News
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives puts paradise on the flight path
Maldives Promotion House – Those who fly by private jet can now land five minutes from paradise.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is the first five-star resort in the Maldives to open its own private executive airport terminal.
Located at Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll, the terminal is for the exclusive arrival and departure of the resort’s guests, including those on commercial flights to and from Male International Airport. The private terminal is just five minutes by speedboat from the resort and features two lounges and a VIP room. A private lounge is reserved for guests arriving by private jet and offers one-stop immigration, custom and baggage screening services for a seamless arrival experience.
Shangri-La’s all-villa Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort located south of the equator in the Maldives and also the first in the country to introduce its own nine-hole recreational golf course plus cultural bicycle tours on neighbouring islands. Surrounded by a striking coral reef, the luxurious hideaway resort is a lush, picturesque paradise with six kilometres of coastline and two kilometres of white sand beaches.
Guests taking advantage of the new private jet terminal can also enjoy the “Private Jet Experience” featuring stays in a presidential villa and tailor-made benefits.
Private Jet Experience benefits include welcome champagne; a dedicated villa butler; dolphin cruise; daily massage at CHI, The Spa; personal mobile phone, and the bespoke “Dine By Design” experience in one of the resort’s secret locations.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa offers 132 villas, including two spacious presidential villas that measure up to 957 square metres and offer the choicest amenities and accessories. The presidential villas each have two large bedrooms, an extensive garden with a spa pavilion, a private pool, an outdoor designer shower with body jets; a sauna; and a personal gym with a private courtyard and garden. Round-the-clock in-villa dining can be enjoyed in the living room on timber-decked verandahs or in the air-conditioned or al-fresco dining pavilions. A variety of dining options are also available at the resort’s five restaurants and bars.
Please visit www.shangri-la.com or e-mail privatejets.slmd@shangri-la.com for further information.
News
Maldives named among world’s top destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards
The Maldives has received multiple rankings in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2026, according to destination rankings released by the travel platform.
In the global category, the Maldives was ranked 21st among the world’s top destinations for 2026.
The Maldives was also ranked third in the world in the Best Honeymoon Destinations category for 2026.
In the Asia category, the Maldives secured eighth place among Tripadvisor’s Top Destinations in Asia for 2026.
Tripadvisor said its Best of the Best rankings are based on traveller reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period. The rankings reflect visitor feedback and travel demand across destinations worldwide.
News
Ambani family members holiday in Maldives again
Anant Ambani, son of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Radhika Merchant have arrived in the Maldives for a holiday.
Ambani’s Boeing 737 private jet landed in the Maldives on Saturday. Witnesses at the airport said the couple were accompanied by around 50 security personnel.
Anant and Radhika are currently staying at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s private island.
Two seaplanes are on standby at the resort, according to sources. The arrangements are in place to facilitate transport if required.
The Ambani family has previously spent holidays in the Maldives. Last year, other members of the family spent the Christmas and New Year period at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
In November 2024, Anant stayed at Soneva Secret and also visited the nearby island of HDh. Makunudhoo. During that visit, he purchased a chicken and a rabbit from the island, which were later taken to a zoo he operates in India.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils romantic Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.
For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.
The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.
Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.
From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.
To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.
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