Shangri-La To Open Exclusive Resort In The Maldives
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Shangri-La To Open Exclusive Resort In The Maldives
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Category: Africa Indian Ocean
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2005-12-14
Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel company, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has signed a management contract with Villingili Investments Private Limited to operate an exclusive and fully-integrated spa resort in the Maldives. Opening in 2006, Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa will be situated on Villingili, an unspoilt island in Addu Atoll, at the southern most tip of the Maldives.
Consisting of four independent and unique villages, the eco-orientated 180-villa resort is designed by Singapore-based Design B·U·BE. Gan airport, which is in the process of being upgraded to international status, is a five-minute speedboat ride away from the resort where guests will be greeted at an exclusive Shangri-La lounge. Gan Island will also offer a soon to be completed golf course, which will be the only one in the Maldives.
Commenting on the new management contract, Mohamed Manik, chairman of Villingili Investments Private Limited, said: 'Shangri-La's strong brand, which is synonymous with award-winning hospitality, will be an integral component in the marketing of our resort internationally, especially with exploiting the potential of the Asian market. Villingili Island is set to become a world-class resort destination with this new development, adding to what the Maldives already has to offer to the growing number of visitors.'
Giovanni Angelini, chief executive and managing director of Shangri-La, said: 'Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa complements our spectacular new line of deluxe resorts opening in Muscat, Oman and Sanya, Hainan Island in 2005. This tropical paradise resort with its magnificent beaches and turquoise waters will embrace nature preservation and offer an educational and informative experience in luxurious, unique surroundings.'
The Waterford village with 66-water bungalows on stilts is ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic Indian Ocean hideaway. It will have a Horizon Club, Shangri-La's exclusive club concept, which offers special privileges, as well as its own private sports pavilion. With 67 villas extending over the ocean, the Plantation Club village will provide a more relaxed atmosphere. Near to the Green Lagoon and 'floating' pool, key features of this village include a conservation lookout and an organic restaurant where guests can receive specialist culinary guidance from experienced chefs after picking their own local produce from an organic farm.
Set directly on the beach amidst the palms from which it gets its name, the family orientated Whispering Palm village will offer 77 villas, including eight that are split level. The Windance village will consist of 40 semi-detached tree houses perched on lush greenery with panoramic sunrise and sunset views.
Shangri-La will introduce its new spa brand to the resort. Set in the magical Blue Lagoon with open views of both the Indian Ocean and the lagoon, the spa will offer a full range of innovative treatments along with integrated wellbeing and lifestyle programmes.
In addition, Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa will provide a selection of bars and restaurants serving a wide choice of local and international cuisine in each of the villages. Banqueting, meeting and wireless facilities as well as a horticultural garden and an observatory, a marine research facility and a conservation centre will also be features of the resort. Sporting activities include surfing, diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing and boating. There will be a traditional market street leading to the pier and tennis courts as well as a piazza near to the central swimming pool.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, currently manages 47 hotels under the five-star Shangri-La and four-star Traders Hotels brands, with a rooms inventory of over 21,000. The group has over 30 projects under development in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com
For digitised pictures of the group's hotels, please go to http://www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary
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