Shangri La's Villingili Maldives | Photo © Sakis Papadopoulos

As you might know, today, July 26th 2010, is a very special date for Maldives as the country will celebrate  45th years of  independance from the British.

But did you know that  July 26th was also Shangri-La’s Villingili very first Birthday ?

And eventually…do you know Shangri-La’s Villingili ?

Shangri La's Villingili Maldives Pool Villa | Photo © Sakis Papadopoulos

Apart from its birthday, the young resort deserves a special focus on Dreaming of Maldives….

Located in the very far and unspoiled most southern Atoll of Addu, Villingili is the furthermost resort of the Maldives ! It is simply and beautifully, the latest point of the Territory. Go further, and there will be nothing else than the vast Indian Ocean….

To reach Villingili, you will have to fly with Maldivian, the National Maldivian Airline Company and cross the Equator. After 1h10 minutes of probably one of the most amazing flight above the archipelago, you will land to Gan International Airport, second Airport after Male/Hulhule airport.

Maldives map

The transfer to Shangri-La’s will only take you 10 minutes by speed-boat.

The first impression of the island is unforgettable…Villingili is just majestic.

Impressive first by its size : 2 kilometers long ! (an exception in Maldives where the average resort length is about 500 meters) and then… the vegetation : ….17 000 very high coconut trees and gigantic Banyan Trees, surrounded by a bright blond very long sandy beach and an endless perfectly shaped turquoise lagoon…The “waow” effect is guaranteed, even for the long time traveller in Maldives.

Besides its stunning location, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, first luxury resort in the Maldives south of the equator, is located in a boutique-style environment where guests can choose from private ocean retreats to tropical tree house villas with panoramic views, a selection of fine dining options, innovative treatments at CHI, The Spa and cycling on nearby islands will satisfy every sense.

The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, famous for its touch of elegance and luxury transformed Villingili into a true Luxury retreat in a very well preserved and astonishing natural environment.

The resort’s natural lush vegetation,  its unique access to the local neighbouring inhabited islands paired with luxurious accommodation are not the only assets  that we loved…Shangri-La’s Villingili has also contributed in many ways to the development of Addu Atoll and its community.  In addition to employing over 300 local staff, the resort has established strong relationships with local fishermen, farmers and companies, providing them with new business opportunities.  Furthermore and contrary to the most of the Maldives, many people

from Addu, working in the resort, now enjoy the possibility to return to their hometown and live close to their family for a better quality of life…

Happy Birthday Shangri-La’s Villingili, and many others to come !

© DREAMING OF MALDIVES 2005-2010.