Discover Villingili Island: The Maldives’ Secret Gem of Luxury and Local Life

If you think you’ve seen the best of the Maldives, think again. Welcome to Villingili Island, a tropical haven where luxury resorts, natural beauty, and authentic Maldivian charm come together. Located in the southernmost region of the Maldives, this island is not only home to Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa—one of the most exclusive resorts in the country—but also offers lush jungle interiors, beautiful beaches, a touch of history, and a deep connection to the local island life.
 

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, a nature retreat, or an eco-luxury vacation, Villingili Island invites you to slow down and savor its untouched charm.

📍 Where is Villingili Island?

Location: Addu Atoll (Seenu Atoll), Southern Maldives

Nearest Airport: Gan International Airport (GAN)

Access: 5-minute speedboat ride from Gan

Villingili Island is not to be confused with “Vilimale” near Malé. This Villingili is part of the remote southern Addu Atoll and is considered one of the most exclusive islands in the Maldives.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Villingili Island

Thanks to its southern location, Villingili experiences less rain overall and can be visited year-round, especially for couples, honeymooners, and divers.

✈️ How to Get to Villingili Island

Step 1: Fly internationally to Velana International Airport (Malé - MLE)

Step 2: Take a domestic flight (1 hr 10 min) to Gan International Airport (GAN)

Step 3: Short 5-minute speedboat to Villingili Island

If arriving from Sri Lanka, direct flights to Gan via SriLankan Airlines are also available.

🏝️ Top Things to Do on Villingili Island

1. Stay at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa

Though temporarily closed (check current status), Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort was the only Maldivian resort located south of the equator. It offered:

Luxurious overwater and beachfront villas

Private infinity pools and butlers

A world-class spa in the jungle

Fine dining with ocean views

The resort set the standard for eco-luxury, and even though operations are paused, future travelers should keep an eye on its potential reopening.

2. Tee Off at the Only Golf Course in the Maldives

Villingili Island is home to the Maldives' only golf course—a 9-hole, par-3 course located on a pristine beachfront. Imagine swinging your club with turquoise waters and coconut palms in every direction.

Suitable for beginners and pros

Eco-conscious design to blend with the natural terrain

Stunning sea views on every hole

🎯 Unique Highlight: This is one of the southernmost golf courses in the world.

3. Snorkeling & Diving in Addu Atoll

The surrounding waters of Villingili offer some of the best dive spots in the Maldives, particularly for those seeking coral walls, WWII wrecks, and big marine life.

Top Dive Spots Nearby:

British Loyalty Wreck – A must-see for wreck divers

Maa Kandu Channel – Sharks, rays, and strong drift diving

Koattey Protected Area – Coral gardens and reef fish

🟢 Many excursions are arranged from the resort or through dive centers in Addu.

4. Explore Lush Jungle Trails

Unlike many flat coral islands, Villingili features undulating terrain, tropical jungle, and hiking trails.

🌿 Don’t miss:

A walk to Mount Villingili, the Maldives’ highest natural elevation (a humble 5.1 meters!)

Discovering hidden beaches and coconut groves

Spotting fruit bats, herons, and colorful birds

5. Cycle Across the Causeway

While Villingili itself is walkable, you can cross to the nearby islands of Gan, Feydhoo, and Hithadhoo via a scenic 14-km causeway (accessible from Gan).

🚲 Rent a bicycle or scooter to:

Explore traditional villages

Try local cafés and markets

Enjoy stunning lagoon views

6. Experience Local Culture

If you’re craving authenticity beyond resort life, a visit to Gan or Hithadhoo allows you to:

Interact with locals

Visit small mosques and schools

Try Maldivian home cooking

Learn about WWII history and the former British RAF base

7. Unwind at the Spa

Villingili’s former Chi Spa, nestled in the jungle canopy, was famous for its holistic treatments using Asian healing traditions.

🌸 Treatments included:

Ayurveda-based massages

Maldivian sand and coconut scrubs

Open-air therapy rooms with ocean sounds

Even if the main spa is closed, visiting wellness travelers can still enjoy local treatments in Addu’s guesthouses.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Villingili Island

As of now, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa remains closed, but you can still stay nearby on Gan or Hithadhoo and take day trips.

Options Near Villingili:

Equator Village (Gan) – Relaxed beachfront hotel in the former British Officers’ quarters

Pebbles Inn (Hithadhoo) – Boutique guesthouse with modern comforts

Clove Beach (Maradhoo) – Local hospitality, diving services available

💡 Future Note: If Shangri-La reopens, it will again be one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and sustainable properties.

🍽️ Where to Eat

If staying outside Villingili, explore local flavors in Addu:

Palm Village – Maldivian curries and grilled seafood

Delight Bakery – Snacks and cakes popular with locals

Breeze Café – Western food and coffee in Gan

Equator Village Dining – Buffet meals with lagoon views

Must-try local dishes:

Mas Huni – Tuna and coconut salad

Rihaakuru – Savory fish paste with rice

Bondibaiy – Traditional sweet rice

📸 Best Photo Spots on Villingili Island

Overwater villas (if/when operational)

Mount Villingili “summit” sign

Palm-lined beaches at sunrise

Lagoon views from the golf course

Aerial shots of the causeway and turquoise reefs

📷 Bring a drone for breathtaking footage—this part of the Maldives is largely untouched.

🛍️ What to Buy

While Villingili is quiet in terms of shops, nearby Addu offers:

Handmade mats (kunaa)

Coconut-based crafts

Tropical fruit preserves and snacks

Maldivian art and wood carvings

Markets in Hithadhoo and Gan are the best for authentic souvenirs.

🧭 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Relaxation

Arrive at Gan and transfer to your accommodation

Enjoy the beach and sunset walk

Dinner with local Maldivian dishes

Day 2 – Island Exploration

Visit Villingili Island via private tour or speedboat

Hike to Mount Villingili

Snorkeling or cycling along the causeway

Optional: Golf or spa treatment

Day 3 – History & Culture

Explore Gan’s WWII sites

Visit Hithadhoo and local markets

Learn about island life from a local guide

Farewell dinner on the beach

🌍 Why Visit Villingili Island?

Villingili Island is more than a resort destination—it’s a rare blend of nature, luxury, history, and local life. Whether you're golfing on the edge of the world, diving into forgotten shipwrecks, or listening to the rustle of palms in a forest trail, the island reminds you that the Maldives can be more than overwater villas and room service.

It’s real. It’s rich. It’s refreshingly different.