The Maldives is doubling down on its commitment to revitalize tourism in Addu Atoll with a strong push to reopen the prestigious Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives. Closed since 2020, this luxurious haven was a cornerstone of the local economy and a magnet for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled experiences in the Indian Ocean. The prolonged inactivity of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives has significantly impacted Addu’s tourism sector, leading to job losses and reduced opportunities for local businesses.
Aerial view of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives, showcasing its expansive turquoise lagoon and lush green island landscape. A premier luxury destination in the Maldives, promising serene beaches and overwater bungalows for an exclusive island getaway.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has made it clear that the reopening of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives is not just a priority, but a personal commitment. He emphasized the resort’s pivotal role in rejuvenating the entire Addu Atoll region. “The dormant Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort is the most significant impediment to Addu’s tourism growth, and we are determined to see it operational again,” Minister Faisal stated during a recent parliamentary address. This declaration underscores the Maldivian government’s proactive stance in addressing the challenges and paving the way for a swift reopening of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives.
To accelerate the process, the Tourism Ministry is in active collaboration with the ownership and management of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives. Minister Faisal announced that a dedicated government task force will be dispatched to engage in advanced discussions aimed at solidifying reopening strategies. His prompt meeting with resort representatives shortly after assuming office further illustrates the administration’s proactive approach and dedication to resolving this critical issue. The focus is on creating a mutually beneficial pathway for Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives to resume its operations and reclaim its position as a leading luxury destination in the Maldives.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives is renowned for its lavish accommodations and breathtaking scenery, encompassing over 50.6 hectares and offering 284 beds of pure indulgence. Its reopening is strategically vital for attracting high-spending tourists back to Addu Atoll, thereby elevating the region’s status as a premier luxury travel destination within the Maldives archipelago. The resort’s expansive footprint and high-end amenities position it perfectly to cater to the growing demand for exclusive and secluded island escapes in the Maldives.
The resurgence of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives will not only inject much-needed economic stimulus into Addu Atoll but also create significant employment opportunities. A substantial number of local residents, previously employed at the resort, are eagerly awaiting its reopening to return to their former roles. The government is confident that Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives will once again become a major employer in the region, bolstering Addu’s tourism workforce and supporting local livelihoods.
A hurdle in the swift reopening of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives lies within the existing Tourism Act. Current legislation lacks provisions for reclaiming leased land from non-operational resorts as long as lease rents are consistently paid. Minister Faisal has acknowledged the necessity of amending the Tourism Act to overcome this legal obstacle and expedite the resumption of operations at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives. This proactive approach to legal reform demonstrates the government’s commitment to removing barriers and facilitating the resort’s timely revival.
The endeavor to reopen Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives is integral to the Maldives’ broader tourism strategy, which prioritizes the expansion of luxury tourism and infrastructure enhancement across key atolls like Addu. By focusing on high-end tourism offerings and improving regional infrastructure, the Maldives aims to solidify its position as a world-leading luxury travel destination, with Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives playing a central role in this vision.