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GHM wades into Maldives with The Chedi Dhapparu

Published

12 years ago

September 14, 2013

Maldives.net.mv – GHM dropped anchor in the Indian Ocean last week when the luxury hotel group inked a deal to operate its first resort in the Maldives, scheduled to open in 2016.

The agreement with the developers was signed six weeks after GHM announced it would launch three hotels in Taiwan, and less than five months after the company expanded its hospitality interests in the U.A.E.

Located on a 55-hectare, crescent-shaped atoll — one of the largest habitable island in the Maldives — and 20 minutes by speedboat from Hanimadhoo International Airport, The Chedi Dhapparu will include 90 hotel-managed residential villas and 40 hotel suites, half of which will hover over crystal-clear waters the republic is known for.

Every unit will offer unrestricted views of either a coral-reef lagoon or the open ocean and will feature lush, tropical landscaping.

“The setting is absolutely spectacular, and lends itself perfectly to our brand philosophy – that each GHM hotel should, in its own way, be a style to remember,” said GHM President Hans R. Jenni. “We couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

To ensure the area’s ecosystem remains in proper balance, GHM plans to institute a program for maintaining the ideal levels of coral in the lagoon, which is popular among dolphins and other marine species.

And to ensure the resort possesses characteristics consistent with all GHM properties, the group will work with Reda Amalou of AW2, the Paris-based architecture firm responsible for the design of the award-winning Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Twenty of the hotel suites – the 90-square-metre Chedi Club Suites – will have private pools. All 130 units will offer direct access to the beach.

“The concept will be contemporary living with an Asian touch,” said Jenni. “Instead of thatched, Maldivian roofs, we’ll have flat roofs, and interiors with clean lines and high ceilings.”

The Chedi Dhapparu is the first project in the Maldives with a license to sell real estate titles to villa buyers. The villas will have from one to four bedrooms, with the largest covering 565 square metres. Sales will begin early next year.

Other features of the master plan include a sea-facing, new-age spa with 10 double treatment rooms; a health club with a tai chi terrace; a club lounge catering to guests lodged in the over-water suites; and a beach club with a dive centre and chic bar.

Blueprints also call for a library, cigar lounge and four food-and-beverage outlets, including a dinner-only venue serving specialties from the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka, and a Japanese restaurant that takes advantage of the resort’s access to fresh seafood.

Established in 1992, GHM (General Hotel Management Ltd.) is known for conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts. With an expansive portfolio and more projects in the pipeline, GHM prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled lifestyle experience.

Each GHM property is an original. A symbiotic relationship between the hotel and the local culture enables GHM to provide guests with a genuine, close-up experience of the best each destination has to offer. The signature GHM style melds contemporary interpretations of Asian designs and distinctive local touches to create inspired, memorable spaces.

Related Topics:Featured GHM The Chedi Dhapparu

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W Maldives secures Green Globe status for sustainable operations

Published

19 mins ago

November 29, 2025

m@ldives

W Maldives celebrates significant moment with its first ever Green Globe certification, a recognition that reinforces the resort’s long standing dedication to sustainability. The achievement reflects then team’s work in building smarter, more responsible systems that support both exceptional guest experiences and the natural environment that surrounds the island.

Green Globe is one of the world’s most respected certification systems for sustainable tourism. It evaluates properties against rigorous global standards covering environmental management, social responsibility, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and cultural preservation. Gaining this certification positions W Maldives among a select group of resorts that meet these trusted benchmarks, offering travellers a destination that prioritises both luxury and long-term sustainability.

Throughout this year, W Maldives has expanded its sustainability programme with several impactful initiatives. The resort now mitigates half of its food waste through an on-site biogas plant that transforms discarded organics into methane for kitchen use and nutrient rich fertiliser for the island garden. A solar energy project featuring 647 panels has also been installed across the resort. This initiative generates 310kW of renewable power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lightening the overall carbon footprint.

The resort’s circularity efforts continue to grow, with expanded planting of bananas, mangoes, papayas, and other produce to support on-island supply and reduce import dependency. In the ocean, w Maldives has deepened its conservation work through its Sea of Stars program and its collaboration with MARS Sustainable Solutions. Together with the resort’s resident marine biologist, the team has successfully installed 400 reef stars as part of a long-term commitment to restoring coral ecosystems in the surrounding atoll.

“Achieving Green Globe certification is both an honor and a motivation for what comes next,” says Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “This recognition reflects the passion of our team and our dedication to protecting the natural beauty that makes the Maldives so extraordinary. We will continue to push forward with the initiatives that make our island more resilient, more energy efficient, and more connected to its environment, while still delivering the signature W experience our guests love.”

W Maldives continue elevating its sustainability roadmap with upcoming initiatives that further advance renewable energy use, circularity in operations, and marine conservation. The resort remains committed to shaping a future where bold hospitality and responsible environmental stewardship move forward together.

News

Brennia Kottefaru kicks off holiday season with joyful cake mixing celebration

Published

20 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

The festive season at Brennia Kottefaru kicked off with the annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony at La Pella Main Bar, bringing guests and staff together in celebration. Participants mixed a fragrant blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, filling the air with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.

The event was a joyful gathering, where laughter, holiday cheer, and shared memories created a true sense of togetherness. Brennia Kottefaru’s welcoming spirit shone through, making it the perfect tropical escape to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas, join the team at Brennia Kottefaru to experience festive traditions that will create sweet memories to last a lifetime

Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces week-long Music in Paradise experience with Kate Miller-Heidke

Published

22 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, has announced that acclaimed Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke will perform live at the private island resort from 3 – 10 October 2026.

Renowned for her soaring vocals, magnetic stage presence and evocative storytelling, Kate is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers. A classically trained vocalist from the Queensland Conservatorium, she moves effortlessly between pop, folk and opera. Alongside her chart-topping solo work, Kate and longtime collaborator Keir Nuttall composed the original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and together with Iain Grandage and Lally Katz, the award-winning opera The Rabbits. In 2019, she captivated global audiences when she represented Australia at Eurovision with her hit “Zero Gravity”, and more recently has acted as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Kate’s debut at Kandooma Maldives will feature three intimate sunset concerts in an exclusive beachside setting with audiences capped at just 200 guests. Attendees can expect beloved favourites, reimagined arrangements and a few special surprises in an unforgettable island atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kate to Kandooma next year. Her unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and those breathtaking, angelic high notes promise a magical week of music on our beaches. With three intimate sunset concerts, it’s an experience our guests will be talking about for years to come.”

The first-release Ultimate Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$5,790 per person twin share (regular price A$6,590). The package includes: