The Maldives is no stranger to world-renowned tourist resorts, guesthouses, and other notable tourist properties. With an over 50-year hospitality industry that took off in the 70s, the island nation is currently home to over 160 high-end resorts.
The country’s hospitality industry is so significant and recognized in the world, that the country has already grabbed WTA’s “World’s Leading Destination” accolade three years in a row.
Meanwhile, some of the most notable hospitality brands currently operating in the Maldives include Four Seasons, Hilton, Marriott International, and Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts among several others notable brands.
Each year, the island nation welcomes new tourist resort openings, and this year, it will be no different. Several travel and tourism-related websites have provided information that a total of seven tourist resorts are expected to open in the Maldives throughout 2023.
Madifushi Private Island
- Opening Date: 17th January 2023 (already opened)
- Atoll: Meemu
- Location: 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport (VIA)
- Number of Villas: 200
- Category: 5-star Private Island
The property’s official website writes about the resort as a nature-centric island and “an unblemished serene coastal getaway for everyone ready to be relived”. The resort is nestled in Meemu atoll, which is known for having whale sharks and manta rays cruising the area.
The resort offers accommodation in two different villa types; beach villas and overwater villas. The beach villas are categorized into Serene Pool Villa and Two-Bedroom Serene Pool Villa, while the overwater villas are categorized into Aqua Pool Villa and Tranquil Aqua Pool Villa. Other facilities include two main restaurants, and two bars as well as in-villa dining options.
Avani + Fares Maldives
- Opening Date: 01st April 2023
- Atoll: Baa
- Location: a 35-minute journey by seaplane from VIA and a 30-minute speedboat from Baa Atoll domestic airport
- Number of Villas: 176
- Category: undisclosed
“Think of swaying coconut palms, dazzling white beaches, and vibrant marine life” the property’s official site reads. The property is situated at the western edge of Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where “once-in-a-lifetime encounters include dolphin visits” to the resort’s lagoon and snorkeling with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay.
Avani+ Fares offers accommodation from a total of 176 studios, beach villas, overwater villas, and pavilions.
The luxury-tier tourist property offers exquisite food and dining options from eight different types of venues. There is The Ocean Terrace; the resort’s main restaurant with ocean views and offers international cuisine, Charcoal; the resort’s signature seafood grill, The Skipjack Bar; for poolside comforts, and if you are up for a few drinks and light bites then the Tribe is your go-to place.
Next, there is the Smuggler’s Shack; where you can cozy under a beach hut and grab a few bites, Hammock; for freshly baked goodness, Petit Bistro; a dining club for the little ones, and Adrift; the hotspot for couples and family gatherings.
Amari Raaya Maldives
- Opening Date: May 2023
- Atoll: Raa
- Number of Villas: 200
- Category: 5-star
Initially set to open in 2022 under the name Amari Kudakurathu Maldives, this luxury getaway will feature 200 villas, seven dining options, a spa, and a kids club.
The property is part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in the Asia Pacific region. Their key brands include Amari, Ozo, Shama, and Saffron Collection.
JOY Island
- Opening Date: 01st September 2023
- Atoll: North Male’ Atoll
- Location: a 40-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport
- Number of Villas: 150
- Category: 5-star
JOY Island Maldives is the new 5-star property of the renowned Cocoon Collection. The resort will feature 150 villas; 89 accommodations on the beach and 61 located overwater. The villas are “designed in fresh tones and ambiance that compliments the vibrant colors of Maldives”.
The shape of this beautiful island resembles a butterfly with its wide white sand beach, surrounded by a stunning turquoise lagoon, writes the resort on its official website.
Six Senses Kanuhura
- Opening Date: Mid-2023
- Atoll: Lhaviyani Atoll
- Location: a 40-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport
- Number of Villas: 80
- Category: 5-star Luxury
This property was bought by Six Senses back in 2021 and will offer accommodation from its 80 private overwater, beach, and spacious family villas offering sunset and sunrise views.
The resort encompasses three private islands; Kanuhura and its deserted sister islands, Jehunuhura and Masleggihuraa.
The new 5-star eco-luxury resort, 1,400 meters long and 350 meters wide will offer a romantic setting, discreet wining and dining options, deserted beaches, and a pristine haven for rest and relaxation.
It is touted as a dream destination for weddings, intimate getaways, and family celebrations.
The new organic herb garden will “create the perfect conditions for mouthwatering vegetables, herbs, and salad leaves”. The spa will offer a wide range of signature and locally inspired treatments, while the boutique will provide a new space dedicated to sustainable fashion.
SO/ Maldives
- Opening Date: TBA
- Atoll: South Male’ Atoll
- Location: 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport
- Number of Villas: 80
- Category: 5-star Luxury
The SO/Maldives is scheduled to open in 2023, while the official opening date is yet to be announced.
This luxury property, developed on the first and only multi-island integrated destination CROSSROADS Maldives, will offer a unique collection of beachfront and overwater villas crafted by renowned designers and will offer an audacious array of dining and entertainment options.
The property is located on the third island of CROSSROADS Maldives. SO/Maldives will join Accor’s collection of five resorts in the Maldives, which include the midscale Mercure brand, premium Pullman and Movenpick brands, and the luxury Raffles and Fairmont brands.
Nestled on its own island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, the resort is “set to become a hotspot for adventurous and free-spirited socializers” who can jet easily in from regional centers for a weekend or longer.
SO/ Maldives is touted to become a playground for those seeking “unconventional yet stylish spaces to eat, drink, work or kick back and relax”. Moreover, the resort has ousted the traditional all-day buffet concept and will introduce a central cooking suite with various culinary theatre concepts.
Zazz Escapes Maldives
- Opening Date: TBA
- Atoll: South Ari Atoll
- Location: a 25-minute seaplane trip from VIA or a 90-minute trip by speedboat
- Number of Villas: 101
- Category: 5-star Luxury
The official opening date has not been announced for this 5-star luxury property. The property was redesigned on the former Ranveli Island, and this will be an adult-only resort.
The property will feature six restaurants and bars, an excellent wellness program including a spa, and several watersports and activities. The luxury-tier resort is managed by Pulse Hotels & Resorts, the Maldivian brand behind Kandima, The Nautilus, and Niyama Private Islands.