Mandarin Oriental to open private island in the Maldives
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced plans to manage a new resort on a private island in the Maldives.
The resort is currently under development and will stretch across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport. The resort is scheduled to open in 2025.
Accommodation will comprise 120 stand-alone villas, including 56 overwater villas, 64 beachfront villas and 10 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. The villas will be some of the largest in the market, according to Mandarin Oriental, featuring private pools and ocean views.
The island resort will feature six dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and a sunset bar.
Spacious wellness facilities will be located among tropical gardens and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms, and a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the group’s signature treatments.
There will also be a watersports and dive centre, tennis courts, a kids' and teens' club, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.
The group said it is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practice is followed in all stages of the development.
“This project represents the right opportunity for the group.”
The 34-hectare site is being developed by DAMAC Properties, part of Dubai-based luxury real estate developers DAMAC Group.
Chairman Hussain Sajwani said: “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.”