Shangri-La Hambantota: Natural Beauty In Halal Friendly Sri Lanka

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Experience the combination of one of the world’s most famous hotels experiences and a location of pure bliss. Welcome to Shangri-La Hambantota in Sri Lanka, a halal friendly getaway waiting to sweep you off your feet.

Newly opened in June 2016, Shangri La Hambantota welcomes guests to enjoy pure luxury in their latest addition to their hotel offering. Situated in Hambantota, a part of Sri Lanka known for its natural beauty and wildlife, visitors will have the chance to relax in style and explore Asia’s most fascinating nature sanctuaries like the Yala and Bundala National Parks.

The hotel covers over 53 hectares of ground wherein you’ll find 300 spacious rooms including 21 suites, all surrounded by luscious tropical gardens that will take your breath away. Resort activities to keep you occupied throughout your stay include an 18 hole golf course, and an artisan village that celebrates local arts and grafts; other various activities such as water sports, excursions, day trips, and visiting national parks is also easy to accomplish with the friendly staff at Hambantota who will be more than happy to assist you with your wants and needs.

Shangri-La rooms are known for being comfortable, luxurious, and stylish, and when it comes to its latest resort in Sri Lanka, they have done it once again. Enjoy spacious rooms that have carefully been designed to mix in the modern day lifestyle with Sri Lanka’s beautiful culture. Enjoy the very best furniture, facilities, and views all in a comfortable space that allows you to move freely and make the most of your time away.

Dining at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is another enjoyable part of your stay with delicious local halal friendly Sri Lankan cuisine available at the resorts restaurant. Tropical juices and fruit shakes are also an important must try, just as the Chi Spa is. Unwind in the most luxurious way possible with Shangri La’s trusted partners and pamper yourself like you never have before with its many wonderful spa treatments and signature massages.

From £1,849 per person

based on two people sharing

Includes

Return flights from London to Colombo
Seven nights accommodation at the 5* Shangri-La Hambantota in a Deluxe Room
Daily breakfast
Return airport transfers in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Visa

Valid for travel from April to October (supplements apply during July and August)

Alternative dates are available throughout the year at a supplement. Prices subject to change and availability at the time of booking.

Email us at mail@serendipity.travel or call
0203 397 4397 for more information.

A country so small yet offers so much, Sri Lanka is the perfect holiday destination for all types of adventurous tourists. From hiking and trekking to get some of the best panoramic views, to snorkeling and diving, or wondering the rainforest and national parks to discover many of Sri Lanka’s beautiful animals. While the activities are countless, those looking to relax and take a break from their busy lives can also soak up the sun on any of Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches.

Flight time from the UK: Approximately 11 hours via direct flight.

Local languages: Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka, however English is considered as the 3rd unofficial language and is widely understood and spoken to a conversational level.

Best time to visit: The best time to travel to Sri Lanka depends on what part of the country you’re travelling to. If you’re travelling to the west and south coasts the best time of the year is from December and March, while for the east coast, April/May to September has the best weather.

Visa requirements (for British passport holders) : British passport holders need to obtain an electronic visa prior to their flight. Though it is possible to get a visa upon arrival, it’s highly recommended to have everything sorted out beforehand. Most tourist visas allow you up to 30 days of stay.

Which airport will you fly in to: Bandaranaike International Airport, also known as Colombo International Airport is the main international gateway in Sri Lanka and the most likely airport you’ll arrive into when travelling from the UK.

Key Events and Festivals:

Thai Pongal – A Festival of Gratitude to Surya – Celebrated in January, this celebration celebrates Thai Pongal, a harvest festival in Sri Lanka as a thanksgiving to the sun and cattle for a bountiful crop. Vesak Poya – The festival of Lights – Celebrate in May, this celebration focuses the three most important milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha – His birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana (Nirvana after death). Deepavali Festival of Lights - Deepavali or Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated annually by Hindus in autumn every year. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Which airport will you fly in to: Bandaranaike International Airport, also known as Colombo International Airport is the main international gateway in Sri Lanka and the most likely airport you’ll arrive into when travelling from the UK.

Must try food:

Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) – Known as one of the most beloved varieties of the many different fish curries available, this dish is normally served with a fish such as tuna which is then cut into cubes and sautéed in a blend of spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pandan leaves and curry leaves.

Lamprais – This delicious dish is a combination of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce, wrapped into a banana leaf packet and steamed.

Wambatu moju (eggplant/brinjals pickle) - Served mostly with rice and curries, wambatu moju is an extremely flavorful candied eggplant (brinjals) pickle. It’s cut into cubes and deep fried before being sprinkled over with a mix of herbs and spices.

Kiribath with lunu miris – A special type of sweet rice that is cooked with thick coconut milk.

Our favourite experiences:

Visit Bundala National Park - a fantastic maze of waterways, lagoons and dunes that glitter like gold in the dying evening sun. Many species of birds can be found within the National Park, while a few other animals such elephants, flamingos, civets, giant squirrels and crocodiles can be found.

Sigiriya Rock is the must do experience in Sri Lanka. The inspiring feat of human engineering centuries before it's time is a true marvel, and the views from the top and unsurpassed

Whale and dolphin watching – Join a whale and dolphin tour and spend the day enjoying magnificent sites of the beautiful creatures that roam the deep blue sea. There is a decent chance of spotting Blue Whales and Sperm Whales (although never guaranteed) as their migration path from Africa to Australia is just off Dondra Point.

Explore off the beaten track – Home to grand rainforests full of life, tourists can easily join a party of hikers and explorers as they roam the grounds of Sri Lanka’s lively forests such as Sinharaja. Sri Lanka also has the highest density of amphibian species worldwide making it a great spot to explore like you’ve never done before.