Shangri-La'a Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives cares for the environment
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Shangri-La'a Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives cares for the environment
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Category: Asia Pacific - Maldives
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-03-13
When Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, opens in summer 2009, the Shangri-La Eco Centre will offer an interactive place for guests to discover the natural beauty of Villingili. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about conservation work carried out on the island as well as how they can support the resort’s efforts.
Amongst various initiatives, guests can participate in the resort’s green turtle tagging programme and receive regular updates on the travels of their turtle. The tagging will help to understand better the movements of this mesmerising yet endangered species that abounds in the surrounding waters. In season, the resident expert will arrange for guests to watch turtle hatchlings heading to the sea, a memorable experience available to everyone. Alternatively, experienced scuba divers can contribute to the resort’s manta ray tracking programme by taking photographs of the many creatures living in the area – the only place in the Maldives where manta rays can be seen year-round.
The Eco Centre is also a place to learn about the invaluable work carried out by the resort’s marine specialist and increase the awareness of guests of the importance of preserving the natural surroundings and wildlife for generations to come. Guests can discover how the marine specialist has relocated corals that could have been affected by the construction work, creating coral gardens close to the shoreline where less experienced swimmers can enjoy the underwater wonders.
The resident expert will also present talks on the island’s wildlife – both on land and underwater – and guide jungle walks or simply provide maps and insider tips for guests eager to explore the resort’s nature trails on their own.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives will be the first luxury resort in the southern Maldives, on Addu Atoll. The resort will feature 142 villas with views of the ocean or the island’s natural lush vegetation. The Maldives’ second international airport, Gan International Airport, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort and Malé International Airport is 70 minutes by domestic flights operating around the clock.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 62 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.
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