First off the rank will be Baglioni Hotels, which brings its uniquely Italian style of luxury to the tropical island of Maagau, in Dhaalu atoll, from March 2018. Expect paradise with Italian flair and that assured, ‘we-know-what-you-want-before-even-you-do’ style of graceful hospitality (aperitivo, anybody?), all served up in impeccably stylish surrounds. La dolce vita in the tropics? Sounds pretty perfect to us.
Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria has announced an expected 2019 launch date for its new resort spanning three islands on the ever-dreamy South Male Atoll. The brand’s impeccable service will be blended with laidback tropical escapism, all within easy reach of the mainland.
Hot on its heels for a Q4 2019 Maldivian landing is AVANI Hotels & Resorts, which has announced the development of its first resort in the Maldives on Fares Island, in the Baa Atoll. The sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas says the new offering will appeal to ‘millenial minded travellers’, with the 12.4ha private island set to welcome a 200-room hotel blending mod-cons with signature AVANI indulgences like The Pantry serving artisanal deli snacks and comfort food 24/7. The Ahivahfushi Beyru dive site nearby boasts a bounty of sea life to tempt underwater adventurers, while baby beach bums can be happily ensconced at the kids’ club while mum and dad settle into the signature spa for some well-earned relaxation amidst…well, all that relaxation.
Meanwhile, Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group is also joining the fold with its first South Asian offering, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa announced for early 2020. Set to occupy spectacular ocean frontage on the privately owned island of Ethere Madivaru, Address Madivaru will offer 80 beachfront and overwater villas, with selected units also for sale. It promises to be quite the spectacular offering, with bells and whistles including floating restaurants and lounges, overwater fitness facilities, swimming pools and kids play zones all seeking to capitalise on the water-bound wonderland setting.
The Raffles brand is also set to make its mark on the Maldives, with owner AccorHotels having taken over management of Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort as of September. While the resort, nestled discreetly away at the southern end of Maldives on Meradhoo Island, already lays out a veritable banquet of top-notch luxury island must-haves (think ocean villas with private pools, scenic cocktail bar, 24-hour butler and private chef service, award-winning spa and PADI-certified dive centre), the long game here is a series of further enhancements next year, before a repositioning as the latest member of the iconic Raffles roster of resorts and hotels.