In line with the rising ‘Mancation’ travel trend which sees groups of men travelling further afield for experiential, adventure trips of a lifetime, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives has positioned itself as a suitable destination for the discerning group of male travellers.   

Villingili is a large resort island in the Maldives, spreading across 54 hectares, it offers an array of high-octane and adrenaline-fuelled activities on both land and sea.  Off shore, the hotel provides a dynamic aquatic playground of kayaking, para-sailing and paddle boarding to name but a few, all of which are geared towards men seeking exhilarating male-bonding experiences. Additionally, the island is a paradise for experienced surfers, boasting a consistent surf in the Maldives as well as offering half a dozen great wave set-ups - ideal for a boys’ beach day.  

For diving enthusiasts, there is an abundance of marine life to be explored alongside numerous exhilarating world class diving locations, such as The British Loyalty Shipwreck which came to rest in 1946 having been torpedoed twice during the Second World War. ‘Mancations’ often involve learning a new skill and at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort beginner divers are encouraged to use the specialist dive pool in the resort to learn the basics and achieve their first PADI qualification. Moreover, there is a special snorkelling garden close to the shoreline where it is not uncommon for swimmers to glide past an unassuming green turtle, manta ray or black-tipped reef shark.  

Back on shore, keen golfers can tee off on the only 9-hole golf course in the Maldives or practice their serve on one of the resort’s two tennis courts. A particular favourite for active groups are the three jogging trails available on Villingili, totalling to a distance of 6 kilometres.  Along beautifully kept pathways framed by luscious Banyan trees, joggers can run right to the very edge of the world, past emerald green lagoons and pristine white sands, to the Maldives’ southern tip where only the ocean separates the island from Antarctica.   

Renowned for its beaches and natural beauty, the Maldives is also steeped in rich and fascinating heritage. At Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa guests can embark on a range of tours around the Addu Atoll. Addu is a populated atoll in the Maldives and offers a unique insight into the local culture during visits to the local Maldivian villages and farms. Highlights include a curated historical tour of Gan Island, which served as a British naval base during the Second World War. Fittingly, ‘Mancations’ often involve exploring military history and the island of Villingili is unique with its option to explore remnants from a Second World War base including pillboxes and ammunition bunkers used by the British Royal Air Force. In addition, the hotel also offers a cycling tour along a 17 kilometres road which connects a string of five islands together.   

Whether hopping onto the resort’s yacht to explore the surrounding waters on the lookout for playful spinner dolphins - frequently known to glide along the side of the boat in vast numbers - or experiencing traditional Maldivian night fishing, which sees men venture out for a hand line night fishing trip, Shangri-La’s Villingili has an abundance of once-in-a-lifetime activities tailored for male travellers. Moreover, Shangri-La ensures that all experiences are bespoke, for example expert chefs are also on hand to cook any fish caught by the group’s night fishing excursion to make it even more memorable and special.