Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the first five-star hotel in the Maldivian capital, officially opened its doors on May 19, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the city’s hospitality sector. The 16-storey seafront property, developed by Spain’s Barceló Hotel Group, is positioned as a high-end urban destination that blends luxury living with Malé’s growing appeal as a transit and business hub.
The hotel was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior government officials, foreign ambassadors, industry leaders, and representatives of Barceló Group. The launch was celebrated with a gala event at the hotel, signalling its strategic role in diversifying the capital’s tourism offerings.
Located opposite the Henveiru Ferry Terminal and just 10 minutes from Velana International Airport, Barceló Nasandhura Malé features 136 rooms, including 95 with sea views, and 116 upscale serviced apartments. Its facilities cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering a unique alternative in a city historically underrepresented in high-end accommodation.
The opening comes a decade after the closure of the original Nasandhura Palace Hotel, and represents a USD 100 million investment by Barceló. The new property builds on that legacy, introducing elevated standards in urban hospitality with a range of modern services and amenities.
Guests can choose from multiple dining venues, including Alimas Lounge Café, the all-day Oivaru buffet restaurant, and Dons, which offers Chinese cuisine. A rooftop bar, BHeaven, features panoramic views and a shisha lounge, while the Pool Bar serves guests at Malé’s first and only oceanfront pool.
The hotel also includes a wellness centre with six spa treatment rooms and a gym overlooking the ocean. Business and event facilities cover more than 1,000 square metres, positioning the property as a key venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in the capital.
Barceló Nasandhura Malé is the group’s second property in the Maldives, following the 2023 opening of Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll. With this expansion, the Barceló Group now operates 11 properties in six countries across Asia.
The government has identified the project as a milestone for high-end tourism in Malé, with particular emphasis on the hotel’s potential to advance MICE tourism and promote sustainable practices in energy, waste, and environmental management. The opening aligns with the state’s broader goals to elevate service standards in the capital while encouraging environmentally conscious tourism development.
