As we celebrate the Year of the Rat in 2020, a time to turn over a new leaf and take a fresh look at life, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives offers guests abundant opportunities to ring in the Lunar New Year. From sumptuous feasts at a unique Shang Palace pop-up, activities and entertainment for the whole family to memorable moments with loved ones, these are just a few of the unrivaled experiences to enjoy on a luxury hideaway framed by white-sand beaches, lush forests and spectacular coral reef.
Gastronomic Delights & Culinary Journeys
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa will be debuting the first-ever Shang Palace pop-up, from 24 January to 8 February 2020. Guests will be able to experience fine dining Cantonese cuisine during its culinary tour of the Shangri-La resorts in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, before its return to the Maldives for Golden Week, in October 2020.
Gourmands can indulge in Shang Palace’s signature Cantonese and Chinese cuisine as well as a Michelin-starred eight-course menu with iconic dishes from Shangri-La’s multiple award-winning restaurants around the world, including Paris, Singapore, Beijing, Kowloon, and Guangzhou.
The pop-up brings to life the Shangri-La cuisine experience, combining Asian dining values, gastronomic innovation, and award-winning talent. The dishes will be crafted by Dr. Ali’s restaurant’s Chinese supremo, Chef Liu Shengquan, who boasts over 20 years of experience, including ten years with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. Specializing in Sechuan, Cantonese, Hunan, and North-eastern Chinese cuisine, Chef Liu continuously creates exciting new dishes as well as traditional favorites, with his signature flair and passion.
Guests will be able to feast on Braised Abalone with Chinese Yam in a casserole, Shang Palace Fried Rice, and a special creation of Deep-fried Stuff¬ed Crab Meat in its shell, elaborated by Shangri-La’s Executive Chinese Chef, Gordon Leung, who has earned Michelin stars for his Cantonese cuisine.
On the 24 January 2020, the resort will host Chinese New Year’s Eve reunion dinners at Javvu restaurant, o¬ffering a sumptuous buffet with Asian specialties and live cooking stations. Meanwhile, Dr. Ali’s restaurant will feature a Shang Palace set menu, showcasing the finest Cantonese cuisine. On Chinese New Year day, guests will be treated to a superb seafood buffet at Javvu, using fresh and seasonal ingredients from the Indian Ocean and beyond.
During the Spring Festival, Fashala restaurant will present a special “Mediterrasian” menu featuring Mediterranean-Asian fusion in the magical setting where the ocean meets the lagoon. Guests can also enjoy tailor-made gourmet moments, such as a Floating Breakfast from the comfort of the private pool at their villa, or a Dine by Design experience at a location of their choice, whether it’s on the beach, in the jungle, at the highest peak in the Maldives, or even at the equator, aboard a luxury yacht.
Entertainment & Memorable Moments
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, guests can sit back and enjoy the vibrant Chinese festival ceremony broadcast live from China, before indulging in activities and traditional customs such as dumpling making, Chinese couplet-writing, and Mah-jong games. The evening will also feature a lively karaoke session, a performance by talented local artists Black Pearl and a Maldivian Bodu Beru folklore show.
To welcome in the New Year, guests will be invited to take part in a thrilling Golden Treasure Hunt around the resort, searching through the lush jungle, along pristine beaches, climbing Mount Villingili and even exploring the underwater for the chance to win coveted prizes.
Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa is the ultimate destination for celebration and creating memorable moments with loved ones, especially during this auspicious time. From a tropical safari to discover the flora and fauna, Chinese lanterns making, crab hunting or an up-cycled art workshop, the resort provides an action-packed program. Sports fanatics can also take part in a tennis clinic with the pro player, Aymeric Petit, to improve their game or compete against other guests in social tennis matches. While those hoping to improve their swing can head to the golf clinic, for private sessions and beat the pro challenges with the resident instructor, at the only 9-hole golf course in the Maldives. The retreat also offers bespoke excursions and activities such as dolphin cruises, coral planting, eco-adventures and the opportunity to explore the neighboring islands for a fascinating insight into the local culture and customs.
Wellness and Holistic Harmony
Celebrating the Year of the Rat and its dexterity and vitality, CHI, The Spa has a wellness programme offering re-energizing and rejuvenating treatments. From Asian massages to restore physical and spiritual harmony, Ayurveda treatments to release toxins, and local therapies to boost the natural immune system, wellness fans can start the first cycle of the zodiac year feeling relaxed, refreshed and revitalized. Surrender to spa bliss as specials during this season include complimentary group yoga sessions with an expert naturopath, and for every 90-minute full body massage booked, guests will receive a complimentary spa enhancement to choose from, such as Hot Oil Hair and Scalp Treatment, Caviar Firming, Collagen Mask, Healing Hot Stones, or Probiotic Massage Booster.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives offers incredible packages for Chinese New Year. The half-board offer starts from US$980 per night, for two persons in a Pool Villa, and the All-Inclusive Package starts from US$1,165 per night for two persons, including full-board, house selection of beverages, unlimited access to non-motorized water sports, 20% off motorized water sports, 25% off spa treatments at CHI, The Spa, daily fitness and recreational group activities, and daily Eco-Centre group activities. Terms and conditions apply.
