Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Officially Opens its First Property in the Maldives

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is the first international luxury resort in Southern Maldives Archipelago

HONG KONG, July 27 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives welcomed its first guests yesterday, marking it as the first international luxury resort on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, one of the least spoilt areas in the world.

"After months of preparation and tailored training in order to provide our guests with discreet, personalised and renowned Shangri-La hospitality, we are delighted to launch Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives," said Jens Moesker, general manager, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. "In a unique location featuring luxury accommodation and offerings, we are confident that the newest property in our portfolio will be the top of mind destination when visitors think of the Maldives."

The resort comprises 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas perched three metres above the ground -- a first in the Maldives. An elevated infinity pool further enhances the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. In addition to long stretches of white, powdery sand, the three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants and ancient banyan trees as well as nature trails for guests to discover the colourful wildlife.

CHI, The Spa - Shangri-La's signature spa brand - is located in its own spa village at the resort's highest geographical point, and offers a diverse range of treatments based on Chinese, Himalayan and Asian healing rituals; as well as Kandu Boli experiences, and unique indigenous treatments inspired by tiger cowrie shell and other natural treasures found in the Maldives.

To discover the fascinating lifestyle and culture of untouched Maldivian villages, guests can take a short boat ride to neighbouring islands. Diving enthusiasts can explore the well known "British Loyalty" shipwreck or dive with giant manta rays with wingspans of more than four metres, which live year-round in the area. Other recreational activities include an Eco Centre and a dive and water sports centre, which features surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and a variety of non-motorised water activities. The resort's health club offers a well-equipped gym and two tennis courts. An entertainment centre, four retail shops, a dedicated area for children - the Adventure Zone - and a medical centre, are also available at the resort.

Khazaanaage Restaurant, the resort's flagship dining outlet, offers three living rooms serving three different regional cuisines from the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Arabian Gulf.

In celebration of its opening, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is offering an exclusive package. From now until 31 October 2009, guests can enjoy a seven-night stay for the price of five. In addition, the offer includes benefits such as return domestic flight transfers from Male to Gan, daily half-board as well as a CHI experience for two. Guests looking for a shorter break can enjoy a complimentary night when paying for a three-night stay.

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact the resort directly at (960) 689 7888, via e-mail at reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com or online at http://www.shangri-la.com .

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 63 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at http://www.shangri-la.com .

For digitised pictures of the group's hotels, please go to http://www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary .

Photo links:

Photo 1:

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives welcomed its first guests yesterday, marking it as the first international luxury resort on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, one of the least spoilt areas in the world.

http://www.shangintranet.com/guest/PhotoLib.asp?hphotono=6165

Photo 2:

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives comprises 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas perched three metres above the ground - a first in the Maldives.

http://www.shangintranet.com/guest/PhotoLib.asp?hphotono=6171

Photo 3:

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldvies offers other distinct villa options such as, the water villas with terraces and outdoor showers extending over the clear ocean water; beach villas with separate bedroom and living room, connected by a wooden deck to a private infinity pool; twin beach villas, comprising two bedrooms and an infinity pool; and water pool villas.

http://www.shangintranet.com/guest/PhotoLib.asp?hphotono=6176

PRESS CONTACT:

Jenny Mak

Director of Corporate Communications

Tel: +852-2599-3323

Email: jenny.mak@shangri-la.com

Sari Yong

Media Relations Manager, Hong Kong/South East Asia

Tel: +852-2599-3336

Email: sari.yong@shangri-la.com

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Fax: +852-2599-3308

Website: http://www.shangri-la.com