Shangri-La to open exclusive resort in the Maldives

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 2004, Shangri-La Maldives 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  252-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 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 68-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 well being and lifestyle programmes.

In addition, Shangri-La Maldives 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.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has nearly 20,000 rooms including almost 8,000 rooms in mainland China, its hotels are located in the Chinese mainland, Fiji,  Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.