The first luxury resort in the Maldives, south of the equator, opens this this year – but you’ll still be able to get on your bike, writes Travel Editor Jim Walsh.

Yes, guests at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa – which boasts private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses – can hop on a bicycle and explore the five neighbouring islands for a real taste of the Maldives.

Travelling under their own steam, they can choose to enjoy a picnic on the beach, stop at a local cafe for a fresh tuna or simply take in the sunset views from one of the bridges that link the islands.

The atoll offers the longest cycling route in the Maldives, covering a 17-kilometre route that links the islands of Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Highadhoo, located on the western side of Addu.

Those looking for a bit of history can visit the uninhabited island of Gan, once used by the British Army as an air base, and stop at the British Memorial.

Villingili will be the first luxury resort in the southern Maldives, featuring 142 villas withviews of the ocean or the island’s natural lush vegetation.

The Maldives’ second international airport, Gan International, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort, which is laid out over six kilometres of picturesque coastline and nearly two kilometres of beautiful white sandy beach. The island features 12 hectares of vegetation, 17,000 coconut treees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and nature trails.

Accommodation-wise, one villa style unique to the Maldives is a luxury tree house, perched on stilts three metres above the ground offering special views of the surf and lagoons.

Water villas connect to the island by a timber walkway, with terraces and outdoor showers extending over the ocean. The pool villas overlook the beach, and have a separate living room – so ideal for families, two couples or friends – and also come with infinity pool and sun deck.

Two extensive presidential vilas, the ultimate in luxury, complete the collection.

CHI, The Spa – located in its own spa village – offers innovative therapies and treatments based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan traditions.

The pleasures of eating and drinking are also well catered for, with Khazaanaage with a variety of three living rooms each representing different cultures and cuisines from the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Javvu’s speciality is refined western cuisine with a touch of the Mediterranean is also sprinkled with other bars and lounges.

If you’re looking for dining with a difference, the resort will surprise with anything from a jungle-themed dinner in the heart of the island to a cruise on a luxury yacht.

There is excellent snorkelling at the resort’s house reef and snorkelling gardens close to the shoreline, more than 25 dive sites teeming with marine life, not to mention the dramatic 140-metre British Loyalty shipwreck just a half-hour boat ride away. The resort is also ideally located for exploring neighbouring uninhabitated islands.

For more details visit www.shangri-la.com