Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa welcomed its first guests in June 2009. This luxury resort is positioned as the first premium resort on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, one of the least spoiled areas in the world.

The resort boasts142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private Water Villas to tropical, luxury Tree House Villas perched three metres above the ground. In addition to 2 km of white powdery sand, the 3 km long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees, ancient banyan trees, 45 species of plants as well as nature trails – this really is a tropical ‘jungle island’ at its very best!

All villas feature distinct style and are equipped with two iPods and a docking station, 40-inch LCD TV, complimentary broadband, Nespresso machine, fabulous oval bath tub, and many other amenities.  All island villas feature stunning infinity-edge swimming pools (the Water Villas feature wooden decks with lovely daybeds but don’t feature pools).

The Pool Villas are surrounded by lush forest offering great privacy and views of the beach through tropical foliage. Boasting generous 133 m2, all Pool Villas overlook island’s lush vegetation, and feature a private pool, terrace and open-air shower. 

The Deluxe Pool Villas are located on the eastern side of the island facing a tranquil and intimate coral beach. The Deluxe Pool Villas are slightly larger than the Pool Villas and offer good privacy on the less grounded side of the island.

Built on stilts above the lagoon and connected to the island by a timber walkway, each Water Villa boasts an open and airy atmosphere.  Enjoy gentle breeze on the spacious wooden deck facing the ocean and the distant horizon, where the crystal clear water meets the azure sky. 

Luxurious Beach Villas provide a private heaven in splendid isolation on a white-sand beach.  Set over two separate pavilions, to one side is a living pavilion, and on the other the bedroom pavilion.  All Beach Villas feature a private terrace leading to the beach. There are also Twin Beach Villas which are ideal for families.

With magnificent views of the ocean, the Ocean View Villas with Private Pools are secluded and private hideaways, perfect for honeymooners and romantic couples...  Perched on stilts among the treetops, amidst dense vegetation, these luxury villas create a fabulous and unusual setting on the island. All Ocean View Villas with Private Pools feature spacious indoor and outdoor areas with amazing infinity swimming pools.

CHI, The Spa – Shangri-La’s signature spa brand – is located in its own spa village at the resort’s highest point, and offers a diverse range of treatments based on Chinese, Himalayan and Asian healing rituals. There are two restaurants; Dr Ali’s Restaurant offers three living rooms serving three different regional cuisines from the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Arabian Gulf, and Javvu is the resort’s all day dining restaurant featuring quality café style lunches and Western cuisine in the evening.

To discover the fascinating lifestyle and culture of untouched Maldivian villages, the guests at Shangri-La can take a boat to neighbouring islands and have a unique opportunity to visit these rarely visited local islands in the south. Diving enthusiasts can explore the well known “British Loyalty” shipwreck or snorkel with giant manta rays with wingspans of more than four metres, which live year-round in the area.  Other facilities include an eco centre and a dive and water sports centre, which features surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and a variety of non-motorised water activities.  The resort’s health club offers a well-equipped gym and two tennis courts.  An entertainment centre, four retail shops, a dedicated area for children (the Adventure Zone) and a medical centre, are also available on the island.

Villingili is accessed by a 70 minute flight from Male, followed by a short boat ride to the island.