Noku Maldives has joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts alliance.

The Maldives resort is amongst 26 new properties that joined the independent hotel portfolio in the first four months of the year.

“We are pleased to see more owners and operators turning to Preferred Hotels & Resorts to benefit from our flexible approach, favourable pricing, and strong overall brand value,” chief executive Lindsey Ueberroth was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“We are delighted to welcome these best-in-class properties to the Preferred network and eagerly await the day when we can welcome our loyal guests back to experience the exemplary hospitality each of them offers, a sentiment best expressed by our latest brand video that was released today.”

Along with sales, marketing, revenue optimisation, and distribution services, each of these new member hotels now has access to Preferred’s global network of corporate, leisure, and group sales professionals.

They can also tap into the turnkey benefits of I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s global points-based loyalty program for independent hotels with 3.5 million travellers currently enrolled for membership.

“This significant increase to our brand portfolio indicates an impending takeoff in independent hotel affiliations as part of the pandemic rebound. We continue to receive increased interest from both independent hotels and properties currently in franchise contracts that are exploring less restrictive and more valuable options,” Jonathan Newbury, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said.

“Preferred Hotels & Resorts continues to position itself as the brand of choice for independent hotels because we offer our member hotels the freedom to compete on their own terms – not just when it’s convenient for us – while inviting them to tap into Preferred’s global reach as a rich complement to their individual efforts.”

Located on the island of Kuda Funafaru in the northern Noonu atoll, Noku Maldives is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.

Nestled amongst luscious tropical greenery and enveloped by a peaceful blue lagoon are 20 beach villas and 30 overwater villas. Each spacious unit is designed to offer utmost privacy and fitted with modern amenities to provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and french doors.

The spacious beachfront Palms Restaurant serves up à la carte and buffet-style dining, whilst the menu of Thari Restaurant features elements of Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine — flavourful tastes of the countries where Noku hotels are located in. The Palms Bar allows guests to indulge in refreshing cocktails that blend Eastern and Western influences. Guests can also have a thirst quenching beverage from the Thari Bar and lounge at the large main pool area.

Embracing nature is an integral aspect of the wellness programme at Noku Maldives. Rejuvenation begins with a beautiful garden walkway leading up to six double treatment suites with a relaxing view of the ocean. Each treatment room is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary where stone and wooden accents achieve a deep sense of calm and relaxation. The wellness treatments use natural ingredients to enhance total wellbeing.

The pristine location of Noku Maldives houses a thriving marine ecosystem that includes dolphins, rays and populous fish diversity. Professional dive instructors at the resort’s dive centre will show guests the rich diversity of marine life suitable for all levels of experiences. Guests can also catch the light ocean breeze on a chartered catamaran, or feel the adrenaline rush whilst riding the waves on a jet ski or windsurfing activities.