In 1997, the government of the Maldives contracted the American firm Abonmarche to build a large resort and marina on the island to attract tourism. In 2000 the government withdrew this contract, and finding no other bidders, awarded it to another firm called "Energy Tours" to build a smaller resort. Energy Tours defaulted on this contract.[citation needed]
In 2005, Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom contracted Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, a Hong Kong-based company, to build the first luxury resort in Addu Atoll. The resort was developed by Addu Investment Private Limited (70%) and the Maldivian Government (30%). The resort cost an estimated 150 million USD and opened in early 2009. Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa features a range of 132 villas including two Presidential Villas. The Villingili Shangri-La Resort is currently closed indefinitely.[1]
The island is also notable for having the highest natural elevation in the Maldives, Mount Villingili. It stands at a modest 5.1m (16.75 ft) and is located at tee number eight on Villingili's Golf Course – the only golf course in the Maldives. The previously known highest point on Addu Atoll stands at only 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) above sea level.[2]
