Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives

Straddling the equator and spreading over 12 hectares of gorgeous banyan trees, swaying coconut trees, lagoons and lush vegetation, three-kilometre-long Villingili Island is one of the larger islands in the Maldives; there is plenty of room to sprawl out here, in fact, even the smallest parcel of sanctuary boasts a roomy 133 sq metres. Villas are gorgeous mix of contemporary earthy chocolate and caramel local Lipao teaks, fresh turquoise silks and Jali silver accessories, and finished with luxe details like personal Nespresso machine, Bose entertainment system and around the clock personalised butler attention; think George Clooney rather than Hugh Jackman here.

Villingili Island, Addu Atoll, Maldives
Located in the heart-shaped atoll of Addu, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, is a 70-minute flight south of Malé International Airport followed by an 8-minute boat ride from Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll.

With over six kms of stunning coastline and almost two kms of pristine talcum white sandy beach, the island is any sun and water-luster’s idyllic dream. Beach Villas also have their own private stretch of beach

The lagoon fronted pool is replete with lagoon views, wet edge, Jacuzzi jets, poolside service and generously spaced out sun-loungers

Spa, gym, hair/beauty salon, yoga pavilion, 24-hour Business Centre (@ lounge), 24-hour In-Villa dining, complimentary shoeshine service, house doctor on call, retail shop, wireless internet

A total of 132 villas (15 Pool Villas, 8 Deluxe Pool Villas, 21 Beach Villas, 60 Water Villas, 8 Ocean View Villas, 8 Tree House Villas, 10 Two-Bedroom Beach Villas, 1 Villa Muthee, 1 Villa Laalu)
In all villas: a minimum of 133 sq metres, complimentary broadband Internet access, 40-inch LCD television, Bose DVD player and surround sound system, iPod docking station, Nespresso machine, minibar, assured privacy, international direct dial telephone, voice mail, personal safe, spacious sundeck and patio, daybeds and lounge space, all on-land based villas with private swimming pool, open air as well as indoor showers

0200PM / NOON

Dr Ali’s Restaurant and Bar – spanning herbs and spices of three oceans: the Indian, the South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf; three ‘regionally designed’ intimate dining pavillions and staying open until the very last satiated guest leaves, the restaurant is a culinary journey inspired by revered travelling doctor, Dr Ali, who is said to have cured with a single folded leaf, the scent of a fresh-cut herb or the nectar from a plant. The signature restaurant is a celebration of Dr Ali’s legacy; the food is endearingly simple, fresh and innovative
Javvu Restaurant – is refreshingly cool with double height sculpted ceilings, decadent upholstered white leather armchairs and a la carte all the way, from relaxed breakfasts through to refined dinner affairs
Fashala Lounge – sits at the edge of the water for dinner; the menu is light and fresh: local crab timbale, Yellow Fin Tuna tartar… the open air interiors are humbly adorned in white washed sun-bleached timbers, cushioned armchairs and water views all around
Manzaru Bar – armed with a lengthy cocktail list and creative bar snacks, the vibe here is nothing short of chilled out sophistication
Endheri Pool Bar – is all about replenishment, lagoon views and dips in the pool
Dine by Design – have the chef create a tailored menu and enjoy it in a bespoke location from in the jungle, at the spa, in the Chef’s garden plus more

Available 24/7

CHI, The Spa – features 11 individual thatched treatment villas dotted around nearly 17,000 square metres of lush tropical landscape, the spa is akin to a secluded sanctuary within the resort. With plenty of breathing space and room to move, there are pavilions galore: from couples’ pavilions, lounging pavilions, steam rooms, outdoor gardens, bathing pavilions as well as pavilions for meditation and yoga.

Highly recommended for all couples and honeymooners; for extra privacy you can’t go past the secluded hideaway Tree House Villa, quietly tucked away, mind you, high up on stilts and amongst lush vegetation, and complete with stunning ocean views – the best of both worlds

The resort is children-friendly with The Cool Zone purposefully designed with young guests between 4-12 years old; open from 9am-7pm.

The resort features an interactive and educational Shangri-La Eco Centre where guests will get an in-depth understanding of the conservation work carried out at the resort. There are also fascinating talks by a marine biologist on Addu Atoll and the island’s marine life. The resort undertook a number of Green measures during its construction...read more>