The Maldives is currently going through a love-hate relationship with the demand and supply of the Tourism Industry. Maldives received no less than 1.2 Million arrivals in 2016 and as active writers, we get to publish resort signings if not weekly but quite frequently. As our supply numbers continue to rise against our weak demand number, there are a number of high profile resorts in the construction course.
These projects are directly aligned with President Yameen’s promise to open 50 new resorts within his presidency. The new resort/hotel properties are expected to generate over 18 thousand job opportunities.
Maldives has seen a rapid growth of its resort portfolio since 2013 with over 20 properties being added to the list till today. On 20th August 2017 Mercure Maldives Kooddoo opened officially announcing AccorHotels arrival in the Maldives. October alone saw the inaugural resort of Fushifaru Investments: Fushifaru Maldives open its doors to welcome the first group of tourists.
Several key brands are set to open up in the Maldives from early 2018 till 2019. Below is the list:
1. Pullman Maamutta Maldives
Located about 10 minutes from their sister property Mercure Koodoo, Pullman is the high-end international brand of the Accor group. The resort will consist of 120 villas offering guests five-star services and facilities including two swimming pools, a lounge, all-day dining restaurant as well as a sunset bar. It will be one of 3 properties that will be managed by AccorHotels in the Maldives.
2. Reethi Faru Resort
Owned and developed by Mahagony, Reethi Faru is expected to near completion in November 2017. The 150 villa resort is located in Raa Atoll, north-west of Male’ on the tiny island of Filaidhoo with a beautiful house reef just 80m from shore. Vakaru, the main restaurant, serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner with a different theme night each evening.
3. Baglioni Resort Maldives
First, of Palazzo Properties, the Baglioni Resort Maldives will be the first in the Indian Ocean region. The exclusive resort will offer 96 villas based in garden, beach and over water settings. In addition to its own house reef, the resort is home to Ayurveda garden Spa, yoga and a dedicated meditation pavilion.
4. LUX* North Male’ Atoll
The Mauritius based hotel operator is set to open their 2nd property in the Maldives. Only 45 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport, LUX* North will feature private pool villas designed using glass and wood. Key features include an in-house marine centre with biologists on hand to allow guests to explore the beautiful marine life of Male’ Atoll. Additionally, the resort would be home to a small fleet of their very own luxury yachts to be used for the guest’s pleasure.
5. Movenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives
The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives will be situated on a remote island in Noonu Atoll, surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The contemporary resort will combine comfort and style with 33 beach villas and 72 water villas. The resort is expected to be one of the few exclusive properties in the area to offer guests an opportunity to completely immerse themselves in spectacular scenery and untouched nature.
6. Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa
Owned by leading liveaboard brand Carpe Diem, Carpe Diem’s award-winning hospitality is set to be introduced in the form of a resort with over 115 pool villas and will debut in spring 2018. Located in Raa Atoll, the resort has been marketed as a package deal with 3 of their cruises, one resort with 115 pool villas as well as a private water park.
7. OBLU Select at Sangeli
Expected to open on July 1st, 2018 Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts is set to open their fourth resort, OBLU Select at Sangeli. Sangeli is assumed to be one of the best diving and snorkelling location in the entire Male atoll with 137 stand-alone villas along the beach and overwater. OBLU Select Sangeli will over exclusive overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites.
8. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
The resort will boast 120 luxury villas with a contemporary touch, 60 of those on the island and 60 villas over the water. Emerald Maldives, managed by Italian hotel chain Emerald Collection- a member of global hospitality consortium Leading Hotels of the World is set to open in October 2018. The Emerald Spa will offer a unique full range of spa services tailored to the guests every need. Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa will have a sports centre that includes two tennis courts, one squash court and a football field.
9. Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Hilton is set to open their landmark Waldorf Astoria Maldives in South Male’ Atoll. This will be Hilton’s second property in the country spanning three islands offering the best of both worlds with an exclusive, charming escape with an easy escape to the city. The resort will be home to 10 dining outlets, including nine speciality restaurants providing guests with unique Waldorf experiences.
10. Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Marriot International will launch their first Westin Property with the opening of Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Set to be launched in central Baa atoll and designed by award-winning studio Peia Associati, Westin Maldives will boast innovative architecture and sophisticated interiors that feature precious local materials. Home to the Maldives first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with over 70 luxurious villas and suites. Marriot already runs the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon and W Maldives.
No matter what may be the tourism situation of Maldives, one thing we can all agree on is that there hasn’t been a time more exciting than this in our industry.
Disclaimer: Although the author and Corporate Maldives have made every effort to ensure that the information in the article was correct at present time, Corporate Maldives do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss caused by errors and omissions.
