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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.
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Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.
Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.
To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.
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Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.
The signature marine experiences include:
- Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
- Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
- Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
- Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.
Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.
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Timeless romance awaits at award-winning Coco Bodu Hithi

Nestled in the heart of the Malé Atoll, the Maldivian-owned resort Coco Bodu Hithi warmly welcomes couples to embrace romance and tranquillity this summer in one of the world’s most idyllic island getaways.
Far removed from the bustle of city life, Coco Bodu Hithi serves as a sanctuary where intimacy, nature, and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Designed for couples in search of meaningful moments, the island offers a captivating escape – from peaceful barefoot strolls and shared experiences to thrilling adventures.
Recently named the Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, Coco Bodu Hithi artfully blends modern comforts with traditional Maldivian charm. The resort boasts 98 expansive villas, each offering direct access to either the beach or lagoon. Thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy and relaxation, every villa promises a sense of seclusion and serenity.
Amongst the resort’s most celebrated accommodations are the Beach Villa with Pool and the iconic Coco Residence, both of which offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. These settings provide a picture-perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, with each moment shaped by a spirit of warm island hospitality that is both personal and unmistakably Maldivian.
Honoured as the Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi presents a carefully curated selection of personalised romantic experiences. Guests may begin the day with a floating breakfast in their private pool, enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner beneath the stars at Pergola, or embark on a serene sunset cruise – each moment tailored to celebrate connection in the most memorable ways.
Celebrated by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine as one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World, Coco Bodu Hithi offers an exquisite backdrop for couples to honour their love. The thoughtfully designed Forever Yours Package delivers a romantic destination wedding experience in the Maldives, with a dedicated team attending to every detail. The package seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with traditional elements, all personalised to reflect the couple’s unique story, style, and preferences.
With its heartfelt hospitality, refined elegance, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Coco Bodu Hithi offers the ideal setting to begin a new chapter of togetherness – a private Maldivian paradise where timeless romance truly comes to life.
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