Business
Brand new Maldives resort with airport, virgin island up for sale
The Small Maldives Island Co. (TSMIC) has announced a new hotel investment opportunity in Maldives, with potential investors having the opportunity to own a recently-completed island resort, which comes with its own operational airport, and a virgin island.
Ifuru Resort is nestled in Raa atoll, a secluded enclave in the north of the Maldives. With a lease period of 50 years, this enticing property encompasses a spacious land area of 56.52 hectares.
The villas have been positioned for optimum views and privacy on a 7.5 hectare swathe of the island. With a total of 150 villas, they comprise of six Twin Villas, 100 Duplex Villas, 35 Beach Villas and nine Beach Villas with Pool. This creates a maximum bed capacity of 300.
With several beautifully-designed dining venues, there is ample room for guests to relax and enjoy the food and beverage offerings in a range of locations.
The all-day dining restaurant has a capacity of 215 guests, whilst the main bar can accommodate up to 72 guests for drinks and snacks. The grill restaurant seats up to 54 guests; the pool bar/area holds 124 guests; specialty Asian restaurant and wine-tasting area holds up to 68 guests; and, the sunset bar can seat up to 44 guests.
The public area consists of the main restaurants and kitchen, bar, buffet area, disco, restrooms, speciality restaurant with kitchen, main pool, reception, boutique, additional restrooms, arrival pavilion, buggy station, spa with two steam and sauna rooms plus eight treatment rooms
A tennis court, badminton court, recreation centre, clinic (with the doctor’s accommodation), fully-equipped gym, kids club, dive centre and water sports centre are also part of the public area.
On the other side of the island lies the back of house area.
It features staff accommodation made up of eight buildings, containing 16 rooms. This equates to a total of 128 rooms and a maximum staff bed capacity of 400.
The staff area also features 28 HOD accommodation rooms, eight executive apartments, a staff canteen, staff recreation area with gym, a staff shop and social/meeting hall, and an administration building.
A fully-equipped laundry, boiler rooms, maintenance building (with bottling plant area), cold storage and stores as well as a power house and RO plants are also part of the staff area.
As part of the offer to own the brand new resort, investors will get an operational airport and a beautiful virgin island.
Ifuru Airport has been operating since 2015, and is currently managed by Island Aviation Services, which owns the country’s flagship carrier.
The virgin island of Funadhoo is located in the adjacent Baa atoll – the north of the Maldives. It is 110km away from capital Male and takes 25-30 minutes to reach by seaplane, 20-25 minutes by a domestic flight and 3 hours by speedboat.
A total of 11.69 hectares of virgin land capable of accommodating around 90 villas (concept available) is available with a lease period of 50 years.
Established in 2012, TSMIC is a resort management company in the Maldives for Coastline Hotels and Resorts.
Amilla Fushi is owned by Coastline Hotels and Resorts – part of the Coastline Group of companies, one of the Maldives’ largest private companies.
Coastline has developed and sold several resorts in the Maldives, including Finolhu Maldives (now Seaside Finolhu) and Mudhdhoo Island Resort (now Dusit Thani Maldives) in Baa atoll.
The company did not disclose the asking price for the deal. Interested investors are asked to directly contact the company at sales@amilla.mv.
Business
Visit Maldives presents cultural, food festival to celebrate 2025
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the ‘Maldives Culture and Food Festival’, a two-day extravaganza showcasing the Maldivian cuisine, local arts and craft, and entertainment.
The festival will take place at Central Park, Hulhumale’, on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024, and continue into New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, offering a unique and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.
This exciting initiative by MMPRC is a collaborative effort involving key partners such as the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), MyHulhumale’, Business Center Corporation (BCC), Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Public Service Media (PSM), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, Manta Air, Maldivian, Ace Travels, and Gulf Air. It promises a dynamic programme filled with performances, activities, and food stalls. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour authentic Maldivian dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and witness captivating cultural performances.
On December 31st, the festivities will begin at 20:00 with doors opening to the public. A spectacular drone show will be held, depicting a tourist’s journey through the beautiful Maldives. The evening will continue with captivating cultural performances including Boduberu performances, and “Dhafi Negun”. A New Year’s Eve countdown will also take place, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to welcome 2025.
The celebrations will continue on January 1st 2025 from 16:00 to 22:00, with the festival reopening and featuring food and arts and crafts stalls. A range of family-friendly activities will be available, including a police and fire truck showcase, a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a Transformers display. Additionally, the festival will feature energetic Boduberu performances and an exciting Roboman showcase.
“MMPRC is proud to present the first Maldives Culture and Food Festival,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of MMPRC. “This event is a key initiative to celebrate the achievements of the Maldives in 2024 and to promote the diverse cultural heritage of the Maldives while providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Maldivian spirit as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year.”
Business
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.
Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.
Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.
While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.
Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
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Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
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