Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka

Shangri-La’s first Sri Lankan resort sprawls across 53 hectares on the golden coast near Hambantota, and it is a big, bold property in the best sense. The setting is beautifully exotic, with the Indian Ocean on one side and an 18-hole golf course rolling across the grounds. This is a resort that does everything on a generous scale, from the 30-metre sunset pool to the expansive spa and the artisan crafts village that adds a thoughtful cultural layer.

Dining leans into the theatrical: a pan-Asian restaurant recreates an Asian street-food scene with dishes prepared in front of you, while the Sri Lankan restaurant, a beach grill and several bars cover everything from quick lunches to long dinners. Rooms are spacious and well appointed, from garden view deluxe rooms right up to suites with golf course or ocean views, all with bespoke furnishings, deep soak baths and the usual Shangri-La standard of comfort.

The location works particularly well as a stop-off heading to or from Yala National Park, about four and a half hours from the airport. It is a destination in itself though, with enough to occupy several days without leaving the grounds.

Best for golfers, families who want space and organised activities, and anyone who appreciates a polished, full-service resort with genuine Sri Lankan character. Not for those seeking a small, intimate hideaway, but as a luxury resort experience on the south coast, it delivers impressively.