Colombo, Sri LankaGalle Face
Shangri-La Colombo
Polished Indian Ocean tower
Galle Face Colombo, Sri Lanka
Opened
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design SocialOutside the door
The house
Shangri-LaPolished Indian Ocean tower
The 35-floor tower anchors Colombo's modern waterfront, geared for business trips and coastal stopovers with broad ocean views.
What it’s good at
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*.
Located right beside Galle Face Green seafront promenade, Shangri-La Colombo is the embodiment of modern-day Sri Lanka, not least for its home inside a gleaming 35-floor high-rise, the first to be completed in the city.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Galle Face Green sits directly across the street for oceanfront walks. The historic Fort district is just minutes away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Most rooms look directly out across the Indian Ocean, finished with light wood and polished marble.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Bright yellow umbrellas shade loungers beside the fourth-floor swimming pool, looking out over the Indian Ocean.
The spa and gym
Seven suites at Chi, The Spa use local botanical oils, and the fitness centre includes an indoor whirlpool.
At the table
Tiki Bar pours house-infused local arracks on the roof, and Shang Palace roasts Peking duck in wood-fired ovens.
How it began
The hotel stands on the former grounds of the Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, completed in 2017 as part of One Galle Face.
Colombo
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.