Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new resort on a private island in The Maldives that is scheduled to open in 2025.
The resort is currently under development on a pristine Indian Ocean site and will stretch across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.
Surrounded by white sand beaches and the vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from which to enjoy a variety of activities including wellness experiences and watersports.
The accommodation comprises 120 stand-alone villas, made up of 56 overwater villas and 64 beachfront villas, including 10 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. Ranging in size from 200 to 1,000 square metres, the villas will be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and sweeping ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practices are followed in all stages of the development.
Six dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and a sunset bar, will ensure that guests have a varied choice of venues during their stay. In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event space will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings.
Spacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments.
Additional leisure activities will include a watersports and dive centre, tennis courts, a kids and teens club, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.
“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter The Maldives for some time. This project represents the right opportunity for the Group” said James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
The 34-hectare site is being developed by DAMAC Properties, part of Dubai-based DAMAC Group, one of the world’s foremost luxury real estate developers.
“The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and so we felt The Maldives was a perfect fit for us. DAMAC has extended its global footprint outside of the Middle East, from the UK to Canada, and we are thrilled to have reached The Maldives as well. We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island.” Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of DAMAC Group said.
