Featured
Most anticipated hotel openings in Maldives in 2021
If a singular place on Earth deserves to be called a “picture-perfect postcard destination”, it has to be Maldives. Its tiny coral islands, surrounded by crystalline clear waters and sandy beaches make for the perfect place to get your tans on, and enjoy a holiday filled with every marvel under the shining sun.
There are over 150 resorts in Maldives, brimming with architectural beauty, impeccable service and unforgettable experiences which guarantees a second, third or even fourth trip back. But even 150 resorts may not be enough; over a dozen new resorts are on the horizon, due to start soon and throughout 2021.
Condé Nast Traveller has compiled a list of the 60 most anticipated hotel openings of 2021, and Maldives has grabbed a few spots on this wonderful list.
Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, Maldives
Opening: May 2021

The ultra-luxurious Fari Islands development in the Maldives will welcome the arrival of not one, but three, high-end resorts across its archipelago: two in 2021 and the last in 2022.
Promising curated social, culinary and creative experiences, three of the four Fari islands will be home to a singular luxury resort, with the fourth housing the Fari Campus.
One of the three luxury resorts will be the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, promising a minimalist approach to luxury across its 100 contemporary villas, which range in size from one- to three-bedrooms and all come with private pools.
On hand to cater to guests’ every whim, Aris Meeha butler service is available to guests around the clock, ensuring every moment of their stay is memorable.
A signature overwater spa with nine treatment rooms, seven restaurants – including one of Michelin pedigree – two bars and an indoor-outdoor Ritz Kids Club with daily activities, playgrounds and a pool cater to travellers of all ages.
Guests will also have access to Fari Marina, where further restaurants plus shops and entertainment await.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Maldives
Opening: Q2, 2021

The second of three resorts opening in the four-island Fari Islands archipelago, Patina Maldives is the debut property in Capella Hotels new Patina brand, which is self-described as catering to ‘progressive travelers of a new generation.’
Here, guests will be able to check-in to one of 90 well-appointed villas each with a private pool, or 20 beach suites, designed for those wishing to be more in the thick of the social scene due to their proximity to the Fari Marina Village.
At its beating heart, a chic Fari Beach Club will be the island’s premier oceanfront destination, although a Nordic Japanese fusion restaurant and plant-based concept will compliment the culinary prowess further.
There’s a major focus on sustainability, with single-use plastic banned and eco-friendly amenities available across the resort.
In 2022, Capella will also debut the third and final resort in the Fari Islands, complete the luxe resort line-up.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Lhaviyani Atoll
Opening: September 2021

A 35 minute seaplane journey over sparkling atolls from Velana International Airport is Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.
Spanning nine hectares of natural scenery and enveloped by a natural lagoon, this new Maldives hideaway will offer six culinary experiences – including an overwater restaurant — and no less than 50 dive sites for marine enthusiasts to explore.
Designed with family stays in mind, children will delight in the Le Meridien Family concept, an immersive world where tinkering and exploring are celebrated.
A central lifestyle hub, central pool and adults-only pool, spa and rustic beach bars ensure every moment is filled with adventure and fun.
The Chedi Kudavillingili, Maldives
Opening: 2021

For their debut property in the Maldives, GHM will debut The Chedi Kudavillingili on a 1km private island next year.
A 25 minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, the 99-villa resort is split between 36 overwater villas 63 island based villas, and will feature a central pool stretching 150 metres, overwater spa with eight treatment rooms, a beach club and bar, an all-day dining restaurant and Hawkers Stalls featuring four live cooking stations.
Recreational opportunities on the island range from courts for several different sports to surfing and a plethora of on-the-water and underwater pursuits.
Cocogiri Island Resort, Maldives
Opening: March 1, 2021

A beautifully boutique island resort of just 20 overwater villas and 20 beach villas on a private island in the Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, Cocogiri is the perfect setting for relaxation, exploration and rejuvenation.
There’s a strong focus on wellness and relaxation, so whether your digital detox location of choice is at the temperature-controlled pool, snorkelling the crystal blue waters or basking on the sun-dappled beaches, barefoot luxury awaits.
Traditional Maldivian experiences range from sunset dining to snorkelling and diving, plus the team are on-hand to arrange excursions such as dolphin cruises, private island picnics and island hopping tours.
Address Madivaru Maldives Resort Spa, Maldives
Opening: 2021

Address Hotel’s current property portfolio only extends to the UAE and Egypt, but that’s set to change with the arrival of the brand’s first resort in the Maldives in 2021.
Address Madivaru Maldives Resort & Spa will be set out across several islands and include a dedicated spa island, water sports island, a myriad of restaurants and bars that will include a floating restaurant, plus beach and water villas for couples and families.
Overwater fitness facilities and several swimming pools will further enhance the leisure options for guests.
Avani Fares, Maldives
Opening: Q4, 2021

Avani hotels’ debut in one of the dreamiest destinations in the world will be Avani Fares Maldives, opening late 2020.
Its location in Baa Atoll mean it benefits from close proximity to nearby dive site Ahivahfushi, making it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
The 200 guest rooms range from standard rooms to luxury villas, while restaurants and bars include a designer deli, all-day dining restaurant and a speciality restaurant.
Note: The above article contains reporting by Condé Nast Traveller.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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