Luxurious Maldives and Oman
Shangri la Villingili Island resort and spa
If you want Luxury – this is the definitely the place for you!!
I was lucky enough to go to Shangri la s Villingili Island and to the Shangri la s Al husn in Oman We flew business class with Oman Air – what an experience – champagne darling and a lovely 4 course meal! We flew from Heathrow – taking advantage of the Oman air Lounge –(very relaxing) Via Oman to male – then a short plane journey to Gan – over the equator ( I have a certificate to prove it) then a 20 minute speedboat ride to the island.
We were greeted by cocktails and some canapes – lovely start to the trip then escorted to the golf buggies to take us to our water villas – out of this world!!!
Just picture this- As you laze in your Water Villa on a brilliant tropical afternoon, enjoy the subtle breeze as you reflect upon the distant horizon, where the azure waters meet a sapphire-coloured sky. Built on stilts in the resort's lagoon, each Water Villa has an open and airy atmosphere. – Heaven!!!
The Water villas are fantastic – very private – they have all mod cons! Complimentary broadband Internet access, a 40-inch LCD TV, a Bose DVD player and iPod docking station. The open air showers were an experience – don’t worry no one could see you!! The Water Villa area is a massive 166sqm
We ate at Javvu for breakfast and lunch each day where you are overlooking the sea. - Bliss!
We had dinner in the jungle one night – which is very romantic! Or you could take a cruise on a luxury yacht for lunch on the equator. – we took a cruise one evening – but didn’t get to the equator – it takes approx 2 and half hours to get to the equator – by boat from the island.
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa has four bars and lounges, where we had a few alcohol beverages! – Just had to be done!
We took a walk through the resort's jungle – to see all the wildlife – we saw some turtles hatching on the beach – so cute! We went on a snorkel out on the reef – so many lovely fish – i can imagine scuba diving being exceptional here – but we didn t have time!
Each villa had a push bike – so you could go to breakfast or for a cycle around the island On one of the days we went for a bike ride over on Gan – seeing all the locals – what an experience!
There is a Cool Zone for children – where they can find toys, educational activities and lots of land and beach-based activities to ensure a fun-filled vacation for the children.
Another option to stay is the Shangri La Oman Al Jissah Resort and Spa
Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa comprises of three luxury hotels in Muscat:
Al Waha ("The Oasis"), an ideal choice for families and people travelling together,
Al Bandar ("The Town"), a deluxe hotel in the heart of the resort,
Al Husn ("The Castle"), the most exclusive retreat. – Where we were lucky enough to stay!
We stayed in the deluxe sea view room – very spacious – they had a nice balcony you could sit on and watch the world go -My room overlooked the sea and the infinity pool.
We had a buffet lunch at the Tapas & Sablah – very nice and relaxed – sitting outside in the courtyard area. On the last night we went to Shahrazad - first time i had Moroccan food – quite spicy – but nice through!
They have a Lazy River that takes you between Al Waha, Al Bandar and back again on inflatable tubes. The hotel offers children clubs too and there are also Adults-Only Areas such as the in-hotel bars and CHI, The Spa villas.
We did visit the grand mosque on the way back to the airport – the biggest chandelier I ever seen! It was interesting to see it.
I would say this is a place to go for 3 – 4 nights maximum – like a stopover onto a different destination.
I would definitely recommend going to both of these hotels and also flying business class – the thing is – it spoils you now – and you just want the same standard and every trip you take!