‘There’s a 23ft-high trapeze for guests’

Set on a former coconut plantation, this stylish newcomer takes relaxation to new heights, with familyfriendly activities, a great choice of restaurants and an Ayurvedic spa.

Location 7/10

On the wild, windswept and largely untouched south-eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Peacocks strut between the coconut trees and wildlife is abundant with elephants roaming nearby. The closest airport is Mattala (18 miles) with daily flights to Colombo.

Style/character 8/10

Despite its size, the hotel feels intimate with local craftsmanship evident throughout, from coir rugs to giant planters in angular shapes and intricate teak latticework.

An indoor/outdoor concept works seamlessly throughout the spacious restaurants, bars and vast lobby with its soaring ceilings and teak pillars.

Wide walkways, with 400-year-old terracotta tiles, are furnished with huge Balinese pots, heavy jackwood columns and polished antique chests.

Service & facilities

swimming is prohibited.

There’s a 23ft-high trapeze and trampoline for guests to try while a drone films the moment for posterity. You can greet the sunrise with yoga before an Ayurvedic treatment at Chi, The Spa. There’s also a nine-hole golf course (rising to 18 in October) designed by Rodney Wright.

Rooms 7/10

The 300 rooms are set across four levels and divided into family and adults-only areas. Deluxe ground-floor rooms feature terraces and the top three floors have balconies with sea or golf-course views. All rooms boast polished bamboo flooring, handwoven rugs and curtains, enormous beds and coconut-shell mosaics. The spacious bathrooms include Emperador marble, large tubs and powerful showers.

Food & drink 7/10

Bojunhala, with its openplan kitchen, offers laid-back all-day dining and features Sri Lankan, Southeast Asian and European dishes (try the Sri Lankan hoppers, like bowl-shaped pancakes, and fiery pol sambol).

Sera offers Southeast Asian street food, while Ulpatha has an outdoor grill. Candlelit Gimanhala is a great spot for a sundowner.

Value for money 8/10

Double rooms from €173 (£147) in low season; and €263 (£223) in high. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast included.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There are 12 adapted rooms and lifts to every floor.

Family-friendly?

Very: there are 50 interconnecting rooms, plus a kids’ club and a babysitting service.

The details

Sittrakala Watta, Chithragala, Ambalantota, Sri Lanka (0094 47 788 8888; shangri-la.com/ hambantota/shangrila).

Relax in the lush grounds, above, where peacocks strut and wildlife abounds; interiors feature bamboo floors, hand-woven rugs and rattan furniture, left