Business

The hottest upcoming resorts in Maldives

Published

7 years ago

May 14, 2017

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.

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Business

Rajesh Mehta of Ooredoo to speak on hospitality efficiency at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024

Published

20 hours ago

September 13, 2024

m@ldives

Rajesh Mehta, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Maldives, is set to deliver a presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, scheduled to take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

His presentation, titled ‘Managed Solutions: The Future of Hospitality Efficiency,’ will address the role of managed solutions in enhancing operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.

“As the digital partner of the GM Forum 2024, we are excited to share our insights on how managed services are transforming the hospitality industry. In today’s evolving luxury landscape, technology is at the heart of delivering personalised, seamless, and memorable guest experiences. I look forward to discussing how Ooredoo Maldives is empowering hotels and resorts with innovative ICT solutions that drive efficiency and enhance service delivery, setting new standards in luxury travel,” said Rajesh Mehta, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Maldives.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on Mehta’s participation: “Rajesh Mehta’s presentation this year as well will provide valuable insights into how managed solutions can contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the hospitality sector. The GM Forum continues to be a platform for such important discussions that impact the future of the industry.”

This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL): Silver Sponsor
Manta Air: Aviation Partner
Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
Printlab: Printing Partner
CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
Lights Out: Coverage Partner
Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay; Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts; Mohamed Jailam, CEO and Managing Director of technology company Javaabu and Co-Founder of DhivehiGPT; and, Mohamed Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer at Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) will also be featured speakers.

Business

MACL’s Mohamed Mihad to speak on airport developments at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

m@ldives

Mohamed Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer at Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), will deliver a presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Mihad’s presentation, titled ‘Velana International Airport (VIA) and Tourism Development,’ will focus on the role of the airport in supporting and enhancing tourism in the Maldives. The presentation is expected to cover key aspects of airport operations, infrastructure developments, and future plans that are pivotal to the growth of the tourism sector in the country.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the inclusion of Mihad in the forum, stating, “Mihad’s presentation will be highly relevant given the central role that Velana International Airport plays in the Maldivian tourism industry. We look forward to the valuable insights he will share with the participants.”

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL): Silver Sponsor
Manta Air: Aviation Partner
Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
Printlab: Printing Partner
CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
Lights Out: Coverage Partner
Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

With Mihad joining the lineup of speakers and presenters, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay, Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, and Mohamed Jailam, CEO and Managing Director of technology company Javaabu and Co-Founder of DhivehiGPT, will also be featured speakers. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.

Business

Mohamed Jailam to discuss AI’s influence on travel at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2024

m@ldives

Mohamed Jailam, CEO and Managing Director of technology company Javaabu and Co-Founder of DhivehiGPT, will deliver a presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Jailam’s presentation, titled ‘How Artificial Intelligence (AI) will Revolutionise Travel,’ will focus on the transformative potential of AI within the travel and hospitality sectors. As AI continues to shape industries worldwide, Jailam is expected to provide insights into how these changes will influence the future of travel, with a particular focus on the Maldives.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on Jailam’s participation, stating, “The inclusion of AI in travel discussions is crucial as the industry moves forward. We are keen to hear Jailam’s perspective on how AI will impact and drive innovation in our sector.”

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL): Silver Sponsor
Manta Air: Aviation Partner
Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
Printlab: Printing Partner
CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
Lights Out: Coverage Partner
Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

With Jailam joining the lineup of speakers and presenters, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay, and Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, will also be featured speakers. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.