Shangri-La to open Hambantota Resort and Spa, Sri Lanka, on June 1

HONG KONG — June 1 has been set as the opening date for Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa on Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline. 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.

Guestrooms include 26 suites with private butler service.

Hambantota Resort & Spa, which is located near several national wildlife parks, is the first of two Shangri-La hotels under development in Sri Lanka. The second – Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo – is slated to open in 2017.

Guests arriving to Colombo International Airport can take Shangri-La’s private luxury coach transfer along the scenic coastal route. Fly Dubai and Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Jet, fly direct to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, 35 km from the resort. Cinnamon Air and Sri Lankan Airlines also run regular domestic flights from Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s rich culture is honoured throughout the resort and in particular at The Village, where guests can 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). www.shangri-la.com (ATI).