Arabian Travel News presents it’s guide to the ultimate Eid breaks
Maldives
Where: Shangri-la Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives
Why go?: Located on the remote, southernmost tip of the Maldives — reaching this resort requires a 70 minute domestic flight from Malé International Airport (during which passengers are presented with a certificate congratulating them on having crossed the Equator), and then it’s a short speed boat ride across from the island of Gan.
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But for those who venture as far south as Villingili Island, their reward will be nothing short of an utterly magical Maldives experience.
One of the biggest resorts in the Maldives (with six kilometres of picturesque coastline, and two kilometres of sensational powdery, white beaches) the resort has the benefit of being able to cater equally well to both honeymooning romantics and families with energetic kids to entertain.
There are six villa types to choose from, ranging from water villas to pool villas. But the real show-stoppers are the tree-house villas. Nestled high up in the coconut palms, these villas come with private infinity pools and breathtaking vistas over the ocean below.
Being a Shangri-La, accommodation is the very last word in luxury and style. The sleekly-designed villas feature outdoor showers, oversized bathtubs and all the mod-cons (including iPods, and free Wi-Fi).
Total seclusion and privacy is the name of the game at Villingili, and once guests retreat into their own personal sanctuary, a villa butler stays on hand to attend to your every wish and whim, meaning you never really have to leave the comfort of your villa at all.
Having said that, with so much to do at Villingili, anyone tempted to stay put for the week, would soon change their minds. Nature is in abundance at the resort — the centre of the island features lush forest, freshwater lagoons and a mangrove swamp.
Every guest gets a bicycle, and the bumpy cycle rides through winding jungle tracks make even a trip to breakfast in the morning an adventure (buggies are on constant stand-by for the less active).
Visiting the local villages is actively encouraged and guests can take the boat across to the neighbouring island of Gan (formerly home to a British Naval base) for a cycle tour through local Maldivian life.
Other activities definately not to miss out on are snorkel excursions of the house reef, which teems with amazing creatures of the deep, from sea turtles, to manta rays, sharks and barracudas.
Or a sunset cruise to meet the atoll’s resident pod of hundreds of spinner dolphins, who are only too happy to race the boat and turn playful somersaults out of the water — much to the delight of guests.
Or for sheer indulgence book in for a spa treatment at Chi Spa and try the specially designed Cowrie-shell Massage.
Of course it’s the staff that make the resort what it is, and while the cutting-edge style and breathtaking location puts Shangri-la Villingili in a class of its own — its the charming nature and second-to-none service that will really steal your heart.
Contact: reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com / (960) 689 7888 / www.shangri-la.com.
EID OFFER: Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is celebrating Eid ul-Fitr with a special package from US $860 per-night for a Pool Villa. The rate includes for two persons: one complimentary night when paying for four nights / return domestic flights from Malé to Gan / daily sheesha under the stars at the beachfront Manzaru Bar / one dolphin cruise / daily breakfast in Javvu Restaurant / two complimentary extra beds for children under the age of 12. Valid from 25 August - 10 September 2011 for a minimum stay of five nights.
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