Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou – China
More than 30 years ago, we recognised the huge potential of the Chinese market and the impact it could have on the global travel industry, which is why Shangri-La opened its first hotel in China in 1984. Since then, we’ve remained committed to the China market and established our presence in primary, secondary and even tertiary cities. We will have 50 hotels – the most recent to open was Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou on March 12 – in China by the end of this year, and there are nearly 20 projects under development in the country.
As mainland Chinese travellers are our biggest source of guests we’ll continue to explore secondary China cities, even cities with lower profiles, as we have excellent brand recognition in the country and a positive outlook on China’s economy. Having operated successfully in China for over three decades, we have over the years fine-tuned product development, marketing, spa and culinary offerings, event space and amenities to exceed the expectations of Chinese people. They are confident in our service standards and know they will be well looked after in our hotels.
Shangri-La's Hambantota Resort & Spa – Sri Lanka
To start, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to see wildlife in Asia, and our 300-room beachfront resort is located near several national wildlife parks that are home to wild elephants, the Sri Lankan leopard and thousands of rare and exotic birds. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is opening June 1 on Sri Lanka’s southern coastline within a 145-acre site featuring lush gardens, an 18-hole golf course and a variety of restaurants. One of the special features of the resort is “The Village”, dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s traditional artisan communities with four traditional huts where the craftsmen skilfully create, exhibit and sell their items, from pottery and ceramics, to wood carvings and weavings.
In the evening, the village showcases Sri Lankan music and dance performances of Angampora (Sri Lanka’s indigenous martial art and one of the oldest fighting disciplines in the world). The resort is also the first in Sri Lanka to have its own golf course. The Golf and Country Club and its eco-friendly 18-hole golf course, designed by Rodney Wright, is set on a vast coconut-palm plantation with breathtaking ocean views, wide fairways and challenging water features. The resort is very family friendly with a “Cool Zone” Kids Club offering supervised daily activities such as a seven-metre-high trapeze, a drone-flying area and collegial guest-versus-staff sporting tournaments. There is also a CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La with 12 treatment rooms and outdoor pavilions, and a variety of restaurants that celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort and Spa – Mauritius
The opening was spectacular and celebrated Mauritian culture and revelry, as well as the rebirth of Le Touessrok after an extensive six-month renovation. Le Touessrok has a legendary past and so our vision for the transformation was to create a private hideaway that guests can call their own personal paradise. Just the surroundings of the resort alone are beautiful. Guests have exclusive access to Ilot Mangénie, a private island, to roam 3.5 kilometres of white sand and lush vegetation or indulge in tailor-made “Dine by Design” dining experiences.
For the active, an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer, located on Île aux Cerfs, is a few minutes from the property’s shores. On this island, there are complimentary water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, snorkelling and water skiing. Kite surfing, parasailing, big game fishing and scuba diving are available at a fee. In addition to five restaurants and three bars, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La focuses on holistic and Ayurvedic wellness. Two swimming pools and a kids’ T-Club round up the leisure experiences.
