Shangri-La resort introduces Villingili’s Green Friday

As part of its commitment to protect the environment and in celebration of Earth Day, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives will launch a weekly programme of green activities and fine dining options on 22 April 2011 aiming to inspire guests in sharing the resort’s responsibility of caring for nature.

Featuring eco-friendly experiences such as a family nature walk in the resort’s jungle and a candlelit meditation class, Villingili’s Green Friday programme offers guests plenty of opportunities to enjoy a luxurious holiday experience without compromising the natural environment. The programme also includes educational talks on marine life and biodiversity, aiming to increase guests’ awareness of the importance of preserving the environment for generations to come.

For a healthy start to a green day, guests can join an invigorating yoga class soothed by the roaring sound of the ocean or run along the resort’s five-kilometre jogging trail. After a relaxing breakfast by the beach, ocean enthusiasts will enjoy meeting the resort’s marine biologist at the Eco Centre for an interesting turtle talk before heading to the house reef on their thrilling quest. In the afternoon, adventurers will choose to explore the neighbouring local islands by bicycle, while families and nature lovers may prefer to learn the secrets of Villingili’s jungle with a guided nature walk and tree-planting activity.

As night comes, foodies will meet the chef in his garden for a dining experience featuring the best of local produce amidst the delicate aromas of lemon grass and sweet basil. With guests comfortably stretched out on a beach lounger under a sky of countless shinning stars, a movie on the beach will offer a perfect end to a day in communion with nature.

Villingili’s Green Friday programme complements the existing environmental initiatives carried out at the resort. For example, the investment of a bottling plant with reusable glass bottles allows the resort to cut the consumption of 240,000 plastic bottles a year, while solar energy provides hot water in all guests’ villas. At the Eco Centre, the focus is on marine protection with turtles and manta rays conservations programmes.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts remains committed to operating in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible manner while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders.

In striving to be a leader in corporate citizenship and sustainable development, a corporate-level CSR Committee drives the company’s initiatives in the strategic areas of stakeholder relations, environment, health and safety, supply chain and employees. Under the umbrella of sustainability, Shangri-La’s social responsibility programme consists of the two elements of “embrace” and “sanctuary”. “Embrace” focuses on Shangri-La’s Caring People Project, which aims to promote the highest level of education and health support in underprivileged communities. In “sanctuary”, the programme concentrates on Shangri-La’s Care for Nature Project, which promotes the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. For more information, please access the CSR section on www.shangri-la.com.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Shangri-La acquires Holiday Inn Male, Maldives.

World-renowned hotel chain, Shangri-la Group of Hong Kong, has purchased the landmark 117-room Holiday Inn Male and is set to rebrand the hotel in November.

Director of Communications at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Lesley Garcia, said the 14-storey hotel earlier managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) would be rebranded to “Traders Hotel Male” soon.

Shangri-La did not disclose the deal price. Haveeru was also unable to get a comment from IHG.

The company, which currently operates 68 hotels and resorts, also secured a bid from the government in 2007 to build and operate a 15-storey hotel at the southeast corner of Male and paid US$500,000 as advance payment. However, public complaints stalled the project for the past years, leading to the cancellation of the project.

www.haveeru.com.mv

New luxury resorts in the Maldives

The last 12 months have seen no let up in resort openings in the Maldives, with Shangri-La, Naiade, Constance Hotels, Taj, Angsana and Alila all opening new hotels.

But is it really still possible to get punters to part with thousands of pounds for a week on a speck of sand 11 hours’ flight away?

The answer seems to be yes. “It is expensive, no-one would deny that,” says Elegant Resorts’ commercial director, Alison Scott. “But it’s somewhere people still want to go and smart hoteliers have been making sure they address cost concerns by offering added value.”

The launch of new thrice-weekly British Airways flights to Male from Gatwick from October 25 will also ensure a flurry of Armani-clad bums on seats to the islands.

BA head of sales Richard Tams reports demand for the service has been high so far: “The Maldives has been growing in popularity over the years, yet the options for premium travellers have so far been pretty limited, especially non-stop from the UK. Our three-class service including new Club World cabin will change that.”

A week at many of the Maldives’ top five-star islands doesn’t usually leave much change out of £3,500, but there are deals to be had at great resorts. Thomas Cook Signature, for example, has been offering seven nights at the five-star Diva resort for £1,599 full-board in a junior suite – down from £2,699.

The operator’s product and contract manager, Charlie Greenwood, says she is happy with the way the destination has performed this year. “The Maldives is outrageously beautiful and it will never be anything other than an absolute treat to go there,” she says. Read more...

The Maldives New Treasure: Shangri-La Villingili

Everyone expects azure skies and crystal-clear waters from the Maldives. But a jungle landscape so verdant it smacks of Borneo? Certainly, if you happen to be on Villingili island, home to half of the country's local flora in the form of lush primary forest, three freshwater lagoons and a sprawling mangrove swamp. It's there, in the Maldives' far-flung south, that you'll find the new Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa, www.shangri-la.com — the only luxury property in the area and the fruit of five years' laborious construction owing to its remote location.

Not that seclusion is a bad thing. The Shangri-La is blessed with a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastline and fantastic snorkeling and scuba-diving sites just several swimming minutes from the well-appointed villas. Water babies may drift from one reef to another, one beach to another, each one lovelier than the last. Turtles are frequently seen, and giant manta rays are spied year-round.

While pristine water will always remain the Maldives' main attraction, you should change out of your wet suit for the resort's nature trails, which take you into a forest where age-old banyans thrive luxuriantly alongside the native bird life. In fact, afternoons, when the sun is merciless, can be spent cycling through these peaceful, shaded woods.

After roughing it out all day, you'll have earned a Maldivian curry dinner on the beach. Or you could check into the spa for a hot-stone-inspired cowrie-shell massage that is preceded by a foot treatment consisting of a grated-coconut scrub and a warm-coconut-milk bath. Then retire into one of the 142 luxurious villas. Pool villa No. 1, incidentally the cheapest category of accommodation, is perfectly sandwiched between the ocean and lagoon, and affords complete privacy. Rates from $860 a night.

www.time.com

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Opens First Hotel in The Maldives

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives opened its doors to the public for the first time on Monday. The hotel is the first Shangri-La property in the Republic of the Maldives in addition to being the first luxury hotel to open in the southernmost Addu Atoll.

The resort contains 142 villas, ranging from beachfront properties to three-meter-high luxury tree houses (a first in the Maldives). Guests at the hotel will have full access to nature trails and beaches throughout the atoll. Additionally, Shangri-La's spa chain, CHI, will offer full services on the island. Complementing the tradition Chinese, Himalayan, and Asian healing treatments found at other Shangri-La spas, the Villingili Resort will offer treatments indigenous to the islands.

Meals at the resort will be provided through the Khazaanaage Restaurant, offering traditional Indian Ocean cuisine as well as delicacies from the Arabian Gulf and South China Sea.

Other services offered through the hotel include excursions to neighboring islands, scheduled dives to explore the famous "British Loyalty" shipwreck and aquatic life, a full service fitness center, The Adventure Zone for children, and a medical center.

In an effort to promote the resort's launch, Shangri-La is offering seven night stay for the price of five. The promotion will last until October 31st and includes a CHI pacakge for two, in addition to return domestic flight transfers from Male to Gen.

Visit www.shangri-la.com.

Oman Air Unites With Shangri Resorts

Oman Air’s ‘Sindbad’ Frequent Flyer Programme has announced a partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts – Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, welcomes business and leisure travellers with award-winning Asian hospitality. The group comprises of 62 deluxe hotels and resorts in key cities throughout Asia and the Middle East in locations comprising Australia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, with new properties under development in Europe and North America.

With this partnership, Sindbad members are entitled to 500 miles for every qualifying stay at any of the 62 Shangri-La or Traders hotels within the family of hotels around the world.

In addition, Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme members who are also members of Shangri-La’s Golden Circle guest recognition programme will receive additional Sindbad miles for each qualifying stay. Golden Circle Executive members receive 25% or 125 Bonus Miles and Golden Circle Elite member will be awarded 50% or 250 Bonus Miles. These miles can be claimed simply by providing the Sindbad membership number upon check-in.

Barry Brown, Oman Air’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “We are delighted to welcome Shangri-La as a partner in our Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme. Our discerning members who enjoy the finer things in life will appreciate the exceptional hospitality, upon which Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have built their solid reputation. We have a close strategic relationship with the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort in Muscat and as we spread our wings this year to Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Sri Lanka and the Maldives the ability for our members to enjoy earning capabilities with this luxury group of hotels is a bonus. ”

Commenting on the new partnership, Kent Zhu, group director of sales & marketing, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts said, “The partnership with Oman Air’s Sindbad is an important milestone for us. With their strong base in Muscat and Shangri-La’s presence and recognition in the Middle Eastern market, especially with hotels and resorts in Sultanate of Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the soon-to-be opened Shangri-La hotel in Doha.” Zhu added, “This will form a strategic alliance to empower our presence in the region and complements our synergies in terms of future growth with new hotels and routings in destinations such as Maldives and Paris”.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort in the Maldives to Feature Tree House Villas

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives will offer guests the fun option of staying in a luxury tree house villa when the resort opens on 26 July 2009.

Perched on stilts three metres above the ground and featuring an elevated infinity pool, the 16 tree house villas will offer guests views of the surfing waves of the Indian Ocean through lush foliage.

Guests will be able to choose to swim to the edge of their elevated infinity pool and gaze at the rolling waves coming in from the ocean or to recline on their day bed while enjoying the melody of the indigenous bird life. With the light breeze blowing from the sea, guests will find the spacious wooden deck ideal for romantic alfresco dining experiences.

The tree house villas, each measuring 218 square metres with separate bedroom and living room pavilions, will feature both indoor and outdoor showers as well as an oval bathtub, where guests can soak as they contemplate the surroundings. Each villa will be equipped with custom-made furniture selected to complement the villa’s interior and infused with elements from the Middle East and touches of India.

From 26 July until 31 October 2009, guests can experience a tree house villa by booking the resort’s exclusive opening offer and enjoy a seven-night stay while paying for five nights only.

In addition, the offer includes benefits such as return domestic flight transfers from Malé to Gan, daily half board as well as a complimentary spa experience for two at CHI, The Spa.

Among the recreational activities to be made available at the resort, guests booking the opening offer will be able to enjoy a bicycle tour of the neighbouring local islands as well as a guided walk of the resort’s nature trail to explore Villingili island’s diversified fauna and flora.

Guests looking for a shorter break can enjoy one additional complimentary night when paying for a three-night stay.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives is almost there.

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Shangri-La’s Maldives hideaway almost there.

Shangri-La will open Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives, on 26 July 2009.

The resort will offer guests a stylish experience in a spacious, boutique-style environment. Located on Addu Atoll, the resort will encompass over six kilometres of coastline and nearly two kilometres of breathtaking white sandy beach.

First-time visitors and Maldives aficionados will be rewarded with a distinctive new experience of the archipelago. The natural dense vegetation sets it apart from many other resorts in the Maldives. The three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees and 45 species of plants. The island has over six kilometres of coastline and three natural freshwater lagoons, naturally tinged red, green or blue. Guests will be able to enjoy walking trails, prodigious wildlife, and a plethora of underwater discoveries.

The resort will comprise 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas with panoramic views. All villas will feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, a private terrace leading to the beach and either a waterfront or lush garden. Each villa will be equipped with two iPods and docking stations, a DVD player and an espresso machine. The villas will be a minimum of 133 square metres in size, while the two presidential villas will measure up to 957 square metres each.

The resort will feature 16 luxury tree house villas, a first for the Maldives, perched on stilts offering a special three metre-high perspective of the island through tropical foliage. The tree house villas, with separate bedroom and living room, will measure 218 square metres, each with its own private infinity pool.

The unique Shangri-La hospitality envelopes guests as they disembark from their international flight at Male airport. Guests are then escorted by the Shangri-La host into the relaxing domestic airport lounge before taking the connecting flight to Addu Atoll. As air-conditioned domestic flights from Male to Gan International Airport operate round the clock, guests no longer need to waste their vacation time due to the limited operation of seaplanes, which are required to access other resorts. The resort is just an eight-minute boat ride away from Gan, and is also accessible by private jet which can be landed at the newest Gan International Airport. Read more

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort - Much More than Just Another Resort

When Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, opens this summer, the resort’s Shangri-La Eco Centre will offer an interactive place for guests to discover the natural beauty of Villingili. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about conservation work carried out on the island as well as how they can support the resort’s efforts.

Amongst various initiatives, guests can participate in the resort’s green turtle tagging programme and receive regular updates on the travels of their turtle. The tagging will help to understand better the movements of this mesmerising yet endangered species that abounds in the surrounding waters. In season, the resident expert will arrange for guests to watch turtle hatchlings heading to the sea, a memorable experience available to everyone.

Alternatively, experienced scuba divers can contribute to the resort’s manta ray tracking programme by taking photographs of the many creatures living in the area – one of the only places in the Maldives where manta rays can be seen year-round.

The Eco Centre is also a place to learn about the invaluable work carried out by the resort’s marine specialist and increase the awareness of guests of the importance of preserving the natural surroundings and wildlife for generations to come. Guests can discover how the marine specialist has relocated corals that could have been affected by the construction work, creating coral gardens close to the shoreline where less experienced swimmers can enjoy the underwater wonders.

The resident expert will also present talks on the island’s wildlife – both on land and underwater – and guide jungle walks or simply provide maps and insider tips for guests eager to explore the resort’s nature trails on their own.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is located in the southern Maldives, on the Addu Atoll. The resort will feature 142 villas with views of the ocean or the island’s natural lush vegetation. The Maldives’ second international airport, Gan International Airport, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort and Malé International Airport is 70 minutes by domestic flights operating around the clock.

Shangri-La Trainees Return From Malaysia

Minivan News

Five Maldivians have returned after completing their six-month, Shangri-La sponsored internships at Tanjung Aru resort in Malaysia, according to Haveeru.

Shangri-La is expected to open their first resort, Villingili Resort and Spa, in Addu atoll, Maldives, in April this year.

As part of their training programme, the resort held a three-month hospitality certificate course in Addu in January 2008.

Out of 28 students who completed the course, Shangri-La sent the top five students to complete an internship at their resort in Malaysia.

Previously in 2006, Shangri-La had sent four Maldivian employees for an 18-month internship to one of their hotels in Dubai.

The company plans on holding another hospitality certificate course on 11 January in Addu as part of their bid to develop skilled staff for their resort.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort to be opened in April

The luxury hotel being developed in Villingili of Addu atoll is expected to open in April next year, according to Jens Moesker General Manager of Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa.

After showing the on going development efforts to media, General Manager of Shangril La Villingili Resort and Spa informed that the resort will commence operations in April next year . Jens Moesker said most of the major work is now complete and that work is progressing on schedule. He further said a second certificate will be held in January.

Jens Moesker expressed that the fact the course is to be held in Addu atoll is a matter of great satisfaction for him and that the course is an opportunity for the youths of the atoll to learn the skills of the trade and join the hotel.

He urged all youths wishing to join the course to submit their bio data along with educational qualifications to office of the resort before 5 December.

The resort to be next year will be the first luxury hotel to be opened in Addu atoll. The fully self contained 5-star development comprises more than 140 luxury villas located on the water and island itself. The Shangri-La Maldives resort and spa represents a major development for the economy of Addu Atoll, situated at the southern tip of the Maldives, 430km south of the capital Male.

Related news:
Villingilli Tourist Resort won’t be completed by July: Tourism Ministry
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Races Towards Fourth Quarter 2008 Opening

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives will open in Addu Atoll during the fourth quarter of 2008 as the first Maldives resort with nature trails and weekly guided nature tours for guests provided by a resident expert. Unlike many resorts in the archipelago, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives features a varied and natural landscape with 12 hectares of lush foliage, lagoons and native bird life.

The three-kilometre-long island offers guests the expected pristine sandy beaches and clear waters, but being surrounded by towering ancient Banyan trees and nature trails adds a different experience for seasoned travellers to the Maldives. The landscape of Villingili is dominated by 17,000 coconut trees and 45 plant species, including the noni plant, which is believed to be useful for the treatment of ailments such as arthritis and hypertension.

Guests looking for an energetic afternoon to commune with nature can catch the guided weekly walking tours to learn more about the flora on Villingili. Guests that are more adventurous can pack a picnic and explore the nature trails. The resort will provide trail maps and there will be plaques providing information about the plants along the route. Guests can stop for a picnic break by one of the three natural lagoons, naturally tinged in red, blue or green.

For guests who prefer to take in the views from the comfort of their villas, all land-based villas will offer views of the ocean and the verdant vegetation. Some, like the luxurious Tree House villas, are secluded and perched on three-metre stilts among the treetops. The Pool villas are surrounded by lush forest with views of the beach through tropical foliage.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is the first luxury resort in Addu Atoll. The resort, which is currently under development, will feature 142 villas with views of the ocean or the island’s natural lush vegetation. The Maldives’ second international airport, Gan International Airport, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort and Male International Airport is 70 minutes by air.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 55 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com

Source: www.maldivesguide.net

Shangri-La Maldives to open in September

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has revealed that development of the resort at Villingili of Addu Atoll will be complete in September this year.

Dr. Shaugy said after his recent visit to Vilingili to inspect the ongoing work he can see that the previous completion date of July cannot be achieved and that September was more likely.

“We all hoped that Vilingili can be completed by July, but on my last visit I noted that July deadline would be a bit difficult to achieve but it will be completed some time in September” said Dr. Shaugy.

Dr. Shaugy said work is being slowed due to delays in transportation of required items to these islands as well as due to adverse weather conditions. Mr. Abel Damagy General Manager of Shangri-La Maldives Resort and Spa has said that resort development in Vilingili of Addu Atoll was due to changes to the design of the resort. He further said more than USD80 Million will be spent on resort development. He has given assurances that Shangri-La will realize the dreams of Adduans.

Shangri-La Maldives has recently commenced a hospitality training program to the youths of the atoll wishing to take up positions in the resort.

Shangri-La Vilingili Resort and Spa will be first international resort to be opened in Addu Atoll and is just 8 minutes from Gan International Airport by speedboat and 70 minutes from Male’ International Airport by air.

Villingilli Tourist Resort won’t be completed by July: Tourism Ministry

Although the resort being developed by Shangri-La in Addu atoll is scheduled to open before July this year, work at Shangri-La’s Villingilli Resort & Spa won’t be completed in time, the Tourism Minister Dr. Mahmoodh Shaugy has said. He said that it would take at least an additional three months more for the resort to be finished completely despite the efforts by the company that had been assigned to the project.

“It is very possible that the work will not be finished by July,” he said. “We have been saying all this time that Villingilli will be completed and ready to open in July. We based that on the information given to us by the Addu Investment Company which Shangri-La had assigned to the project. Even during my visit to the site this month I saw that work was progressing at a very brisk pace. There are even now around 2000 people working on it.”

Villingilli’s main contractor Alyson Service’s CEO Mohamed Ali Janah said that 90 percent of the concrete work was now done and that the finishing work was now progressing.
“We are working non-stop day and night to complete it,” he said. “Sometimes we have a bit of trouble when bringing the materials. There have been times that the material shipments were delayed, but we are on target.”

The Public Relations and Home Affairs Manager of Shangri-La Hussain Naseem said that “we want to open Villingilli when it is completely ready – we don’t want to rush it.”

“We don’t want to open it just for the sake of doing so,” he said. “When it is opened it will be perfect. Villingilli will be among the best resorts in Maldives. Judging from the rate that the project is going we are sure that we will be able to open the resort near the end of the year.”
He also said that Shangri-La had earlier planned to complete the resort and open it in July 2008.
With 142 beds, Villingilli is the biggest resort to be developed in Maldives. The Maldivian Government has 30 percent share of the resort and the rest is owned by Addu Investment Private Limited. The resort also has also been designed with built in safeguards against natural disasters such as tsunamis.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Races Towards Fourth Quarter 2008 Opening

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is on schedule to open for the traditional high season in the Maldives. The 142 all-villa property will debut the fourth quarter 2008 as the first luxury resort on the Addu Atoll in southern Maldives.
The resort on Villingili island is abuzz with more than 1,766 construction workers from 19 countries working tirelessly towards the completion of the project. A group of 27 local employees is currently undergoing basic service training and induction to the “Shangri-La Hospitality from Caring People” signature style.

One of the villa concepts that will be unique to the Maldives is the tree house villa. Each of these, measuring 218 square metres and perched on stilts with a private infinity pool, will offer a special three-metre-high perspective of the island through tropical foliage. The other four distinctive villa designs include water villas with terraces and outdoor showers extending over the clear ocean water, beach villas with separate bedroom and living room, twin beach villas comprising two pavilions and an infinity pool, pool villas and two presidential villas. All villas will be equipped with two iPods and a docking station, a DVD player, an espresso machine and a full range of luxury amenities.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa will have two restaurants and five bars offering innovative dining experiences. All outlets will have stunning views of the ocean or lagoon, with some perched above the breaking waves. Khazaanage Restaurant’s concept of three distinctive living rooms, each representing different cultures and cuisines, will be the first of its kind in the Maldives. The three living rooms will be themed to the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf regions respectively.

The resort will feature CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, a secluded sanctuary offering therapies based on Chinese and Himalayan well-being rituals and traditions. CHI will be located in its own spa village in the resort, with spacious individual treatment villas offering “spa within a spa” environments.

“The Village” will be an extensive 30,000-square-metre leisure and water activity focal point. Housed within “The Village” will be the Shangri-La Environmental Centre where guests will learn about the conservation works around Villingili — marine and coral preservation, eco-friendly and energy saving measures adopted by the resort — and enjoy talks about the colourful marine life at the resort’s house reef and the best diving spots around the atoll.

Addu Atoll has more than 25 good diving sites teeming with marine life such as eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, black tip reef sharks, spinner dolphins, coral and colourful reef fish. Manta rays can be seen all year round. One of the best dive sites in the Maldives, the dramatic 140-metre shipwreck “British Loyalty” is located within a half-hour boat ride from Villingili Island. The shipwreck, with its hull resting at 33-metres, is covered in black coral.

The natural dense vegetation of Villingili island sets it apart from many other Maldives resorts. The three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees, towering banyan trees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and nature trails for guests to explore.

Villingili is surrounded by inhabited islands. Guests will take one of the regular speedboat runs to Gan and explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road which is the longest in the Maldives. They will be able to set out with a picnic and discover the fascinating lifestyle and culture of untouched Maldivian villages or stop at a coffee shop to chat with the locals over a meal.

The Maldives’ second international airport, Gan International Airport, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort and Male International Airport is 70 minutes by air.