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.