Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has appointed Candice Barwell as its new Director of Sales and Marketing.
In a statement, Shangri-La said Barwell, who is set to join the team at Villingili this month, will be responsible for planning and implementing the sales and marketing strategy, optimising the hotel’s revenue and market share. She will continue to establish Shangri-La’s Villingili as one of the leading luxury resorts in the Maldives, it added.
Barwell has over 20 years of experience in the luxury hotel and hospitality industry having worked with some of the world’s leading hotel brands across Europe and the UAE. She is excited to join Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts for the first time following her most recent post as Director of Sales and Marketing at Rosewood, Abu Dhabi where she achieved the highest revenue since the hotel opened in 2012. Prior to this, Barwell held the position as Complex Director of Sales overseeing Starwood Hotels and Resorts opening of three hotels in Dubai, including the Emirate’s first St Regis and W branded properties.
According to Shangri-La, Barwell’s leadership skills, attention to detail, hands-on approach and wealth of experience will ensure that she will be a valuable addition to the Shangri-La’s Villingili team.
“I am delighted to be joining the dynamic team here at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa. It is certainly exciting to be part of the prestigious Shangri-La group and I look forward to working with this talented team and promoting this flagship property offering a unique experience in the Maldives,” Barwell was quoted in the statement, as saying.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is located in the southernmost Maldivian atoll of Addu, just a five-minute boat ride away from Gan International Airport.
The resort is a collection of 132 private villas nestled across emerald green jungle and stunning turquoise shoreline. From private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses with panoramic views, resort accommodation features six distinct styles of villa and two presidential villas. All villas feature both indoor and outdoor showers, luxurious oval bathtubs and exquisitely designed silver Jali influenced “his and hers” vanity counters.
The resort has three restaurants, each with a distinct vibe, serving cuisine to suit all tastes. More adventurous guests can enjoy a lunch or dinner served on board a luxury yacht, or a romantic meal in the jungle, as part of the resort’s Dine by Design programme.
Guests can also enjoy an extensive range of activities both on land and at sea: indulge in tranquillity at CHI, The Spa, explore the luscious tropical forest, play a round at the only nine-hole golf course in the Maldives or dive into an aquatic playground of water sport activities.