Mandarin Oriental signs first Maldives resort

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced plans to manage a new resort on a private island in The Maldives, scheduled to open in 2025.

Currently under development on a pristine Indian Ocean site, the resort will stretch across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll.

The accommodation will comprise 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 200-1,000m², the villas will provide exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and sweeping ocean views. The group is also working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practises are followed in all stages of the development.

Six dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and a sunset bar, will ensure a varied choice of onsite venues. 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. 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,” explains James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “This project represents the right opportunity for the 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,” says Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of DAMAC Group. “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.”