Having worked in travel for a few years people often ask ‘what’s your dream destination?’. My answer has always been the same- the Maldives. I’ve finally made it there after being invited on an amazing trip with Oman Air and Shangri-La hotels. You might think the combination of the two countries is a bit odd but it actually worked really well allowing for a mixture of culture in Oman and stunning idyllic beaches in the Maldives.
Shangri-la Villingilli Maldives
The Shangri-la Villingilli is just an hour and a half domestic flight to Gan, located just south of the Equator. Within minutes of arrival I was whisked away on my buggy to check-in to my very own water villa, grinning from ear to ear as I approached. I arrived in the dark so I had no idea of my surrounds but I was already totally wowed by the size – it was huge! It had an amazing high ceiling that made it feel even more spacious and a stunning bathroom with an outdoor shower where either side you could watch all of the little fish swimming beneath you. I was so excited to wake up the following day and see where I was!
My view in the morning from my king sized bed definitely exceeded all my expectations as I’ve not been anywhere with the sea so turquoise and calm, I couldn’t wait to lie out my overwater hammock! Shangri-la Villingili is one of the larger islands in the Maldives so there’s more to do when your there, it even has the only golf course in the Maldives and there are other islands nearby in the atoll to visit. Whilst I was there, we went on a cycling trip to a local island where we met the locals and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. That evening there was a fishing trip which was great fun, I caught a red snapper which I took back to the Dr Ali’s restaurant to be cooked for my for supper!
Learn more about Shangri-la Villingilli Maldives
I made the most of the facilities by trying out as many activities as I could, I tried paddle boarding, yoga and as I’m already a keen diver, I couldn’t miss out on a dive whilst in the Maldives! The water was perfectly clear, the reef was pretty with stunning blue fan coral covering the whole section of the wall – even the house reef for snorkelling is amazing! In the evening we had a beautiful private jungle dinner experience where we were surrounded by nature and the whole area was lit by fire torches – perfect to add to your honeymoon gift list for a romantic treat.
Learn more about holidays in the Maldives
After only three nights in paradise, I was sad to be leaving and if you ask me now what my dream destination is? The Maldives.
