Opened on 27 March 2012, Guests at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives are in for a delight with the launch of the country's first nine-hole recreational golf course at the resort. Designed by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Villingili Golf Course sits on seven and a half hectares of previously undeveloped land at the southern end of Villingili Island.

The official opening ceremony took place on 18 May 2012 in presence of His Excellency Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture with Mr Rene D. Egle, General Manager at Shangri-La\'s Villingili Resort and Spa.

A large crowd of Maldivian government\'s officials and Villingili's guests could enjoy the joyful cocktail reception.

"We are excited to offer a new experience to the Maldives traveller," said Rene D. Egle,. \"Apart from our other recreational options, the Villingili Golf Course will add a new and unique activity for our guests - a game of golf amid expansive views of the Indian Ocean and the tropical landscape."

Spectacular sights await guests at each of the nine holes, mostly par three and averaging 123.4 yards in length. Designed to be a fun course for golf aficionados and beginners alike, the Villingili Golf Course was developed with the island\'s natural beauty in mind, enhancing existing flora to highlight the gleaming ocean and turquoise lagoon along a scenic walking path. A diversity of palms, pandanus and various exotic plants are dotted along sandy beach coves on the east and west shorelines.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Unveils Golf Course                                  

To mark the event, the resort offers an introductory golf package valid from 27 March to 9 May 2012. For a minimum stay of four nights, guests can enjoy the following benefits:

• One complimentary green fee for two persons for bookings in a Pool Villa, Deluxe Pool Villa, Water Villa, Ocean View Villa
• Waived daily green fee for bookings in a Beach Villa, Tree House Villa, Two Bedroom Beach Villa, Villa Muthee or Villa Laalu

The golf course is exclusive to guests of Shangri-La\'s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. Facilities include a clubhouse, refreshment bar and a pro shop carrying an assortment of golf apparel, gear and merchandise. Shoe and equipment rental services are also available.

The introductory green fee of US$80 per adult includes a golf set, golf balls and unlimited rounds per day. Children play free on golf activities scheduled by Cool Zone, the children\'s club at the resort.

The resort's offers can be booked online at www.shangri-la.com. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the resort directly at telephone (960) 689 7888 or e-mail reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 30,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in

Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.