For the first time, internationally acclaimed magicians will cast a spell on the pure white shores of the Maldives at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa from 1st– 31st July 2018. PEAKLIFE gives you all the details.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa recently announced that it will be hosting the spellbinding Villingili International Festival of Modern Magic on its enchanted shores. The first of its kind in the Maldives, the festival will take place in July 2018 and will see five world-renowned magicians take residency at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. For adults and young guests alike, the month will see the magicians perform two shows per week on Villingili’s silver sands as well as the daily close up magic at guests’ dining tables where sleight of hand will take center stage.

Located in the Maldives’ southernmost atoll, with only the Indian Ocean separating the island from Antarctica, there is certainly something magical about a private island resort situated quite literally on the edge of the world. From 1st– 31st July 2018, five magicians are set to enhance the resort’s beautifully ethereal atmosphere through a range of traditional tricks and more unusual modern illusions and mentalism that will blow guests’ minds away.

Throughout Villingili’s magic month, guests will be able to enjoy the hotel’s ‘Magical Maldives’ package which includes daily magic performances at all the restaurants across the resort as well as a magic show with all magicians coming together for a mesmerizing performance. The package also offers a special “Magic Box” dinner as part of the resort’s exclusive Dine By Design programme, which sees expert chefs curate meals served in special locations around the island. The “Magic Box” dinner will center on innovative food illusions and delicious gastronomic surprises served in unusual and creative forms. Moreover, guests will be treated to a transformative spa treatment working magic on their skin and wellbeing, at CHI, the Spa, a secluded sanctuary with its own spa village within the resort.  The treatment uses warm Dosha pacifying Ayurvedic herbal oils, known for their super healing powers that have a soothing effect on the body and mind, releasing all toxins and stress.

In line with the resort’s magical experiences theme throughout July, the ‘Magical Maldives’ package also includes a dolphin sunset cruise. Guests are invited to marvel at hundreds of spinner dolphins leap and soar out of the water alongside the boat; a sight made all the more extraordinary against the wonderful backdrop of the orange and pink hues of the setting sun. The resort will also provide a magic wand to all its guests as a form of memorabilia from the festival.

As the first hotel in the Maldives to host a magic festival, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is set to bring a whole new meaning to magical Maldivian service this summer. The resort has positioned itself as the perfect destination for families on the lookout for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with an extra magical touch this July. Against the sparkling backdrop of the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, younger guests will be able to learn the basics of magic within the hotel’s award-winning Kid’s Club and later dazzle their parents with their new found skill as the sun sets.

Each of the five magicians are specialists in their own particular field of magic, thereby ensuring that the festival has a wide range of different types of trickeries, illusions, and sorcery:

‘The Conjurer’ Duc Nhien

Nhien has been passionate about the art of magic and puzzles since childhood. In 1981 he became the Belgian champion of the Rubik’s cube, which later gave him inspiration for his unique creation ‘Pixism’. Since then the internationally renowned trickster has published a plethora of French educational videos on ‘Virtual Magic’ and various articles in America’s top-selling magician magazines “Magic” and “Genii”. Originally from Belgium, Nhien is the number one magician in his home country and boasts the prestigious title “Master Magician”.

Another one of his talents is creating special portraits of audience members by cutting intricate silhouettes out of paper. This has led to him being affectionately nicknamed “The Magician Profiler” by his fans.

‘The Trickster’ Antoine Leroux

Leroux specializes in the vastly popular magic of proximity, otherwise known as close up magic. He honed his skills in France working at private parties and events where he impressed guests with his mind-blowing tricks. Leroux’s experience and professionalism make him one of the most sought-after magicians in France and will be an enchanting addition to the island of Villingili.

‘The Mindreader’ Frank Truong

Known for co-starring in the popular French television show “La Grande Illusion”, Truong is regularly employed by prestigious brands and is highly-regarded within the magic circle. Truong specializes in reading people’s minds often leaving audiences speechless with his predictions. In 2016, Truong participated in “France’s Got Talent” where he seduced the country and judges with his humor and charisma reaching the live semi-finals. Since then, Truong has been traveling through France demonstrating the art of mentalism through his show “You Think So I Know” which is met with continuous success.

‘The Digitalist’ Sebastian Camersini

Camersini is also a magician on the French television show “La Grande Illusion”. He has perfected the art of digital magic and is without the doubt one of the most skillful digital magicians on the planet. Camersini works exclusively with the most prestigious members of the magic circle and it is known for his elegance and charm when performing.

‘The Magician’ Vincent Bruneau (Senzo)

Vincent’s passion for magic and new technology led him to create Magency, the first company to offer a collaborative digital solution to engage participants in seminars, conventions, training, and meetings. Vincent cites magic and the art of stage as the inspiration behind Magency in which he emphasizes the importance of companies engaging their employees from an emotional and human angle. Vincent is also a pioneer of digital magic in France. He creates all of the effects for the “La Grande Illusion” show and manages a range of magicians, specializing in the customization of effects.

 

Magical Maldives Offer:

• Book by 31 May and get 20 % off Best Available Rate
• Daily breakfast buffet for two persons at Javvu Restaurant
• Daily dinner for two persons at Javvu Restaurant or a credit of USD 90 per person for dinner at Fashala or Dr. Ali’s restaurants, with daily close up magic performances at the restaurants
• A magic show (30 minutes) followed by a “Magic Box” dinner, as part of the resort’s exclusive Dine By Design programme
• A transforming spa treatment working magic on your skin and wellbeing, using warm Dosha pacifying Ayurvedic herbal oils (45mins)
• A magical dolphin sunset cruise for two persons
• A magic wand, as a memorabilia from the festival

 

This exclusive experience can be booked from USD 777 per person and is valid for stay through the month of July 2018.