Inspired by the legendary land featured in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon published in 1933, the name Shangri-La encapsulates the serenity and service for which Shangri-La is renowned worldwide.Inspired by the legendary land featured in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon published in 1933, the name Shangri-La encapsulates the serenity and service for which Shangri-La is renowned worldwide.The Shangri-La story began in 1971 with its first deluxe hotel in Singapore. Today, there are 72 hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East, and Europe, representing a rooms inventory of over 30,000. In addition, new hotels are under development in Canada, mainland China, India, Philippines, Qatar, Turkey and United Kingdom.