Yachting in the Maldives, Lunch on the Equator, with the New Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa

Soon you’ll be able to have lunch on the equator with a 69-foot luxury yacht, an exclusive offering from the brand new Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa, the first luxury resort in the southern Maldives (on Addu Atoll).

This equatorial dining experience is billed as a “first-of-its-kind seaborne adventure.” Step aboard the boat at the resort, and you’ll cruise 46 miles north to the point where the northern and southern hemispheres collide.

Here you’ll sip some wine and chow down on a gourmet lunch while lounging on a sun lounger on the spacious timber deck.

No doubt you’ll see a school of spinner dolphins. Afterwards, take a siesta, or snorkel and fish– over the equator. You’ll also be able to visit the country’s third biggest island, Fuvahmulah, on a full-day cruise aboard the beautiful yacht.

Opening later this year, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa will feature 142 villas with views of the ocean or the island’s natural lush vegetation.

Tourist Arrivals to Maldives: Statistics

Maldives Tourism growth 2007 & 2008

The Maldives tourism industry has been experiencing a period of unbridled growth over the 2006-2007 period, and with improved and expanded tourist facilities in the pipeline for 2008, the boom is predicted to continue in the coming year.

An 8.5% increase in the number of visitors to the Maldives was anticipated for 2007, although the actual figure has been recorded as an unprecedented 12.3% rate of growth when compared to 2006, which was also a record year.

Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdullah Mausoom said: “2007 was a record breaking year in the history of tourism and we look forward to a similar year in 2008.

Increased accessibility with greater air transportation and the diversity of the
product that is the Maldives have attracted so many tourists into the country.

On January 29th, for example, the Maldives second international airport in Addu atoll had its grand opening; during the ceremony, President Gayoom emphasised that this project would result in a huge boost to the local economy.

The opening of Gan International Airport was compounded by the news that the adjoining Herathere Resort, consisting of 600 beds, was also now ready for business. To further accommodate the rising number of tourists to the Maldives, another hotel on the Addu Atoll is now under construction, and is due to open by late summer 2008.

The Villigili Resort has been jointly funded by the government and Addu Investment Private Ltd., and upon completion will offer 142 rooms.

The Villigili Resort has been jointly funded by the government and Addu Investment Private Ltd., and upon completion will offer 142 rooms.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR LEASE OF ISLANDS TO DEVELOP AS TOURIST RESORTS

Kelaa, Haa Alifu (Bid Documents)
Bid Document
Application Form
Invitation
Iulaan

BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR LEASE OF ISLANDS TO DEVELOP AS TOURIST RESORTS

Gaadhoo, Laamu Atoll (Bid Documents)

Bid Document
Application Form
Invitation
Iulaan