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Baglioni Resort Maldives, Emerald Maldives Resort amongst Leading Hotels’ most anticipated 2019 openings
Upcoming Baglioni Resort Maldives and Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa have been recognised as the most anticipated openings of the year amongst the newest hotels and renovations in the The Leading Hotels of the World collection.
This year, Leading Hotels is slated to introduce more than 20 outstanding new builds located around the globe. Post-renovation reopenings will also be prevalent, with six properties recently opening their doors for curious travellers to enjoy in 2019 and seven scheduled to reopen and welcome guests this year.
“We look forward to an exciting year ahead, following a strong 2018 where Leading Hotels welcomed more than 50 remarkable hotels to our portfolio,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World.
“The 2019 new additions demonstrate notable growth in countries such as Spain, Japan, the United States, and the Maldives. Our more than 20 anticipated openings and numerous renovations will provide travellers with diverse luxury accommodations in popular and emerging destinations, and a fresh perspective on their respective locales. Collectively, the hotels offer innovative design, thoughtfully curated amenities and local experiences, as well as attentive high-touch service, defining contemporary elegance and comfort.”
Set on the island of Maagau in Dhaalu atoll, Baglioni Resort Maldives will become the first Italian luxury five-star resort in the Maldives when it opens on June 1, 2019.
Accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, this exclusive island is surrounded by turquoise water, velvet white sand and tropical nature, allowing guests to experience a bespoke stay – with a distinctly Italian touch – in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can make the most of their leisure time with a different sporting activity every day, or simply let go and unwind at the Baglioni Spa, offering a deeply relaxing experience with a variety of indulgent treatments in a lush, leafy setting. The entire experience is tastefully enriched by prestigious gastronomic options to satisfy the most discerning international clientele.
Created from sustainable materials and employing eco-sensitive practices to minimise the environmental impact, Baglioni Resort Maldives is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.
Opening in June 2019, Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa is managed by Rome-headquartered hotel chain Emerald Collection. The resort is being developed on the island of Fasmendhoo in the northern Raa atoll, which is accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight or a 30-minute domestic flight from the main Velana International Airport to Ifuru Domestic Airport followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride.
With a collection of private beach villas and overwater bungalows — many with their own pools and Jacuzzis — Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa combines contemporary comforts with warm tropical flourishes. The resort’s four restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean, to Asian and South American cuisine, as well as wellness offerings like the spa, diving centre, and sports facility invite guests to relax and recharge amid crystalline blue waters and unspoiled nature in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is a collection of uncommon luxury hotels.
Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable, authentic travel experiences. The company selects only hotels that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness, resulting in a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that make them different.
Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive tiered guest loyalty programme, consisting of like-minded travellers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The programme provides its members with personalised service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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