Colombo, June 21 (newsin.asia) – Overlooking the pristine southern coast of beautiful Sri Lanka and framed by swaying king coconut trees, Shangri La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa which was unveiled in June 2016 is truly a luxurious getaway.
The luxury resort spans 58.8 hectares, making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka and boasts 300 spacious luxury rooms, including 21 suites, all surrounded by tropical gardens. It is home to an 18 hole gold course, an expansive spa and an artisan village that celebrates local arts and crafts.
Shangri La’s CHI spa, which this journalist had the opportunity to visit, was a one of a kind experience, opening a world of relaxation and peace. The spa is a place of personal peace, enchantment, and well being that features exceptional Asian and Ayurvedic treatments.
The hotel also offers three swimming pools, one designed especially for children with facilities such as a giant pool maslide and another pool more private at the far end of the resort. The kiddies pool is one of a kind in the country which is designed especially for the kids entertainment.
A wide variety of vibrant dining destinations can be found throughout the resort.
Bojunhala
Bojunhala serves the finest authentic Sri Lankan cuisine along with a variety of international dishes while the stunning Sera offers food inspired by the famous hawker stalls of South East Asia.
During our tour, we were impressed by the wide variety of food offered including unique delicacies such as the Pandan Rice and the flavoured chicken all prepared by the Resorts executive chef and the internationally renowned Nonky Tejapermana.
The Bojunhala Restaurant has a dedicated kids’ area which allows for a fun dining experience through activity based meals and custom food stations built for children.
Sera
The Sera cooked up some of the best kebabs, atcharu, ice creams with unique flavours. The food served at Sera is inspired from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and all with locally grown produce. The dishes at this restaurant are freshly prepared before the guests.
Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table, is for those looking for a lifetime dining experience, or celebrating an important occasion. Set within the lush grounds and surrounded by a fragrant herb garden, this spot is truly magical. One of the resorts in house chef will personally prepare a bespoke dinner for the guests using ingredients from the local garden. Ideal for groups celebrating a special occasion, this is a dinner with a difference.
Gimanhala Lounge
Our stop at the Gimanhala Lounge still offers an unforgettable experience. The lounge is the perfect spot for guests to enjoy an afternoon tea or a selection from the cocktail trolley after day’s exploring. We were offered some of the finest desserts at this lounge which included some of the tastiest macaroons, cakes, a chocolate fountain among many other delicacies.
Ulpatha
Inspired by Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage, Ulpatha (watering hole) is the perfect place to unwind after a game of golf. It offers the finest selection of wines and cheeses, other beverages and snacks. For those wanting to unwind after dinner there is a pool table and a great selection of cocktails.
Shangri La Hambantota resort also includes one of Sri Lanka’s largest banquet hall which is ideal for international or local conferences and destination weddings. Activities can be tailored to your personal needs, by experienced hosts offering Shagri La’s signature service.
Kadamandiya
Shangri La is also the only resort which has its own artisan village, the Kadamandiya. This village provides the first hand window into the local culture. The village enables guests to learn about the artistry of rural craftsmen that kept the traditions of Sri Lanka alive.
Shangri La Hambantota is also one of the few resorts in Sri Lanka that has taken special care to look into the entertainment of children, making it a family friendly resort as much as a romantic getaway.
The resort has a bungee jumping area designed for kids and adults with trained professionals and also has a ‘Cool Zone’ for the younger children which includes a play area, toys, face painting, and a video game section all under expert supervision.
The Table by Golden Circle
Transforming into one of the best resorts in the island within a span of a year, Shangri La Hambantota, last month announced the launch of the ‘Table by Golden Circle’ a new food and beverage loyalty program that offers unparelleled benefits to members who dine at Shangri La properties.
The dining programme is the latest initiative in the ongoing transformation of Golden Circle, which has rolled out industry-leading member benefits, new partnerships, exclusive offers and Golden Circle Event Planner Rewards during its nine-month Loyalty Is anniversary campaign.
The Hong Kong-based hotel group, which operates 98 properties and over 500 restaurants and bars worldwide, commissioned consumer research in developing The Table – surveying Golden Circle members, hotel guests and local residents on their attitudes towards dining, restaurant preferences and loyalty.
“Our consumer research reaffirmed that the emotion attached to a dining experience is far more appealing than the functional benefit of discounts and points. Loyalty programmes must adapt to this trend and become increasingly more experiential,” said Shangri-La’s Chief Marketing Officer Steven Taylor. “Through ‘The Table’s’ unmatched rewards, we are giving guests greater access to culinary experiences worth savouring. And the more they dine with us, the better these experiences get.”
The Table is fully integrated with Shangri-La’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme and recognises members through achievable redemptions and access to signature food experiences, exclusive events, unique surprises and special offers.
It is created especially for Shagri La’s most valued guests. Everytime a guest stays, enjoys a spa treatment or dines at any Shangri La Hotel and Resort, they will enjoy exclusive privileges and benefits across many different aspects of the group’s hotel an resort offerings.
Golden Circle Award points can be redeemed towards hotel stays, dining or spa experiences at any Shangri La hotel, resort, Kerry Hotel, Traders Hotel and Hotel Jen. Points may also be converted into airline miles.
