Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, the only resort in the Maldives with an airport, is gearing up for its launch in mid 2017.

The Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, managed by French multinational hotel group AccorHotels, was initially set to be opened in February. However, the launching has now been pushed back to mid-year.

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.

The Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort will be the only property in the Maldives that will be directly accessible via domestic plane from the main Velana International Airport, with no need for an additional speedboat transfer. The domestic plane transfer to Kooddoo, which also houses a fish processing plant, takes about 55 minutes.

Mercure has, meanwhile, established a VIP Lounge at the Kooddoo Airport, which is serviced by Maldives flagship carrier Maldivian, in order to provide a comfortable environment for travellers while they wait for their scheduled departures. The lounge offers modern facilities and services such as free WiFi, satellite television, secure luggage storage, and a quality selection of food and beverages.

As AccorHotels prepares to open its first property in the Maldives, it has signed up to manage another resort being developed in Gaafu Alif atoll.

Set to open next year, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa resort is a traditional ‘one island, one resort’ property located a 10-minute speedboat ride away from its sister property, the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. The five-star resort will offer upscale modern facilities such as two swimming pools, a sunset bar overlooking the lagoon, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a kids club, beach playground, tennis courts, gourmet restaurants, organic gardens, a dive centre and a water sports centre.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is amongst at least a dozen new resorts opening this year. Government has said that some 20 resorts will enter into service by the end of this year.