Shereen Shabnam
When I told my friends at Shangri-La Dubai that I was heading to Sri Lanka and will be staying at the Shangri-La Colombo, they were excited as much as I was and gushed about how amazing the property was – and they were very right as the hotel was just the perfect antidote I needed after a hectic schedule.
Nestled in the heart of Colombo’s bustling business and entertainment district, Shangri-La Colombo overlooks the Indian Ocean and is conveniently located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital between the Galle Face Green Promenade and Beira Lake.
As I was on a work trip and had only a few days in Colombo, the hotel was ideal as it is located in the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood with plenty of dining and relaxation options both in the hotel and in the adjoining mall and restaurants.
I stayed in an elegant room that reflected the perfect balance between vibrant Asian hues and contemporary design and had meals in restaurants that offered stunning views of the city’s skyline, Indian Ocean or the Beira Lake. My ensuite bathroom was kitted with a beautifully laid out shower and bathtub and had a minibar, safety deposit box, TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Highlight of me staying at the Shangri-la Colombo Hotel was having easy access to the One Galle Face Mall directly accessible from the hotel’s lobby. There were shopping, dining and convenience facilities right at the doorstep of the hotel.
There are six restaurants and bars at Shangri-La Colombo that offer an uncompromising selection of local and international cuisine, al fresco dining, live entertainment, innovative menus and stylish venues to celebrate exquisite culinary flavours.
We had amazing selection of local and international food for breakfast and fine dining options for dinner. My favourite Asian restaurant is Dubai is Shang palace and it was delightful to see the restaurant also in Shangri-La Colombo and immediately makes you feel at home.
Shangri-La’s world-renowned CHI, The Spa is where I start most of my days in Dubai so I naturally wanted to check the CHI spa at Shangri-La Colombo as well and it was just as relaxing to be in. It is a place of personal peace and well-being featuring treatments based on natural healing methods showcasing native plants, herbs and botanical products. I was lucky to be able to bring back some of the lovely products from Frella that is available at the hotel.
The Spa has seven private rooms and a soothing selection of traditional Sri Lankan and Asian treatments and therapies, complemented by a state-of-the-art, 24-hour Health Club and one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Colombo.
Having tried the different dining options and a relaxing massage at Shangri-La Colombo, I am looking forward to visiting Sri Lanka again. The Shangri-La Colombo is a 45-minute drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport and adjacent to the city centre’s only helipad. It offers heartfelt hospitality with wellness, gastronomy, retail therapy and so much more for both residents and visitors looking for a comfortable stay while exploring Colombo.
