Maldives, 17 October 2017: Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldiveshas recently announced their star-studded festive programme for 2017, which promises to delight and inspire all guests with some of the world’s great dining hotspots and performers. Buddha-Bar Beach has taken a gastronomic stroll to Villingili island to offer a unique culinary experience along with expert mixologists, while world renowned artists the Gipsy Reyes, Saxokid, and DJ Mario from Buddha Bar will set the festive mood and keep guests dancing until the early hours. From decadent sunset cruises on the resort’s yacht, to private winemaker dinners with some of the world’s great wines, a trendy white New Year’s Eve party and an Exclusive Dom Perignon Villa package, everything has been set to celebrate this season in exclusivity and style.   

One of the many highlights of the season includes the arrival of Buddha-Bar, a recognised restaurant brand with fourteen Buddha-Bar venues and three Buddha-Bar Beach around the world, known for its pulsating energy and unforgettable atmosphere, attracting a sophisticated set of A-list celebrities, to the island. The Buddha-Bar Beach pop up at Dr Ali’s Restaurant from  20 December 2017 to 20 January 2018, will allow guests to taste pan-Asian and Japanese specialties from the tantalising Buddha-Bar menu, as well as experience the bar’s mixology corner headed by Buddha-Bar worldwide Executive Bar Chef, Matthias Giroud, for creative cocktails to complement the sophisticated food offering. The al fresco lifestyle concept, Buddha-Bar Beach, will also take residency at the Endheri Pool Bar offering signature sounds and fabulous food against the backdrop of Villingili’s pristine white beaches, catering to a hip and festive clientele.Guests will be able to experience the subtle blend of house and lounge music at both venues with world famous DJ Mario, from Buddha-Bar London and Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos and Santorini.   

The BUDDHA-BAR partnership is not the only exciting pop-up that will grace the island of Villingili. The resort has also partnered with Barrio Latino, bringing its colourful, sparkling and vibrant atmosphere to the resort’s much-loved restaurant Fashala, for the festive season. Barrio Latino is a leading Latin American restaurant and lounge concept established in Paris, with a fiery, feisty and sensual Latin spirit. The creative menu crafted by the culinary artists, reveals exciting flavours taking you on a culinary voyage from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. The restaurant will offer the Barrio Latino menu for dinner and, excitingly, will be accompanied by the Gipsy Reyes. The Gipsy Reyes were established by the son of the founder of the famous Gipsy Kings, Antonico Reyes. The band will perform al fresco nightly at Fashala to create an authentic yet modern Latino ambiance.  

In addition, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has collaborated with Patron Tequila to create a Tequila & Margarita Bar on the shores of Fashala, complementing the restaurant’s offerings. The lively bar will be an extension of the resort’s well established tropical and paradisiacal offerings, with a laidback luxury vibe complete with comfy seating and elegant lanterns adorning the outdoor area. The Patron Tequila & Margarita Bar will boast an expert mixologist, who will create and customise a range of tequila based cocktails for the duration of the partnership, as well as daily “Patron of the day” mixology lessons. Guests will also be able to indulge with a range of Barrio Latino signature “Ceviches and Tacos”, Iberico Bellota ham, and caviar served by the spoon, for the ultimate gastronomic feast.   

 The other highlight of the season will be the New Year’s Eve White Party, when the island of Villingili will transform into a white tropical paradise with themed decorations and glamorous cabanas draped elegantly across the resort. Guest and staff will all be dressed in white, and celebrations will kick-off at the three restaurants, including a Buddha Bar New Year’s Eve Dinner at Dr Ali’s, with celebrity Buddha Bar DJ Mario, an exquisite South American set menu by Barrio Latino at Fashala with world-class entertainment by the Gipsy Reyes, and a Med-Grill showcase at Javvu, featuring fresh seafood and prime cuts in an al fresco seaside setting, with DJ Shehzad, winner of the “Ministry of Sound DJ Academy” 2014, performing deep house music, along with superstar saxophone player, Saxokid.   

 Taking the festive celebrations beyond its shores, the resort will also offer guests to embark on its 21-metre private yacht, for a truly memorable journey. Available twice a week, the decadent sunset cruise will include bottomless Veuve Clicquot, and good caviar to revel in style as the yacht glides effortlessly through the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the sound of SaxoKid,who has earlier performed to the likes of Hed Kandi and popular European music festivals.  

Other activities during the festive season include:     

The Dom Perignon Villa Package 

For those seeking something truly special, this festive season guests can treat themselves to some of the great and rare Champagne in the world, amidst extraordinary natural beauty. Shangri-La’s Villingili has launched an exclusive package for 5 nights, where every evening a Vintage bottle of Dom Perignon will be served to guests in villa along with canapes and cheese. The package is available for USD 2,000 for the five vintages – the price is in addition to the villa rate.  

22^nd December – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony   

Accompanied by the warm and wholesome chorus of the Villingili Voices, a local choir on the island, guests are invited to start the festive season with the traditional lighting of the Villingili Christmas Tree located right at the heart of the resort. The Christmas tree is made entirely of materials found on the island, with the main component of the towering tree being drift wood found along the peaceful shores.  

24^th December – Christmas Eve, Santa’s Arrival  

As chimneys are few and far between in the Maldives, Santa Claus’ much anticipated arrival for the hotel’s younger guests on Christmas Eve will be via parasail. Serving as a sleigh, the parasail will be piled high with gifts and treats for the resort’s guests. This once-in-a-lifetime spectacle will delight both little ones and their parents and become a cherished Christmas memory.  

On Christmas Eve guests of the hotel will have the option of three unique dining experiences including a Veuve Clicquot bottomless Christmas dinner at Dr Ali’s Restaurant, an exquisite menu at Fashala or a Christmas Eve buffet at Javvu Restaurant with an extravagant tribal fire show. The hotel has thoughtfully catered for all guests’ possible desires for their Christmas Eve celebrations.  

25^th December – Christmas Day 

For the big day, Javvu Restaurant at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa will host a magnificent Christmas Brunch from 1pm – 4pm including Iberico ham and caviar stations, accompanied by live music from internationally acclaimed performer, SaxoKid. Set to be a spectacular celebration, the hotel will also arrange for festive themed children’s activities to ensure families have a Christmas Day filled with laughter and lasting memories on the resort’s crystalline waters.  

For those wanting an exclusive and luxurious Christmas day, the Veuve Clicquot cabanas package will be available for guests to book for the 25^th and throughout the festive season. The island’s elegant cabanas come replete with a champagne butler who is on hand throughout the day to keep glasses refilled and take care of guests’ every needs.    

26 December and 3 January – Winemaker Dinners 

An exclusive experience awaits in Javvu’s private dining room, as guests can enjoy a gastronomic 5-course Mediterranean set menu paired with five 100 pointers wines, some of the great wines in the world, at USD 1,000 per person.     

22^nd December 2017 –5^th January 2018: Master in Residence Programme 

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has partnered with world renowned celebrity personal trainer Faisal Abdalla, for a two week residency from 22^nd December 2017 to 5^th January 2018. Ranked on Ask Men’s Flex 50 as influential people in the world of sport and fitness, alongside Andy Murray, Usain Bolt and Conor McGregor, Abdulla is an ambassador for Men’s Health and an internationally sought-after master trainer for both Nike and Barry's Bootcamp. The Maldives setting will offer the opportunity for guests to start the New Year as they mean to go on, putting health, wellbeing and a renewed positive attitude on the agenda. Whether they are seeking a total fitness overhaul with results to match or just want to keep the pesky Christmas pounds at bay, Faisal will be on hand offering a schedule of exciting classes and fitness sessions.  

Festive All-Inclusive Package:  

Rates from USD 940 per night. This offer is available from 23 Dec 2017 through 9 Jan 2018. Includes: Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at Jaavu Restaurant, for 2 persons, or a credit of USD 90, per person, for dinner at either Fashala or Dr. Ali restaurants. An unlimited selection of white wine, red wine, beer, spirits and selected cocktails (at restaurants and bars only), New Year's Eve Dinner for 2 adults, unlimited non-motorized water sports, 20% off motorized water sports, 50% off spa treatments. 

For more information and reservation: Tel: +960 689 7888, slmd@shangrila.com www.shangri-la.com