9 May 2023 12:22 pm Views - 464
Pix courtesy: Shangri–la
We successfully overcame the challenges and set a benchmark for hospitality in Sri Lanka. We are very pleased with the endorsement and avid reviews from our guests which helped us earn a positive reputation in our seven years of operation
The recovery of the tourism industry after many problems since the 2019 Easter attack, Covid pandemic in 2020 and the economic crisis appears to be on a positive note. The tourism industry stake holders are optimistic and working hard towards brighter days in the coming months. It is a delight to see the hospitality industry starting to boom with the increase in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. With a gala Avurudu celebration after almost four years, the Sri Lankan domestic travel segment is said to have reached the highest ever since 2019.
Sri Lanka’s very first Deep South luxury resort, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa was bustling and pulsating with all New Year festivities at the resort after many years with the influx of local holiday makers.
Preparing for the seventh anniversary celebration of the Resort on 1st of June, Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort boasts the recent inclusion at number four of the ‘Best 10 Golf Resorts in the World’ category by ‘Golfscape’ Blog, a popular golf concierge.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort and Spa is the first Shangri-La property in Sri Lanka opened in 2016 on a 145-acre former coconut plantation.
Spread across a vast coconut palm plantation, the par-70, 18 hole golf course offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, with distinctive challenges for both beginners and seasoned players. Designed by Rodney Wright, the globally celebrated designer, the course offers lush fairways and challenging bunkers, with the Dune Area featuring subtle elevation changes and the Sapphire Mine showcasing generous greens with an abundance of water features. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa’s golf course is USGA (United States Golf Association) Course Rated and Slope Rated.
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.
The luxury resort spans 145-acres, making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka, and boasts 300 spacious rooms, including 20 suites, all surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. All 300 luxury rooms and suites offer magnificent views of either manicured golf lawns, the sparkling lagoon, beautiful landscaped tropical gardens or the rugged waves of the Indian Ocean.
‘The Resort also offers three swimming pools for families, kids and adults and a health club. If you seek relaxation, Chi Ayurveda Spa is a place of personal peace that offers ancient healing therapies and personalized Ayurveda consultations with our expert doctor. The Spa section is operated by professional Balinese therapists’ said Refhan Razeen, the General Manager of the Resort.
The culinary journey around the resort showcases the best of Sri Lankan cuisine, South-East Asian specialties and international flavours. A wide variety of vibrant dining venues can be found throughout the resort. ‘Bojunhala’ serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, while the stunning Sera, is inspired by the famous hawker stalls of Southeast Asia, and provides a variety of comfort foods under the direction of the Executive Chef Namal Wijeratne and his experienced kitchen team.
‘Ulpatha’ doubles as the resort's Golf Club House and the Centre for sporting, social and recreational gatherings.
‘The unique Artisan Village gives guests an opportunity to explore and interact with local artistes and craftsmen. The Village is a space dedicated to supporting and preserving the treasures of southern Sri Lanka's artisan communities and comes alive with regular traditional dance and music performances in the evening’ said Parimalan Raj, the FOM. Families are given a warm welcome at the resort with a range of services designed especially for them. The Cool Zone Kids Club is open every day and there are plenty of other activities to keep younger guests happy including the thrills of a 7 metre high trapeze.
Special festivities and traditional Avurudu festival were the main attraction at Artisan Village during the past Avurudu weekend. This will continue till end of April’ Raj added. ‘We successfully overcame the challenges and set a benchmark for hospitality in Sri Lanka. We are very pleased with the endorsement and avid reviews from our guests which helped us earn a positive reputation in our seven years of operation. We wish to continue raising the bar of service excellence to exceed the expectations of today’s sophisticated local vacationers and international travellers alike’ said GM Razeen. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 98 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 40,000. Shangri-La’s Hambantota is in close proximity to some of the country’s finest nature and wildlife reserves, including Yala and Bundala National Parks. Also the Resort now offers unique experiences, namely, professionally guided Yala Park Safari with expert knowledge on wildlife.
Executive Chef Namal Wijeratne and his kitchen brigade
Action station at 'Bijunhala'
lagoon pool
Excursions to surrounding areas are possible using Shangri La - Hambantota as the base. Bundala National Park, Lunugamvehera and Yala Block 4, Palutupana Salterns, Kataragama/ Kiri Vehera, Kirinda ancient Tepmple, Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Ridiyagama Safari, Hambantota Bird Park and Dry Zone Botanical Gardens are some of the popular excursions.
www.shangri-la.com/hambantota