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The hottest upcoming resorts in Maldives

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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 yearGrand 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.

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BBM renews as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards under multi-year agreement

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Hotelier Maldives has announced Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as the Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 under a multi-year agreement, reaffirming one of the longest-standing partnerships behind the publication’s flagship hospitality recognition platform.

The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that BBM has served as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards, having supported the event in the same capacity since its launch in 2024. BBM has also backed Hotelier Maldives’ second flagship event, GM Forum, every year since 2023, with 2026 set to mark its fourth year as a Silver Partner of the forum.

The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to recognising the people behind the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting platforms that encourage industry dialogue, leadership and professional development.

Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 entered its public voting phase on 15 March 2026, with voting set to remain open for one month. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony on 26 April 2026 at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.

Commenting on the partnership, Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “BBM has been a valued partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards since the very beginning, and we are pleased to formalise this continued support through a multi-year agreement. Their decision to return as Title Partner for a third consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our relationship, but also a shared belief in the importance of recognising the people who drive excellence across the Maldives’ hospitality industry.

“BBM has also consistently supported GM Forum over the years, making them one of the most committed partners across our event platforms. We are proud to continue working together as we strengthen both Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum as annual fixtures for the industry.”

AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “At BBM, we have always believed that a strong hospitality industry is built by strong people, and Hotelier Maldives Awards provides an important national platform to recognise the professionals whose work often takes place behind the scenes. We are pleased to continue as Title Partner of the awards under this multi-year agreement, while also extending our support to GM Forum for a fourth consecutive year.

“As a company that has grown alongside the Maldives’ hospitality sector, we value opportunities that celebrate talent, encourage professional pride and contribute to the long-term development of the industry. Our continued partnership with Hotelier Maldives reflects that commitment.”

Bestbuy Maldives is one of the country’s leading importers and distributors, serving the hospitality, HORECA and retail sectors with a broad portfolio of international brands. The company positions itself as a partner to the Maldivian hospitality industry, supplying products from around the world across key business verticals including resorts, foodservice and retail.

Hotelier Maldives Awards continues to recognise the contributions of resort-based hospitality professionals across the Maldives, highlighting both individual excellence and team performance. The awards programme remains the country’s only dedicated recognition platform focused on professionals working in resort operations. The current public voting round allows industry stakeholders, colleagues, guests and the wider public to take part in selecting this year’s winners.

The growing list of confirmed partners for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 includes Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Partner, Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner, Storm Events as Organising Partner, NIVA, Kurumba Maldives as Host Partner, Souvenir Marine as Transport Partner, ALIA as Associate Sponsor, and Lightsout Studios as Associate Partner. More partners and sponsors will be announced soon.

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Feydhoo Hall opens at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives as new event space

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Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced the opening of Feydhoo Hall, a landmark event venue at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, redefining the possibilities for meetings, celebrations, and destination events in the Maldives.

Designed to bring scale, flexibility, and creativity to island gatherings, Feydhoo Hall represents a bold step forward in positioning the Maldives as a dynamic destination for conferences, weddings, and large-scale social occasions.

Feydhoo Hall offers a versatile event complex designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings, from corporate meetings and conferences to weddings and social celebrations.

At its core is the 390 sqm Main Hall, capable of hosting:

  • Up to 300 guests in theatre-style setup
  • Up to 240 guests for dining and banquet-style events
  • Up to 200 guests for cocktail-style receptions
  • Up to 144 guests in cluster-round configuration

Enhancing the flexibility of the venue are additional dedicated spaces, including:

  • A 110 sqm Veranda Terrace, ideal for welcome receptions, breakout sessions, and pre-event gatherings, accommodating up to 100 guests for cocktail-style events.
  • A spacious 1,000 sqm Lawn Space, perfect for large-scale outdoor celebrations, destination weddings, and open-air events, accommodating up to 400 guests for cocktail receptions and up to 350 guests for dining setups.
  • The 55 sqm Ekugai Meeting Room, designed for smaller meetings and executive sessions, accommodating up to 30 guests in theatre or dining setup and 24 guests in cluster-round format.

Together, these integrated spaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor event experience, allowing planners to design dynamic and personalised event journeys.

True to the dusitD2 brand’s lifestyle-driven philosophy, Feydhoo Hall introduces a fresh approach to meetings and events — where productivity meets creativity in an inspiring island setting.

The venue offers flexible meeting formats designed to suit different event needs, including:

  • Half-Day Meeting Package (4 hours) — ideal for focused sessions, executive meetings, and creative workshops.
  • Full-Day Meeting Package (8 hours) — designed for immersive conferences, extended workshops, and large-scale corporate gatherings.

These thoughtfully structured packages provide planners with the flexibility to create impactful and seamless experiences, whether hosting intimate strategy sessions or dynamic full-day events.

Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives combines accessibility with vibrant lifestyle energy, offering event planners and guests a rare balance between convenience and tropical escape.

With the introduction of Feydhoo Hall, the resort strengthens its position as a versatile destination — not only for leisure travellers but also for international conferences, creative retreats, luxury weddings, and large-scale social celebrations seeking something refreshingly different in the Maldives.

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BBM expands retail presence with new Hulhumalé outlet

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Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) opened a new wholesale store in Hulhumalé Phase 2 on Monday.

The outlet is located on the ground floor of Lot 20286, Nirolhu Magu, and is intended to improve access to BBM’s imported goods for residents of Hulhumalé Phase 2 and for businesses operating in the area.

According to the company, the opening forms part of its plan to expand services closer to customers in line with population growth in Hulhumalé.

With the opening of the new store, BBM’s full range of imported and distributed products will be available at the Hulhumalé Phase 2 location. These include consumer goods from international brands such as Lifebuoy, Vaseline and Unilever.

The store will also stock wholesale food products from brands including Daily, Cavin’s and Redman.

BBM has supplied goods to resorts, hotels and retail outlets across the Maldives for several years.

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