MALDIVES: Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Set To Open 2019

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has been officially brought to the market.

Located on a beautiful coral island in the Baa Atoll which is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site; the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features 70 villas and suites, 41 on island and 29 over water.

With the opening of the Miriandhoo Resort, the number of resort in Baa Atoll has risen to 16.

Developed by award-winning Milan-based architects PEIA Associati, the resort's design took inspiration from the ocean with a visionary approach towards environmental sustainability.

Marriott International is set to launch its Westin brand in Maldives with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in 2019.

Scheduled to open in February 2019, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is being developed on the uninhabited island of Miriandhoo in the central Baa atoll.

The island is accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or a domestic flight to the airport on the nearby Dharavandhoo island followed by a further 20-minute speedboat ride.

Designed by Italian studio Peia Associati, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will boast innovative architecture and sophisticated interiors that feature precious local materials.

Timber from neighbouring countries will complete the external finishing and frames, including the light structure part of a double skin system building.

These natural shelters will have an innovative organic shape, and provide natural ventilation as well as lighter natural skins and comfortable shading.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, located in the Maldives first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will have 70 luxurious villas and suites fitted with the signature Westin Heavenly Bed that allows guests to refuel their body and mind with truly restorative sleep.

The resort will also come with the fully-equipped Westin Workout that maintain and maximise the guest workout routine, with the brand’s world-class fitness studio, Gear Lending with New Balance and local running maps.

The Heavenly by Westin Spa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will be designed to awaken the senses, with services and amenities that are relaxing and rejuvenating in order to leave guests feeling fresh, energised and focused.

The resort is jointly owned by Sri Lanka’s largest investment bank Asia Capital Plc and Japanese mail order company Belluna Co., Ltd. The project is expected to cost USD 45 million.

Westin, a brand that was acquired by Marriott through its merger with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, runs hotels and resorts that are designed to enhance guests’ well-being through revitalising amenities and innovative programmes that help them be at their best while on the road.

Marriott runs several resorts in the Maldives, including The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, and W Maldives.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort joins a number of new resorts set to open in 2019, including AVANI Fares Maldives Resort by Thailand-based Minor Hotels and Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort.



Tourism Observer

MALDIVES: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort Opening February 2019

Raffles Hotel and Resorts prepares to open its debut resort in Maldives by the end of the year.

Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a chain of luxury hotels owned by AccorHotels, a French multinational hospitality company. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort is also its first resort in South Asia.

The resort formerly run as Jumeira Dhevanafushi by Dubai Holdings have been re-branded by AccorHotels. After re-branding, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort will be opened for operation as a five-star property.

Hidden away at the Southern end of Maldives, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort features abundant foliage and unparalleled service.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort is located at a 55-minute flight from Velana International Airport (VIA) followed by a 15-minute speed boat ride from Kaadedhdhoo Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort will offer luxurious stays in villas with private pools, steps from clear lagoon waters and sandy beaches.

The island will also offer water sports facilities for guests such as fishing, diving and windsurfing activities.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo appointed Olivier Larcher as the resort’s General Manager, ahead of its opening.

A native of France, Larcher brings with him over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having worked with renowned international hospitality brands such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and Dalian Wanda Group.

His career has taken him to places such as South Africa, Morocco, China and Bora Bora.

Prior to taking up the General Manager’s post at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo in April, Larcher served as the General Manager of Sofitel Foshan in China for two years — his first posting with AccorHotels.

We are excited to be launching AccorHotels’ first flagship Raffles property in the Maldives and welcome Larcher aboard, Gilles Cretallaz, Vice President of Operations, Luxury Brands for Upper Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the Maldives at AccorHotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

He demonstrates an immense passion for refined resorts in unique and cultural destinations and is a strategic new member of our executive team in the Maldives.

The French multinational hotel group took over the management of the existing resort on the island of Meradhoo from Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah in September, with plans to reposition the luxury resort under the iconic Raffles Hotels and Resorts brand.

Set to open February 2019 after major enhancements to the existing Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort Managed by AccorHotels.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort boasts 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools, three restaurants, a scenic cocktail bar and an array of facilities and activities to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate the body, mind and spirit.

These facilities include an award-winning luxury spa, overwater fitness centre, yoga programmes, water sports, private dining options, 24-hour butler and private chef service, along with snorkelling and diving at its finest.

The resort’s PADI-certified dive centre offers adventures through the wonders of some of most breath-taking coral reefs in the world.

A 55-minute flight from the main Velana International Airport and a 15-minute speedboat transfer can access the resort, located on Meradhoo island in Gaafu Alifu atoll.

A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive, with three existing properties and two under development in the island nation.


Tourism Observer