Shangri-La (Hambantota).

Touted as Sri Lanka's biggest resort to date, the relatively new Shangri-La Hambantota is a sprawling property in Sri Lanka's deep South. With 53 acres, 300 rooms, some 21 suites, an artisanal village, recreational facilities, and an 18 hole golf course, it's pretty dang massive. The service is the key aspect that renders it less soulless than you might think.

Sure, the resort really covers everything you need, like a bunch of restaurants, a couple of pools, and more activities than you can cover in your stay, but there's a reason for this. There's basically nothing outside. If you're on foot, forget it, no restaurants or recreational options await you outside the borders of the resort. It is, however, very close to the beautiful wildernesses of Ussangoda, Bundala, and Yala. 

Rooms

The cheapest rooms go for about $250 a night on a bed and breakfast basis, but they usually have a bunch of discounts if you're a Sri Lankan resident or book in advance, as low as $145 a night. We stayed at an Ocean Premiere Suite, which is about $400 a night or around $340 if you book in advance.

The rooms are up to a high international standard. Quality fittings, great linen, rooms angled towards the best view, and all the luxury amenities you'd expect. The options range from the smaller golf-course facing rooms to the super luxe Janapathi Presidential Suite. Overall, there's really nothing you could complain about the room itself. The interior decor isn't particularly inventive, but international chains rarely are.

We even got a beautiful little welcome to the suite/sweet life, with a Siddhalepa pack and a tray of dessert goodies when we got there to complement our view of the sunset pool and the horizon beyond. 

Dining

The dining was probably one of our favourite aspects of the 4-day stay. We tried 3 restaurants whilst there, the Bojun Hala for our breakfast spreads, Ulpatha for some dining by the golf course, and Sera for some rather snazzy South Asian fare.

We'd recommend you opt for full board or at least half board, because there's really nowhere to eat outside the resort. Plus it's quite pricey if you're paying per meal, at least Rs. 2000 per head for a la carte, and Rs. 3500++ for the buffet.

Bojun Hala is the main restaurant, and their buffet spread is massive, with a whole host of cuisines, courses, and live stations on offer. At almost Rs. 3800 a head, you'd expect this level of variety and quality though. You can opt for anything from Sri Lankan to Thai to Continental fare, with pasta, noodles, hoppers, and other action stations. We particularly enjoyed their extensive dessert options (pictured in some of its glory above), especially the macarons and tiramisu.

We tried Sera for dinner. While it's meant to be a South-East Asian street-hawker inspired restaurant, the ambience belies that as it's pretty swanky.

Hanging trellises, beautiful open filament bulbs, and chic tableware came together for a pretty chic experience. We opted for a laksa and a glass of champagne while there. The first bowl that came out was throat-scorchingly spicy to the point of discomfort, but the staff was very much on the ball and quickly whipped up another less fiery batch for me within 5 minutes. The laksa cost a whopping Rs. 1400.

The view at Ulpatha over a post-golf session lunch was lovely. It was a hot afternoon, and I'd really earned my repast with some ineffectual but enthusiastic swings on the course. I opted for a fresh prawn salad at a pricey Rs. 1500 and an even fresher big bottle of ice cold Lion at Rs.700. 

Service

On par with the high standard of the food, the staff at Shangri-La Hambantota are trained impeccably. With manners uniform-crisp and lots of genuine friendliness and warmth, I felt welcome and very taken care of. This was probably some of the best service I've come across in Sri Lanka.

Ambience & Experience

I absolutely underestimated how big the hotel was. During a 4 day stay, I still didn't manage to explore all they had on offer. If you're exploring the outer premises, the artisanal village etc, the hotel will arrange an electric buggy for you. The property fringes a fairly long strip of beach, but the water is generally too rough for a paddle, which is a real pity and the only thing detracting from this being a fully-rounded beach resort.

The design is blissfully open-plan, with lots of fresh air, natural light, and blue accents that compliment the sky and sea outside. 

Although they have undoubtedly tried to make the place couples-friendly too, the sunset pool did have quite a few noisy Chinese families in it when I tried to go for a dip. Overall, the sheer size of the premises and crowds don't really lend themselves to a sexy romance weekend. Travelling alone, I found plenty to do, but there was also lots of unwelcome attention from drunk bank employees on a mid-level corporate retreat (for example, some oglers tried to video/take photos during a sunset yoga class I attended with a foreign couple).

Activities & Sport

There are two pools, one free-form pool meant for larger parties and families, and one serene sunset pool meant for sipping on cocktails and hanging out with your boo. There's also a massive recreation area for children, complete with wet slides, jungle gyms, fountains, and more.

You'll also find a trapeze center, a massive trampoline, and a recreation centre with a bunch of games for all ages neighbouring the par 70 golf course and country club.

When I visited, the course just hosted a few holes, but I think they've expanded it to the full 18 now. It was a gorgeous drive, with a man-made pond on one end, plantations on the other, and the sea fringing the side.

The artisanal village is perfect for tourists who want a pre-packaged local experience, as it features local craftsmanship such as jewellery, batik, and more.

 

You can both learn about the art and buy some souvenirs while you're at it.

Spa

The Chi Spa features a whole bunch of treatments, open herbal-treatment chalets and closed indoor rooms for Balinese and Swedish massages. As you'd expect, prices are a tad steep with a 1 hour massage going at about Rs. 8000.

We opted for a luxurious Balinese massage, a soothing slow-stroke treatment with a friendly and experienced therapist, and topped off with a hot tub session. 

Overall

Despite being an unwavering small boutique hotel and villa fan, I quite enjoyed my first Sri Lankan Shangri-La experience. If you're travelling with friends on a golfing retreat, a large family with children and adults of various ages and persuasions, or planning a corporate retreat, this resort is the ultimate spot to head to. The food is good but expensive, and we can't recommend the service enough.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Discover Global Tastes: A Flavorful Adventure at The Kingsbury Buffet

By Sharon Nonis The Kingsbury Colombo offers one of the finest buffet experiences in the

Trending

Authentic Fusion Paella at Ocean

From November 5th to 30th, Ocean at The Kingsbury, invites guests to enjoy an authentic

Trending

Radisson Hotel Kandy Achieves Safehotels Certification

Radisson Hotel Kandy joins Radisson Blu Resort Galle and Radisson Hotel Colombo in proudly achieving

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide