Shangri-La Hambantota Nine years of execellnce

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is nearing the one million arrival mark for 2025 by mid-May, showing strong progress toward the target of three million arrivals by year-end. However, with the traditional ‘low season’ in the South-Western regions lasting until September, domestic travel continues to play a crucial role in maintaining momentum. It is encouraging to see the hospitality sector beginning to boom, driven by a surge in domestic travel — the highest recorded since 2019.

Sri Lanka’s very first Deep South luxury resort, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, was bustling with vibrant New Year festivities after years of quiet — thanks to a significant influx of Sri Lankan holidaymakers.

As it prepares to celebrate its ninth anniversary on June 1st, Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort proudly highlights its recognition as the fourth best in the ‘Top 10 Golf Resorts in the World’ by Golfscape Blog, a popular golf concierge platform.

Indika Gonawela, Director of Operations	Executive Chef Sanjaya Marasinghe

Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa, the first Shangri-La property in Sri Lanka, opened in June 2016 on a 145-acre former coconut plantation. Spanning 58 hectares, the resort features the par-70, 18 hole golf course, a serene Ayurveda-focused spa, an artisan village celebrating local crafts, three swimming pools and a water park - perfect for families, couples and solo travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

‘We are quite happy with the current arrivals and the strong patronage from Sri Lankans. Things now appear to be moving in a positive direction. Although we are celebrating nine years, nearly four of those were disrupted due to the 2019 Easter attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disasters’ explained Indika Gonawela, Director of Operations of the Resort.

The resort boasts 274 keys, including Deluxe Rooms, Premier Ocean Deluxe Rooms, Premier Ocean Suites, two Specialty Suites, and one Janapathi Suite — making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka.

‘Each is infused with contemporary Sri Lankan-style décor featuring a blend of soothing earthy tones, taking inspiration from the sea and the island locale’ Indika said.

All rooms feature a bath tub, 55 inch LCD screen TV, Mini Bar, safe, spacious bed and a private balcony ideal for quiet evenings al fresco including en-suite bathroom with all modern amenities. 

The resort also offers three swimming pools- Main Sunset Family pool, Lagoon Pool and Kids’ pool with Water Park and a health club. Also a 7-metre-high trapeze and archery are some of the added attractions.  

A wide array of vibrant dining destinations can be found throughout the property. Guests are spoilt for choice with three food and beverage outlets at the resort. They offer a rich culinary journey, showcasing the best of Sri Lankan cuisine, Southeast Asian specialties, and international flavours. The all-day dining restaurant ‘Bojunhala’ serves authentic local dishes and a collection of global cuisine, while the stunning ‘Sera’ — inspired by the famous hawker stalls of Southeast Asia — presents a variety of comforting favourites, all crafted under the direction of Executive Chef Sanjaya Marasinghe and his skilled culinary team.

‘Gimanhala Lounge’ is the perfect spot for guests to unwind with afternoon tea or a selection from the cocktail trolley after a day of exploration. The best time to visit is at sunset, when you can savour the last rays of the day with a signature beverage crafted by the resort’s expert mixologist. 

‘Ulpatha’ doubles as the resort’s Golf Club House and the centre for sporting, social and recreational gatherings. 

‘Local flavours are showcased through a culinary journey across this spice island, but for a true taste of Sri Lanka, our southern-style seafood preparations — including crab curry and Shangri-La’s signature dish — should be at the top of every guest’s list. For the ultimate date night, the lagoon is the perfect setting for an intimate sundowner or a romantic barbecue for two’ said Chef Marasinghe.

As an added touch of hospitality, the resort offers a complimentary treatment with every spa treatment booked — making CHI Ayurveda Spa the perfect haven to unwind and rejuvenate.

The Resort offers a wide array of services and facilities for golfers to enjoy their experience in these idyllic settings. Inspired by Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage, ‘Ulpatha’, the Golf Club House overlooks the 18th hole and is the perfect place to unwind after a game of golf, with a fine selection of beverages and snacks. For players’ convenience, the Proshop offers a wide range of products on sale including a selection of premium golf equipment, caps, shoes and sun glasses. 

Shangri-La Hambantota is in close proximity to some of the country’s finest nature and wildlife parks, including Yala, Lunugamvehera, Viharagala –(Yala Block V), Bundala and Udawalawe National Parks. Also the Resort now offers unique experiences, namely, professionally guided River Boat Safari down the Walawe River, Sunset tour at Godawaya and excursion to Weerawila Lake. 

Excursions to surrounding areas are possible using Shangri La – Hambantota as the base. Bundala and Yala National Parks, Lunugamvehera, Viharagala –(Yala Block V) and Udawalawe. Also tours to Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, Kataragama , Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Kiri Vehera, Kirinda and Bandagiriya Temple. Bird Sanctuary, Ridiyagama Safari, Hambantota Bird Park and Dry Zone Botanical Gardens are some of the popular excursions.

The room rates at Shangri La Hambantota range from Rs 57,000/- BB to Rs 87,000/- (FBD). Current promotional offers are available.

For more details, log onto 

www.shangri-la.com/hambantota or mail to [email protected]