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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort opens with undersea villas
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort has opened its doors.
Set amidst 18 hectares of lush tropical flora and fauna on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the all-inclusive resort boasts 122 decadent villas, including two exclusive Aqua Villas featuring bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters for a truly memorable experience of the region’s marine life up close.
This is the second such offering in the Maldives and in the world. Conrad Maldives Rangalhi Island had in November opened The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence.
In addition to the Aqua Villas, the new Pullaman Maldives Maamutaa also features The Royal Suite — a resort within a resort which provides complete privacy and indulgence including a high degree of personalised services.
“We are delighted to be shining the spotlight on the Maldives once again with the launch of our fifth Accor property. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a stunning addition to the premium segment and we look forward to welcoming global nomads to explore the spectacular marine life of Gaafu Alifu Atoll and its surrounding diving sites,” Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Featuring a range of overwater and beachside villas, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is surrounded by lush vegetation, a natural lake and sun-kissed beaches, plus one of the region’s largest and deepest lagoons. With water temperatures slightly cooler than many other islands, the richness of the marine life and the colours of the coral are unparalleled. For example, this is the only place where divers can spot up to 13 species of sharks in the water.
Guests will never go hungry, as the resort boasts one of the most generous, all-inclusive offers in the Maldives, complete with a variety of culinary delights available at six outlets across the island.
Options include Mélange, an all-day dining restaurant; The Hub, a sunken pool bar offering signature drinks and delicious sharing plates; Saffron Affair for a sophisticated evening of tapas and craft cocktails; and Souq Oven for Middle Eastern dishes, for pairing with a wine list featuring over 80 wines from around the world.
For something more casual, guests can enjoy healthy café treats and alchemy experiences at Sol Rising; or one of the region’s first organic, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, Phat Chameleon, set amidst a vegetable and herb garden. For those on the go, the playful Bites on Wheels food cart offers refreshing sorbets and light snacks throughout the day.
Children and teens are well catered for at Playground and Skillz Sports Centre, with a range of entertaining and educational activities including snooker, table tennis, various board games and a golf simulator. Nature walks, treasure hunts, and outdoor sports are also available for the adventurers at heart to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Pullman’s well-being approach focuses around the four pillars of Sleep; Sport; Food; and Spa and here it’s all about bringing guests as close to nature and the outdoors as you can get.
Fitness enthusiasts can start at the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track with five fitness stations offering a variety of physical trails, or level up with a complete boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience that kick starts with callisthenics followed by an invigorating run on the beach and a refreshing swim in the lagoon.
For complete restoration of the body, mind and soul, choose from a selection of signature facials, body treatments and massage therapies available at the resort’s Spa by Phytomer, which features eight treatment rooms perched over a shallow, white sand lagoon.
Guests can sign up for a local arts and crafts classes, marine conservation talks, or enjoy nature trail walks around the island with the resort’s resident marine biologist, or scuba dive and snorkel in one of the Maldives’ largest blue lagoons covering a total area of 1,700 hectares. The surrounding coral gardens feature a diverse variety of reef fish, dolphins, turtles and sharks around the resort’s 26 dive sites.
“With our generous all-inclusive offering, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort where they can explore the island’s sandy beaches, nature trails and renowned diving sites while enjoying full wellness and culinary journey,” John Bendtsen, General Manager of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, said.
As a special opening offer, guests can enjoy complimentary return transfers valued at USD 360 USD per person when booking a stay of five nights or more, valid from September 25 to December 23rd.
Accessible by a 55-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride from Kooddoo Airport, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is the first Pullman branded hotel in the Maldives and the fifth Maldivian property in AccorHotels’ portfolio.
A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive with five properties already under its belt in just two years. The French multinational hotel group runs Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, as well as the just opened Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.
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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