Business
The hottest upcoming resorts in Maldives
The Maldives’ tourism industry has inevitably evolved. A plethora of new properties has come into play with the backing of a combination of local and international entrepreneurs and seasoned hoteliers. Dozens have forayed into new and untapped segments of the market, greatly expanding the scope of an industry that was previously exclusive to luxury tourism. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach an ambitious target of 1.5 million.
This rapid expansion is set to continue with the opening of at least a dozen new resorts this year as well. We look at five of the hottest upcoming properties in the Maldives:
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort
When Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, managed by French multinational hotel group AccorHotels, opens mid 2017, it will be one of a kind resort in the Maldives; the only resort in the country with an airport, making it directly accessible via domestic plane from the main Velana International Airport with no need for an additional speedboat transfer.
The four-star resort, developed on the island of Kooddoo in Gaafu Alif atoll, will have 68 villas including 43 overwater villas and 25 beach villas. The luxury beachfront resort is built using local materials and the decor features bright colours and stylish furnishings that reflect the Maldivian culture.
Facilities at the resort include a swimming pool and pool bar, a tranquil spa, modern gym, a dive centre with additional water sports, and an all-day gourmet restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Baglioni Resort Maldives
Italian hotel chain Baglioni Hotels’ first resort in the Maldives, Baglioni Resort Maldives is set to open in October.
Located on the private island of Maagau in Dhaalu atoll, this exclusive five-star resort of 99 villas surrounded by turquoise water, velvet white sand and the tropical nature of one of the most spectacular Maldivian islands will allow guests to experience a bespoke stay in the heart of the Indian Ocean with the unique Italian hospitality of Baglioni Hotels.
Designed to minimise the environmental impact with sustainable materials and measures for the maximum sustainability and efficiency, Baglioni Resort Maldives will be the perfect destination for an unforgettable stay between sport and relax, all enriched by a prestigious gastronomic offer for the most exclusive International clientele. It includes three restaurants, a swimming pool and bar, spa and diving centre.
Gran Meliá Maldives
Located on the island of Kalhudiyafushi in Thaa atoll, Gran Meliá Maldives will be the first resort in the Maldives by Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International when it opens in October.
Set amongst virgin coral reef, the Gran Meliá Maldives will offer 95 private villas as well as three restaurants, a bar and café, spa, leisure centre and several retail shops. The resort will also be able to arrange and host exclusive private events and romantic dinners on a smaller nearby island.
LUX* North Male Atoll
Mauritius-based hospitality group LUX* Resorts and Hotels is gearing up for the launch in November of its second resort in the Maldives, LUX* North Male Atoll.
Located on the six hectare picnic island of Olhahali in the unexplored North Male Atoll, the new LUX* property in the Maldives will offer contemporary one, two and three bedroom residences spread across the island, set on the beach, steps from the sea or perched on stilts above the lagoon. There are rooftop lounges, outdoor decks, private gardens and 13m private pools.
For the Overwater Residences, the reef itself provides a playground – just pick up a snorkel and go explore the crystalline sea on the doorstep. With the three-floor penthouses, families and groups have ample space to spread themselves, as well as their own spa, steam room, fitness suite and oversized outdoor pool.
Grand Park Kodhipparu
Set to open in the second quarter of the year, Grand Park Kodhipparu will be the first property in the Maldives managed by Singapore-based Park Hotels Group.
Located in North Male Atoll and and accessible by a 15-minutes speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu is designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates. The luxury resort features 120 idyllic villas comprising a range of beach-front pool villas, overwater villas with direct access to crystal clear turquoise waters and overwater pool villas that come with private infinity pool.
The resort will offer two restaurants, a harbour beach club and pool bar, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, wellness centre with spa and salon treatments, water sports and dive centre, children’s activity centre and specialty shops.
Events
Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) holds its 34th Annual General Meeting
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance.
The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).
In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.
A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.
Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):
- Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
- Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
Business
Unlocking power of travel storytelling at Travel Creators Exchange 2024
Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.
This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.
Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:
- Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
- Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
- Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
- Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.
Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.
Events
Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives
Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands, weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger than-life canvases.
Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement. Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself.
The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation.
At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.
Experience artistry at its most exclusive
Art Exhibition
Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.
Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle
As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.
Open Studio Session
Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.
Ana Pušica residency package
Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.
Book now to secure your experience.
For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact
reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com
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