Mandarin Oriental sets sights on Maldives

All the blues at South Male Atoll, Maldives.

Mandarin Oriental will be dipping its toe into the turquoise waters of the Maldives following an announcement this week that the group is to open a three-island resort there.

The exciting development is currently underway in South Male Atoll on Bolidhuffaru Reef and is slated to open in 2025. The development will offer 120 stand-alone villas, including 56 overwater and 64 beachfront villas, and ten villas will be branded ‘Residences at Mandarin Oriental’.

Mandarin Oriental says the accommodation will be some of the largest in the market, ranging in size from 200 to 1,000 square metres and boasting private pools and ocean views. The resort will also feature six dining outlets with three specialty restaurants and a sunset bar.

Wellness offerings located in the tropical gardens will run to no fewer than 12 treatment suites, as well as vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms and a beauty salon.

Activity-based pursuits will include tennis courts, a pool and a water sports and dive centre. Children will be catered for with a kids’ and teens’ club.

The 34-hectare site is being developed by luxury real estate developers DAMAC Properties, part of Dubai-based DAMAC Group, and will be managed by Mandarin Oriental.

“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter the Maldives for some time,” said James Riley, chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “This project represents the right opportunity for the Group.”

“We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island,” added Hussaiin Sajwani, DAMAC Group chairman.

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