KOTA KINABALU: Shangri-La Rasa Ria is proud to announce its double achievement in regional hospitality excellence, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for international travellers.
The resort has officially been recognised as a Chinese Friendly Hotel (2024-2026) by Trip.com and has secured a Top 10 spot in the prestigious DestinAsian Reader’s Choice Awards 2026 for the Best Malaysia Resorts category.
As global travel continues to evolve, receiving the Chinese Friendly Hotel certification from Trip.com reflects the resort’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for Chinese-speaking guests through tailored amenities and services, including multilingual support in its Mandarin-proficient staff and Chinese translations in its hotel collaterals, specialised culinary offerings in The Eighth Chinese restaurant, as well as the integration of popular Chinese payment methods (Alipay and WeChat Pay).
In the latest DestinAsian Reader’s Choice Awards 2026 — a ranking determined by the votes of discerning travellers across the Asia-Pacific region — Shangri-La Rasa Ria was named the 6th Best Resort in Malaysia, and the only resort in Sabah making it in the Top 10 list.
This honour highlights the resort’s enduring appeal, blending 400 acres of sprawling tropical paradise, a 3-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach, with the refined luxury of the Garden and Ocean Wings.
“These recognitions are a testament to our team’s dedication to providing heartfelt hospitality that transcends borders,” said Fiona Hagan, General Manager of Shangri-La Rasa Ria. “Being named a top resort by DestinAsian readers and receiving the Trip.com certification highlights our dual commitment to global excellence and cultural inclusivity.”
These accolades follow a landmark year for the resort, which recently became the first hotel in Malaysia to achieve the ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management. From its protected 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve to its award-winning Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, the resort continues to set the standard for ‘Sustainable Luxury’ in Sabah. -pr/BNN
