News
Accor to manage two resorts in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Accor Asia Pacific has signed with Pristine Island Investments Pte Ltd to manage two new resorts being built in one of the most unspoilt areas of the Maldives.
The 68-villa Mercure and 120-villa Pullman will open in 2016 and 2018 respectively, and will be located in the south of the Maldives in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the Indian Ocean, a spectacular lagoon teeming with colourful marine life and boasting unmatched diving and snorkelling options.
“We are thrilled to announce our first two hotels in the Maldives at a time when the region is enjoying excellent growth, especially with travellers from Asia Pacific,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO Accor Asia Pacific. “The Mercure and Pullman resorts will provide great options for travellers looking for world-class accommodation in the middle of this unspoilt lagoon and we look forward to working with Pristine to bring these exciting projects to fruition.”
The Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort will provide one of the best-value accommodation options in the spectacular Maldives, with 68 villas including 43 located over water and 25 scattered along the white sandy beach. The resort will be built using local materials, bright colours and stylish furniture with the interiors designed to reflect the Maldivian culture and the spirit of travel. It will be the only Maldivian beach resort directly accessible by domestic plane, without the need of an additional speedboat journey. Facilities will include an all-day restaurant, lobby lounge, pool and pool bar, sunset bar, spa and gym as well as a range of watersports including a dive centre. The arrival of the Kooddoo Airport has opened up the beautiful south of the island nation, away from most of the resort developments further north of the archipelago.
The 120-villa Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, which is slated to open in 2018, will be a ‘one-island, one-resort development’ located just 10 minutes by speedboat from the new airport on the gorgeous, unspoilt Maamutaa Island which spans 195,000 square metres. A destination in itself, the Pullman Maamutaa will be one of the most modern resorts in the Maldives, offering guests five-star services and facilities including 80 spacious overwater villas and 40 villas dotted around the pristine beach, two swimming pools, a lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a sunset bar perched over the lagoon, spa and fitness centre, organic gardens, tennis court, kids club, beach playground as well as a dive centre and watersports centre so that guests can make the most out of their stay in this spectacular location.
“The upscale Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort and mid-scale Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort will be our first two hotel developments in the Maldives and we are pleased to partner with Accor which has a large brand portfolio catering to different market segments and a strong brand presence in Europe and Asia”, said Mr Ronald Leo, CEO of Pristine Island Investments Pte Ltd. “We believe that this partnership, with our collective experience, will create a new and very exciting holiday destination in the Maldives.”
Maldives is enjoying record visitor numbers with 120,468 tourists arriving in February 2015, the highest number recorded in the history of Maldives tourism. Asia Pacific currently accounts for around 44% of visitor arrivals (with China the number one source country) and Europe accounting for 49% of visitor arrivals. With the increased air capacity to the Maldives including new direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and key Chinese hubs, tourism in the region is expected to grow further with anticipated visitor arrivals to reach 1.72 million by 2017.
Drink
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks World Cocktail Day with sustainable cocktail experiences
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, marks World Cocktail Day with a transformative celebration of Green Mixology blending creativity with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship with additional engaging activities.
The resort’s beverage philosophy centres on a zero-waste approach, where every ingredient is utilised to its full potential. Guests are welcomes to observe the sophisticated discipline of the bar team as they transform overlooked elements into artisanal accents, such as dehydrating organic citrus peels in-house to create fragrant, sustainable garnishes. By replacing industrial imports with these handcrafted touches, the sanctuary ensures that every drink remains an authentic reflection of its iridescent surroundings. Guests can join the expert bar team for immersive mixology lessons to master these sustainable creations firsthand.

In addition to traditional favourites, these liquid creations highlight a dedicated Island-to-Table ethos, incorporating seasonal greens and herbs harvested directly from the resort’s flourishing gardens. The celebration was further elevated by a spectacular Flair Bartending Show, showcasing technical precision and artistry in motion, choreographed to the energy of the island.

Each curated experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef invites guests toast to a future of mindful indulgence, where the luxury of the moment is perfectly balanced with the preservation of the surrounding environment.
Culture
Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu unveil Eid holiday offers
Coco Collection, a truly Maldivian-owned resort brand celebrated for its personalised hospitality and soulful island settings, has unveiled a special Coco Eid Escape at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, valid for stays from 21 May to 31 May 2026.
Designed to celebrate Eid through authentic Maldivian warmth and tradition-inspired experiences, the exclusive offer invites guests to enjoy a memorable island getaway complemented by generous holiday perks, immersive cultural touches, and signature hospitality that resonates deeply with Coco Collection’s philosophy.
Recognised as the Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to indulge an elegant pocket of peace. Bringing families together in a peaceful island setting to celebrate the blessings of Eid al-Adha, the island offers a vibrant line-up of experiences that allows guests to embrace a slower pace while enjoying thoughtfully curated festivities.
On Eid Day, guests can enjoy a selection of international and local cuisine alongside Maldivian cultural experiences such as Liyela Jehun and intricate Henna Art. Wellness experiences include a complimentary sunset yoga session and 20% savings on selected spa treatments, available throughout the day upon advance reservation. Highlights of the evening include the captivating Bodumas show, followed by a traditional Boduberu performance beneath the night sky.
Guests can enjoy up to 50% savings on villa stays and shared return speedboat transfers, complemented by a complimentary meal plan upgrade for a memorable island escape. To further elevate the stay, guests can also enjoy an additional 20% saving on food and beverages. Families are warmly welcomed, with up to two children under 12 years of age invited to stay, dine, and enjoy complimentary return transfers when travelling with their parents.
Meanwhile, at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, guests are offered thoughtfully curated experiences alongside a special 50% saving on the Half Board meal plan, with no minimum stay required. Completed with a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive, the invitation allows guests to gently immerse themselves in the secluded, unique rhythm of the island. To complement their stay, a further 20% saving on spa treatments provides a quiet opportunity to relax and unwind in true island serenity.
To mark this blessed occasion, the island presents an exquisite selection of traditional Maldivian delicacies at the Cowrie restaurant, served during both lunch and dinner. A variety of experiences will take place throughout the day, including the Bodumas performance crafted from palm leaves and accompanied by spirited dancers, followed by traditional games and a lively colour party. The celebration concludes with Eid Sai Fodhu, a special Maldivian high tea featuring a selection of local flavours and delicacies.
Beyond relaxation, guests can engage in unique and heartfelt experiences by volunteering at the resort’s Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, the first fully equipped, veterinary-run facility of its kind in the Maldives, in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Since opening in 2017, the centre has become a sanctuary of healing and hope, caring primarily for injured olive ridley turtles.
Guests are also invited to engage with the island’s conservation efforts through weekly marine talks, educational sessions led by the Marine Educator, and the unforgettable opportunity to witness rehabilitated sea turtles being released back into the ocean.
Celebrated for its genuine Maldivian heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to long-term sustainability practices, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu was recently named Sustainability Champion of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026. This recognition further strengthens their dedication to preserving the delicate beauty of Baa Atoll for generations to come. From serene beaches and crystal-clear waters to thoughtful, eco-friendly exploration, the island invites guests to discover the ‘Seven Wonders’ of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
To discover more about Coco Collection and their award-winning offerings, please visit www.cococollection.com. Coco Collection invites to enjoy a special saving on your next island retreat, valid across their spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve an unforgettable stay, please contact reservations@cococollection.com to secure this memorable getaway.
News
Meyyafushi Maldives expands renewable energy use with solar installation
Set against the turquoise waters of the Maldives, BeKind Hospitality’s newest luxury resort, Meyyafushi Maldives, is taking a bold step toward a more sustainable future with the installation of a large-scale solar energy system across the island.
The solar initiative includes the installation of a 1-megawatt solar panel system supported by an advanced backup battery storage system, allowing Meyyafushi Maldives to significantly increase its use of renewable energy while improving long-term energy efficiency and resilience across the island.
Spanning across key operational areas, the solar installation project is designed to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and increase the use of renewable energy throughout the island. This project represents a powerful statement about the future of hospitality in the Maldives – one where innovation, sustainability and guest experience exist hand in hand.
“From the very beginning, Meyyafushi was envisioned as a resort that embraces the future while respecting the natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager at Meyyafushi Maldives. “This solar initiative is one of the most meaningful investments we have made, not only for our operations, but for the generations that will experience these islands after us.”
The solar project forms part of the wider sustainability philosophy of BeKind Hospitality, whose core pillars centre around kindness to the environment, community, guests and residents. The group’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond Meyyafushi Maldives, with sister property Fushifaru Maldives also utilising solar energy as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts across the atoll.
Alongside renewable energy investments, Meyyafushi Maldives continues to champion coral restoration projects, reduced single-use plastics, marine conservation, locally inspired experiences and conscious operational practices across the resort.
As the Maldives continues to evolve as a global luxury destination, Meyyafushi hopes the project will inspire a new generation of hospitality developments rooted in long-term environmental responsibility.
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