Pure Destinations | Holiday Builder, Trips, Resorts

Simone explores Shangri-La Villingili Maldives

Our Sutton Coldfield store manager, Simone, recently visited the stunning Maldives staying at the luxurious 5 star Shangri-La Villingili where she stayed for 4 nights with Kuoni. Shangri-La Villingili boasts of island luxury, with an impressive 9-hole golf course, luxury yacht boat charters, exquisite dining choices and a range of private hideaway villas for a completely tranquil island escape. We caught up with Simone to give you some Maldives holiday inspiration for your next trip!

What room type did you stay in and what were your impressions of the villa?

I stayed in an over water which are some of the largest in the Maldives at 1787 square foot! The bathroom was absolutely stunning, with a huge oval bath tub in the middle of the room along with indoor and outdoor rain showers. The Water Villa is just the perfect place to laze on your deck looking out over the lagoon and catching a glimpse of amazing marine life.

Images above: Water Villa

Image: Villa Muthee

What would you say was your favourite aspect of Shangri-La Villingili resort & spa?

The privacy that each room type offers, from the layout of the Island to the lush vegetation, which offers ultimate privacy and peace and quiet, truly relaxing! I loved the fact the Island operates on “Island Time “ so they have moved their clocks one hour forward so that we can enjoy one extra hour of daylight.

What was the overall ambience of Shangri-La, how would you describe the island?

Shangri-La Villingili is a very upmarket, luxurious Island with top end service and exquisite food yet still allows its guests to enjoy a relaxed holiday. Perfect for relaxing, pampering and wonderful food. Evenings are low-key, enjoying your surroundings whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. M-Lounge is right on the beach and is very chic, open till late with music.

Image: M-Lounge

What experiences and activities did you get up to?

I visited the neighbouring Island of Meedhoo, the area of Addu Atoll is relatively new to tourism, it was fantastic to see an Island untouched by tourism and to experience and understand Maldives’ culture. Shangri-La Villingili also offers eco tours of the Island by buggy or on a bike which is interesting, you get to see lakes and jungle on your doorstep. If you want to truly relax and unwind then the Chi Spa is wonderful as it is set in its own Spa village.

What restaurants did you dine in and did you have a favourite restaurant?

I was lucky enough to dine in all of the resorts restaurant and very lucky to have a champagne breakfast on the beach! My favourite place to eat was Dr Alis restaurant,  I loved the design of the restaurant along with the fabulous furnishings, the food is inspired by a local legend and offers a mixture of Middle Eastern, Asian and African food.

Image: Dr. Ali’s Restaurant

Island hopping to Meedhoo Island

During a recent visit to the Shangri La Maldives our Sutton store Manager Simone visited Meedhoo Island. Meedhoo Island is one of the most inhabited northern islands in the Addu Atoll, and a 20 minute sped boat ride from Shangri La, geographically it is very isolated with the main income being from fishing and farming.

The addition of the Shangri La resort and increased tourism has really given the farmers of Meedhoo an opportunity to sell their local produce, we were able to visit the local farms which supplied Shangri-La Villingili with locally grown produce used in the hotels restaurants.

We were greeted by what seemed the entire population of the Island who were keen to show us the improvements they had made to their beautiful Indian Ocean beaches which were sadly until recently nothing more than rubbish tips. A lot of hard work and education has now resolved the problem with litter and to celebrate this we joined in with tree planting with the Island’s officials, school children and locals.

Pure Destinations and Kuoni took the opportunity to deliver stationary and football equipment to the local school and although it was school holidays, the teachers along with the school children came to see us and opened their school, which they were very proud of. All the children were dressed in their school uniform and some in local Maldivian dresses, it was a lovely experience and everyone was so excited with the gifts we delivered.

This visit ranks amongst some of my most memorable excursions, it was amazing to meet the locals and to learn about their daily life, which was also so refreshing to see the commitment of Shangri-La Villingili to the local community.

Inspired by Simone’s trip to Shangri-La Villingili? Learn more about the resort by contacting us to enquire.