Shangri-La Maldives Resort to reopen this year

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, which has been out of operation since shutting its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to reopen before the end of the year, the government has announced. 

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced that the resort will officially welcome back guests from December 31 onwards. 

A statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment today stated that the Shangri-La resort operator Addu Investment had agreed to reopen the resort this year following discussions held with the government. 

The government has held extensive talks on reopening the resort since its closure in 2021. To support the resumption of services, the previous administration agreed to relinquish its 30 percent stake in the company. 

When Ibrahim Faisal was earlier serving as this administration's Tourism Minister, he said that necessary repairs to reopen Shangri-La resort would cost USD 25 million. 

The ministry extended thanks to Shangri-La and Addu Investments for agreeing to resume operations. As the resort employed over 500 staff before its closure, reopening would bring significant economic benefits to Addu, the ministry noted. 

Transfer from Addu International Airport to Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa takes approximately five minutes by speedboat. 

Upon its opening, the resort quickly gained popularity among high-end tourists. Its operations boosted economic growth in Addu, marked by an increase in private jet arrivals as well.