News
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives to debut in 2027

SH Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality management company founded by visionary Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, has announced plans to redefine luxury and sophistication in the Maldives with the forthcoming debut of Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives in 2027. Spanning five interconnected islands across more than 111 acres in the South Malé Atoll, this one-of-a-kind resort will set a new standard of unprecedented luxury in one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations.
“We are excited to unveil Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, which fuses the timeless elegance and modern sophistication of the House of Baccarat, the legendary 260-year-old crystal brand, with the Maldives, a location that is synonymous with paradise,” says Sternlicht. “In crafting this extraordinary retreat, we aim not just to create a place to stay, but to curate an experience that celebrates the essence of luxury living with the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.”
“Our debut in the Maldives marks an exhilarating milestone for the Baccarat brand,” says Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of Baccarat Hotels & Resorts. “We are shaping a new identity in an already remarkable region, and we are confident that this property will define ultimate luxury in the Maldives.”
“It’s with immense pride that we announce our collaboration with Baccarat Hotels, a revered name synonymous with luxury for over two and a half centuries, to realise our vision in the Maldives,” says Tristan Parker, Director – Development of MDC Investments LLC, a sister company of Madevco Holdings Limited (ADGM). “This partnership marks an exciting chapter as we become part of the brand’s legacy, introducing the inaugural Baccarat branded hotel and residences in Asia Pacific.”
Located a short boat journey away (30 minutes) from Malé’s Velana International Airport, the resort will be partially wrapped around its own shallow-water lagoon and reef system and will offer more than 50 hotel villas and 53 private residences for sale. Crafted by HKS, an award-winning global architecture firm, with interiors by 1508 London, renowned for its commitment to creating bespoke, luxurious, and innovative designs, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with tropical sophistication.
The resort will feature a diverse array of accommodations, from one- to three-bedroom hotel villas—each with their own private pool—to private residences with unparalleled levels of luxury living overlooking the lagoon or the pristine beachfront. For a more expansive retreat, there are lavish six- and seven-bedroom mansions on a secluded peninsula. The eight- and nine-bedroom Private Islands—intimate escapes surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Maldives—offer the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity.
Guests will revel in the finest dining experiences befitting of the esteemed Baccarat Hotels brand, including specialty restaurants run by some of the world’s top chefs. Beyond the gastronomic indulgences, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives promises a lifestyle of luxury and artistic expression with curated retail spaces, a Baccarat-themed crystal garden, an outdoor cinema under the stars, an art gallery and event space featuring work from world-famous artists, and more. Sporting enthusiasts will delight in all the offerings, including a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, traditional Maldivian fishing excursions, and snorkelling amid the island’s vibrant marine life.
For guests seeking tranquility and rejuvenation, there will be a meticulously crafted wellness spa. In this oasis, guests can indulge in a variety of signature treatments, ranging from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials to hydrotherapy circuits in expertly designed plunge pools. The wellness spa will be complemented by dedicated yoga pavilions and a cutting-edge gym.
Above all, the resort will also have a commitment to sustainability and conservation, from a turtle rehabilitation centre to eco-friendly initiatives that allow guests to connect with the natural beauty of the Maldives in a responsible and meaningful way.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will be owned by Madevco Holdings Limited (ADGM) which exemplifies a commitment to building extraordinary residences that elevate lifestyles to unprecedented heights. Upon opening in 2027, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will mark a new milestone in luxury hospitality, combining elegance, sophistication, and unforgettable experiences.
Awards
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO ascends to elite global ranks with Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ 2025

Famous of its unique offerings and rich ecosystem, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has paved its position among the world’s most exceptional luxury private island by securing a coveted place in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025. This prestigious recognition, awarded to only the top one percent of hospitality providers globally, serves as testament to the resort’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences that blend Maldivian charm with world-class service.
The resort’s acclaimed INDULGENCE™ Plan continues to set the standard for comprehensive luxury in the archipelago, offering guests unlimited access to premium amenities including an extensive selection of fine spirits, and gourmet dining across seven specialty restaurants. Architectural marvels such as the iconic underwater restaurant M6m, provide breath-taking settings for memorable moments, while the resort’s spacious villas offering direct beach and lagoon access and unparalleled view of the Indian Ocean.
Culinary excellence forms the cornerstone of the OZEN LIFE MAADHOO experience, with innovative dining concepts that showcase the region’s finest ingredients. The resort’s culinary team collaborates with Michelin-starred guest chefs for exclusive events, while its hydroponic garden ensures the freshest zero-mile produce features prominently across menus. Wine enthusiasts can embark on curated tasting journeys featuring rare vintages, guided by the resort’s expert sommeliers.
Wellness takes centre stage with ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, where traditional wellness programmes complement cutting-edge treatments in spectacular overwater pavilions with glass floor panels. The resort’s dedication to holistic wellbeing extends to bespoke fitness regimes designed by experts, ensuring guests can maintain their wellness routines amidst paradise.
This latest accolade builds upon an impressive collection of recent honours, including the 2024 World Travel Awards for Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort and Travel Time Awards for Best Romantic Resort in the Maldives and recognition by the resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism has been further validated by three consecutive years of Green Globe Certification, underscoring its leadership in environmentally responsible hospitality.
What truly sets OZEN LIFE MAADHOO apart is its unique combination of exceptional offerings – from being the first underwater restaurant in the South Malé Atoll and first indoor hydroponic garden in the Maldives, to its industry-leading INDULGENCE™ Plan that encompasses premium liquor labels and 250 wine selections. The resort’s marine conservation initiatives by the resident Marine Biologists, including coral propagation programmes, demonstrate its deep connection to the local ecosystem, while its 5-star PADI dive centre offers benefitted access to the region’s most spectacular underwater wonders.
As part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury hospitality, offering discerning travellers an unforgettable blend of comprehensive indulgence, sustainable innovation, and authentic Maldivian charm. With its latest recognition placing it among the world’s absolute finest resorts, the property reaffirms its position as the premier choice for those seeking the ultimate Indian Ocean escape.
News
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with cultural immersion

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with a deeply immersive two-day program that blends tradition, storytelling, and rare cultural craft. As part of the resort’s signature ‘Discover Local’ initiative, guests will experience some authentic side of the Maldives through culinary rituals, folklore, a Joali and palm leaves weaving sessions.
A Rare Tradition Shared: Joali Weaving
On Saturday, 7 June 2025, guests will take part in a Joali weaving workshop, where they’ll learn to create traditional coconut rope items using age-old island techniques. Joali weaving, typically passed down in island households and rarely demonstrated in hospitality settings, becomes a tactile way for guests to engage with living Maldivian heritage.
“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions,” said Mohamed Irshad, Front Office Manager. “Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life.”
Eid Buffet and the Maali Parade
The celebration begins on Friday, 6 June, with a special Eid buffet inspired by Maldivian culinary heritage. Guests will enjoy refined versions of festive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, a tribute to the holiday and the island’s vibrant flavors.
The following evening features the Maali Parade, a vivid, resort-led folklore procession inspired by masked figures from traditional Maldivian storytelling.
Maldivian Sandbank Picnic: A Culinary Ritual by the Sea
One of the most visually striking and sensory-rich experiences during Eid but available throughout the year, is the Sandbank Picnic. Set on a secluded sandbank, guests are welcomed with a traditional tray placed on top of tropical leaves, filled with Maldivian short eats, including:
- Gulha – Coconut and tuna fritters
- Kulhi Kaajaa – Spicy tuna bites
- Bajiya – Pastries with sweet-spicy fillings
- Rihaakuru Kaajaa – Deep, rich fish paste fritters
- Dry Fish – Smoked tuna strips
- Bodi – Coconut sweets with toddy syrup
Served with fresh coconut water, this picnic is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tasting ceremony that connects guests to the island’s culinary soul.
Year-Round Discover Local Experiences
Eid is part of a broader commitment to cultural programming at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo.
Through its Discover Local program, the resort offers guests:
- Traditional sunset fishing
- Palm leaf art
- Cultural cocktails with a local twist, crafted using indigenous ingredients and inspired by island flavors
Guests can explore a rotating menu of signature Maldivian-inspired cocktails, including:
- Maldivian Green – Gin, curry leaf-infused syrup, lemon, soda water
- Ocean Breeze – Butterfly pea flower vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Green Kooddoo – Rum, Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Mirus Rita – Maldivian chili-infused tequila, lime juice, sugar, tobacco
- Coco Kurumba – Tamarind juice, whisky, coconut milk, passion fruit syrup
These handcrafted beverages add a new dimension to local discovery, allowing guests to taste the islands in an entirely new way.
Whether joining for Eid or visiting any time of year, guests at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo are invited to experience the Maldives not just as a destination, but as a living culture.
News
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to vibrant cultural celebration this Eid

This Eid al-Adha, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to step into a vibrant cultural celebration on your island playground. Embracing the spirit of togetherness and the rich heritage of the Maldives, the resort presents a joyful lineup of experiences that unite guests and Heartists in a colorful fusion of tradition and community.
The festivities begin with the Maali Parade, a local custom brought to life on the island. Guests are welcome to join Pullman’s team in this playful and symbolic procession, as traditional Maali characters, often masked and adorned, bring music, energy, and joy across the island. This unique event offers a rare glimpse into the authentic way Maldivians celebrate Eid, inviting everyone to be part of something truly local and unforgettable.
Following the parade, the rhythm of the Maldives continues with a traditional Bodu Beru performance and cultural dance, energizing the beachfront with powerful beats and communal joy. Guests are then invited to a cocktail reception at Mélange Beach, featuring a handpicked selection of tapas in a relaxed and stylish setting under the stars.
To complete the evening, the resort’s signature restaurant, Mélange, will host a special Maldivian and Asian buffet curated exclusively for Eid al-Adha. The spread features bold flavors, island-grown ingredients, and regional favorites; a culinary journey that pays tribute to the richness of the region and the festive spirit of the holiday.
For those looking to turn celebration into a luxurious escape, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa introduces an exclusive Eid al-Adha package. Priced at just AED 8,000 for two adults, the offer includes a three-night stay in a Beach Pool Villa, domestic transfers, and access to the resort’s generous all-inclusive program across six food & beverage outlets. From complimentary sunset cruises and daily water sports to an extended massage session and 50% off floating breakfasts, every detail of the package is designed to elevate your Eid getaway. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence, adventure, and cultural immersion.
At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, every moment is designed to spark connection, celebration, and discovery. This Eid, the island becomes more than a destination. It becomes a shared experience where cultures meet, and memories are made.
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