Description
Set in the very south of the Maldives, this fabulous and stylish property combines beautiful beaches with both local and British military history, as a result of the British Naval, and later RAF, airbase occupying the neighbouring island of Gan from 1941 to 1976, evidence of which remains today on both Gan and Villingili.
The resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, including 17,000 coconut trees, and over six kilometres of picturesque coastline with nearly two kilometres of white-sand beaches. Stylishly furnished accommodation includes private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas - unique to the Maldives - with superb views. Guests can enjoy a tempting selection of dining and entertainment facilities, innovative treatments at CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, and a variety of aquatic leisure activities, or explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort in the Maldives to be located south of the equator. Those seeking an experience with a difference can enjoy a cruise on a luxury yacht with lunch on the equator.
The resort has a selection of fine restaurants to cater for a variety of tastes and experiences. Dr. Ali’s leads the restaurant selection with three distinctive living rooms that focus on fine cuisine from the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf that offers a unique Maldives dining experience whereas Javvu offers quality café dining during the day and refined Western cuisine in the evening. In addition there are four exceptional bars and lounges, offering a variety of atmospheric milieux for chilling out or energizing.
The natural, dense vegetation of the island sets it apart from many other Maldives resorts. The three-kilometre-long island has 12 hectares of lush foliage, towering banyan trees, 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and nature trails for guests to explore.
Guide price
£2,745 Per Person
£2,745 per person, based on two people sharing a Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis, including shared speedboat transfers and international flights from London.
Accommodation
Five distinct styles of luxury villas, each equipped with two iPods and a docking station, and many luxurious amenities. The mood throughout all these Maldives villas is one of serenity, with touches of Middle Eastern and Indian elements.
Childcare
The Cool Zone for children is the place to find toys, educational activities and lots of fun land and beach-based activities. Open from 9 am until 7pm for guests aged between four and twelve years of age. There is also a babysitting service on offer for those that may require it.
Facilities
Spa, Dive Centre, Watersports centre, Tennis, Gym, Private Decompression Chamber, Eco Centre, 24-hour Business Centre, Child Care, Florist, Photo Processing Service, Wireless Internet, Business Centre, Medical Centre.
Activities
There are a range of water-based activities such as wave-surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing or deep-sea fishing. Flat seas and dependable trade winds guarantee ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing. For diving enthusiasts, there are more than 25 dive sites teeming with marine life. The land based activities include a fully equipped gym and Health Club, an entertainment centre, an Eco Centre, a children's cool zone and two tennis courts.
When to travel
The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons, or monsoons: the dry northeast monsoon from December to March, and the wet southwestern monsoon from May to November, with more strong winds and rain. April is a transitional period noted for clear water and heat. The temperature remains remarkably consistent at around 30°C.
February to April is the hottest period and resorts are almost all operating at capacity during this period. Mid-December to early January comes at even more of a premium due to Christmas and New Year and prices are even higher. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also attract peak prices at most resorts.
Storms are more likely from May to November, though it’s still warm, skies can be cloudy and the humidity is higher. This is the low season, with fewer people and lower prices, with the exception of August.
Diving is good year-round, although a basic rule is that life on the reef is more varied and visibility better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and from the eastern side of any atoll December to April.
The surfing season runs from March to October, which is when resorts are cheapest.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Addu Atoll, Maldives
Situated in the very South of The Maldives, Addu Atoll extends across the Equator and into the southern hemisphere.
How to get there
The resort is a 70-minute flight from Malé and an eight-minute boat ride from Gan Airport on Addu Atoll.
