News
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives appoints Allwyn Drego as new General Manager

Maldives.net.mv – Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives appointed its new General Manager, Allwyn Drego.
Drego was the Hotel Manager for Shangri-La Hotel, Mumbai, India from 2012 to 2013 and the iconic Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2013 to 2014 before joining us in Maldives.
Before his career with Shangri-La, Drego was the pre-opening and opening General Manager of the Taj Group of Hotels` first international Vivanta resort, The Vivanta Coral Reef in the Maldives. Drego led the considerable undertaking of a five-star resort launch from the ground up. He oversaw the entire operation where he was personally involved in everything from hiring and training top talent and quality control checks. Other career highlights include his stint as General Manager at the award-winning 142-villa and 56-acre beachfront Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in Goa, India, from 2005 to 2009, and Officiating General Manager of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India an award winning Oberoi Hotel in 2003-04.
An Indian national, Drego holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Commerce from the University of Bombay and diploma in Hospitality Sales and Marketing from The American Hotel and Motel Association. He is also a post-graduate of the esteemed Oberoi School of Hotel Management in Delhi, India. He has attended the Mastercard – ESSEC Luxury Brand Management Executive Programme in Singapore and also Taj-Cornell Winter University for Senior Management.
Located south of the equator on Villingili Island, on the southernmost tip of Addu Atoll, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives offers guests a stylish and luxurious experience in a spacious and boutique – style environment. As one of the best-equipped luxury resorts in the Maldives, guests can enjoy a range of spa and leisure activities and an array of exciting dining and entertainment facilities. There are over six kilometres of picturesque coastline to enjoy, with nearly two kilometres of beautiful white sandy beach. There are lagoon beaches on the western shore of the island and a surf beach on the eastern side.
Awards
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives recognised among leading global hotels with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

An emerald jewel in the Indian Ocean, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives was honored with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a distinction given to businesses that consistently earn exceptional reviews and rank among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
As an idyllic island escape that blends playful energy with breathtaking natural beauty, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has captivated guests with its vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and experiences that honour local culture while embracing global celebrations – from Easter to Eid Al-Fitr.
Whether guests arrive as a family for the annual summer camp where youngsters make friends for life or retreat to an overwater villa for a romantic weekend, they can expect The Standard’s signature fusion of relaxation, entertainment and adventure – an experience that continues to earn rave reviews from travellers worldwide.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award,” said Justin Swart, the newly appointed General Manager at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our valued visitors and look forward to creating more magical moments for our guests, old and new.”
News
Eid escape at Noku Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Noku Maldives, a member of IHG’s Vignette Collection, invites guests to experience a soulful three-day celebration set against the serene beauty of Noonu Atoll. Rooted in culture and connection, the resort’s Eid Escape is thoughtfully curated to honour the essence of the season through a blend of Maldivian heritage, island rituals, and shared moments of joy.
Guests are welcomed into a journey where each day unfolds with intention—from immersive wellness sessions to meaningful cultural workshops. Highlights of the celebration include traditional Maldivian performances, where the island’s rich storytelling heritage comes alive through the Bodumas procession, Bandiya Jehun dance, and the rhythmic beat of Boduberu drums. These time-honoured performances, held beneath golden skies, invite guests to witness the living spirit of the Maldives.
The celebration culminates in a generous Eid Feast by the beach, featuring a curated menu of local delicacies, fresh catch, and tropical indulgences—all served in a setting that captures the warmth of island life.
Whether participating in games by the sea, exploring island rituals, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Eid Escape at Noku Maldives is a celebration of grace, heritage, and togetherness, woven into the heart of a secluded paradise.
Drink
Master Sommelier Kamal Malik to host exclusive dinner at Ithaa Underwater Gem

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
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