Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is the definition of luxury, a place where all experiences are tailored to suit your passions.Retreat in style in one of the private villas perched atop the emerald green jungle or strung along the turquoise shoreline. The luxury of space makes them the perfect haven for couples and families alike. Catering to your every desire, the Island Host will ensure that every experience at the resort is personal.

Accommodation choices vary from luxe to uber-luxe: 60 stylish over-water villas – the entry-level offering – and 47 discreet private villas, including the two presidential villas – the 570 square metre Villa Muthee, and the even grander Villa Laalu. Whichever style you opt for, the private villas come with their own pool and ocean view (there are private tree-house and beach options), and enough space to relax and sleep a large family or group of friends.

It’s hardly all about the sprawling land plots, though: connected by suspended timber walkways, the elongated over-water villas are spacious and smartly conceived with their wrap-around glass partitions allowing for an unobstructed, turquoise Indian Ocean vistas bleeding into sandy, palm-tree lined beaches and sapphire skies. Each leads out onto a private sundeck complete with daybeds and a hammock net for reclining just above the water (and steps down into it), so there’s nothing to stop you from diving right in.