples.
The sheer size of the resort is impressive – among its facilities is a challenging par-70 golf course designed by globetrotting gold course architect Rodney Wright, who’s previous iterations include the Bali Golf & Country Club in Nusa Dua, among others. For those more inclined to laze about there’s three saltwater pools choose from, including the Sunset and Freeform pools.
Active adventure seekers can take part in a wealth of outdoor experiences, including beach volleyball, nature walks, mountain biking and running trails.
The resort also features a selection of four restaurants and bars, allowing guests to experience a culinary adventure without venturing off the property. Among the offerings are Bojunhala for international buffet and Sri Lankan specialities or Sera for hawker-style stalls featuring flavourful cuisines of Southeast Asia. Ulpatha or ‘Watering Hole’ is home to one of the finest selection of malt whiskies, while Gimanhala prepares fresh drinks after morning yoga, all day refreshments and cocktails by candlelight.
The resort can be reached by air from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport and Hambantota’s Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is 35 kilometres away, or by car via a 240-kilometre coastal road.
