New Curated Experiences at Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka

From private river boat rides down the majestic mangrove-filled Walawe River to a locally inspired afternoon tea with the owner of the Handunugoda Tea Estate, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa gives guests access to authentic, captivating and memorable excursions.

River Boat Safari down the Walawe River

Guests are invited to take a short yet enchanting Tuk Tuk ride from the resort to the mangrove-filled Walawe River where their vessel awaits to carry them down stream. The river is bursting with wildlife and as the sun sets, guests can watch tropical birds, bats and impressive white-bellied eagles reserve their night-time spots on the trees bordering the river. During their journey guests can also expect to see langur monkeys swinging through the trees alongside the boat, parading peacocks roaming the banks, thirsty buffalos and local fishermen. They get a unique insight into the natural surrounding environment with their local guide and the help of a small booklet identifying the different fauna species.

Whale Watching from the Dondra Harbour

One to tick off the bucket list, Dondra Canyon is the best place in the world to see Blue whales. Boasting the largest blue whale aggregations that come to feed on blooms of plankton, whale-watching at Dondra is truly an awe-inspiring once-in-a-lifetime experience. Blue whale sightings are most common east of the canyon in October to November and west of it from March to May. Also often spotted are Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales and Killer whales. Dolphin lovers will not be disappointed as Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Risso's dolphins and striped dolphins can all be spotted here also.

Sunset at Godawaya

Starting with a beach stroll or bike ride along the resort’s dramatic coastline, passing through a quaint local fishermen’s village and Buddhist temple, and concluding with a scenic hike through extraordinary rock formations to Godawaya, guests can watch a mesmerizing sunset over the Indian Ocean. To add an indulgent Shangri-La touch to the experience, a sunset picnic can be served as part of the hotel’s Dine by Design program.

Visit to the Virgin White Tea Factory

The Handunugoda Tea Estate, a tea plantation known for its unique and desirable proximity to the sea, is also fondly called the Virgin White Tea Factory as it produces a white tea completely untouched by human hands. Visitors are provided with the opportunity to learn the process of tea plucking as well as the history behind Virgin White Tea. In addition, guests of Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa are offered an exclusive invitation to meet the owner of the plantation and be taken on a private tour with him, for a unique insight on tea making and few family anecdotes, which finishes with a delightful tea tasting at his house.

Kadamandiya

Kadamandiya, otherwise known as ‘The Village’ is a cultural platform located within Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa dedicated to supporting and preserving Sri Lanka’s unique artisan communities. The Village provides a platform for some of the most talented sculptors, weavers, silversmiths and performing artists to showcase their work to a wider audience, and allows for guests to have the inside track into a region with untapped, exciting creative talent.

For more information and reservation: Tel: 0800 028 3337, slht@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com/hambantota