Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives will be the first resort in the Maldives to feature tree house villas when the resort opens on 26 July 2009.  Perched on stilts three metres above the ground and featuring an elevated infinity pool, the tree house villas will offer guests an original holiday experience with views of the surfing waves of the Indian Ocean through lush foliage.

Ideal as a secluded hideaway for honeymooners and couples looking for privacy, guests seeking a tropical experience that combines luxury and comfort with natural surroundings will also be delighted with the resort’s tree house villas.

The 16 tree house villas are perched among the treetops of the resort’s jungle, affording beautiful views over the Indian Ocean.  Guests will be able to choose to swim to the edge of their elevated infinity pool and gaze at the rolling waves coming in from the ocean or to recline on their day bed while enjoying the melody of the indigenous bird life.  With the light breeze blowing from the sea, guests will find the spacious wooden deck ideal for romantic alfresco dining experiences.

The tree house villas, each measuring 218 square metres with separate bedroom and living room pavilions, will feature both indoor and outdoor showers as well as an oval bathtub, where guests can soak as they contemplate the surroundings.  Each villa will be equipped with custom-made furniture selected to complement the villa’s interior and infused with elements from the Middle East and touches of India. 


From 26 July until 31 October 2009, guests can experience a tree house villa by booking the resort’s exclusive opening offer and enjoy a seven-night stay while paying for five nights only.  In addition, the offer includes benefits such as return domestic flight transfers from Malé to Gan, daily half board as well as a complimentary spa experience for two at CHI, The Spa.  Among the distinctive recreational activities to be made available at the resort, guests booking the opening offer will be able to enjoy a bicycle tour of the neighbouring local islands as well as a guided walk of the resort’s nature trail to explore Villingili island’s diversified fauna and flora. 

Guests looking for a shorter break can enjoy one additional complimentary night when paying for a three-night stay.  For more information about the opening offers and for reservations, guests can contact the resort’s reservations department at reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com or (960) 689 7888, or visit the resort’s official website at http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/male/villingiliresort.

 
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, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, 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, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States.  For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.