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.
News
Milaidhoo Maldives included in Tatler Travel Guide 2026’s top hotels
Milaidhoo Maldives has announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tatler Travel Guide 2026, a coveted recognition celebrating the world’s most exceptional hotels. The island has been selected among Tatler 101: The World’s Best Hotels, an annual list that represents the pinnacle of excellence in global hospitality.
Curated by Tatler’s Travel Editor alongside an expert editorial team and an international network of contributors, the Tatler Travel Guide is renowned for its rigorous and discerning selection process. Each property is carefully evaluated to ensure that only those offering truly remarkable experiences earn a place on the list.
As one of the most established and influential society magazines in the world, Tatler’s endorsement is considered one of the highest honours in the travel industry. The guide speaks directly to a sophisticated and discerning audience, celebrating hotels that combine authenticity, character and outstanding service.
For Milaidhoo Maldives, the recognition is a meaningful affirmation of the island’s philosophy: a boutique, barefoot sanctuary where the essence of the Maldives is experienced in its most genuine form. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is known for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and deep connection to Maldivian heritage and culture.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised in the Tatler Travel Guide 2026,” said Paul van Frank, General Manager. “At Milaidhoo, we strive to create experiences that feel personal, soulful and truly reflective of the Maldives. To be included among the world’s best hotels is a wonderful recognition of the passion and dedication of our team, the Milaidhoo Family.”
From the island’s iconic overwater restaurant Ba’theli, inspired by traditional Maldivian sailing vessels, to curated cultural and marine experiences, Milaidhoo offers guests an opportunity to slow down and connect with the natural beauty and traditions of the Maldives.
This recognition from Tatler further reinforces Milaidhoo’s reputation as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinctive luxury escapes, where authenticity, intimacy and heartfelt service define every stay.
News
ELE|NA marks World Sleep Day with SleepSync wellness ritual
In recognition of World Sleep Day, ELE|NA highlights SleepSync, one of its Six Pillars of Vitality dedicated to restoration and circadian rhythm alignment, through the SleepSync Ritual, a deeply calming spa experience designed to guide guests toward profound, uninterrupted sleep. The ritual is implemented across all ELE|NA locations in both the Maldives and India, ensuring guests can reconnect with restorative sleep wherever they experience the brand.
In today’s always-connected world, restful sleep has become increasingly elusive. Within this ritual, the body is gently led from stimulation into stillness, releasing the tensions of the day, calming the nervous system and preparing the mind and body for restorative rest.
ELE|NA believes that sleep is not simply the absence of wakefulness, but an essential pillar of holistic wellbeing – where restoration, emotional balance and cellular renewal take place.

Supporting the Body’s Natural Sleep Rhythm
Sleep begins long before the moment the head meets the pillow. It is a gradual transition where the body releases the day and prepares for stillness.

Within ELE|NA’s SleepSync Rituals, this transition is approached with intention and calm. As evening settles, the body begins its quiet descent into rest with the following:
- Reduce blue light exposure before sleep
- Dim lighting to signal the body’s nighttime rhythm
- Create calm through mindful transitions away from daily activity
- Release thoughts through journaling
- Hydrate and support the body’s nighttime recovery
These small rituals help guide the body from stimulation to restoration.

Reclaiming the Night
World Sleep Day serves as an important reminder that quality sleep is not a luxury, but a foundation of health and longevity. When supported with mindful rituals and intentional slowing down, the night becomes a space for true renewal.
Through SleepSync Rituals, ELE|NA continues its commitment to nurturing holistic wellbeing, guiding individuals back to the natural rhythms that allow the body to rest, restore and awaken with clarity and vitality.
Family
Kandooma Maldives invites families to Easter island celebrations
Swap traditional Easter routines for barefoot island celebrations as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils a vibrant Easter programme designed for families seeking adventure, connection and memorable island moments.
Set on a lush private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons and powder-white beaches, the resort’s Easter festivities blend family adventures, island experiences and indulgent dining in true Maldivian style.
“Easter is a wonderful time for families to come together and create special memories,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Our Easter programme has been designed to capture the spirit of the season while embracing the relaxed island lifestyle that makes the Maldives such a special place to celebrate.”
Guests can enjoy a week of fun-filled activities for all ages, from beach games, snorkelling adventures and creative craft sessions to relaxing spa rituals and sunset cocktails by the ocean. Younger guests will be happily entertained at the Kandoo Kids’ Club, where a dedicated Easter programme offers plenty of excitement for little explorers.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Sunday Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, a festive island feast bringing families together around a table filled with global flavours.
Guests can savour traditional Easter favourites from the carving station, vibrant salads and international cuisine, alongside chef-prepared dishes from live cooking stations. A dedicated Kids’ Corner ensures younger diners have their own fun selections, while a spectacular dessert spread, including Kandooma Café’s famous chocolate fountain and live crêpe station, provides a sweet finale to the evening.
Families planning an Easter holiday can choose from a range of holiday packages, including the resort’s popular All-Inclusive offer and a Family Getaway package packed with added extras for parents and children alike. More details can be found here.
The resort’s Easter Brochure outlines the full programme of island adventures and special experiences, including the Kandoo Kids’ Club Easter activities. View Easter Brochure here.
Located in the South Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lagoon and some of the Maldives’ best scuba diving experiences.
Accommodation ranges from garden and beach villas to spacious two-storey beach houses and overwater villas, offering options ideal for couples, families and groups. Guests can enjoy six dining venues, a vibrant activities programme and wellness experiences at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
For more information, please visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.
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