The introduction of these new resorts will expand the product offering in the Maldives even further with several new family-friendly and adult-only properties, as well as the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.

Further details on the new properties opening in 2016/2017 include:

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives: Opened 1st November 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has recently announced the opening of the renowned St. Regis brand in the Maldives. Located on Dhaalu Atoll Vommuli, which spans more than 20 acres, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort will showcase its unique design when it opens on 1st November 2016, which will incorporate cultural symbols and organic sea forms. The resort’s 77 private villas will include majestic manta ray shaped lagoon villas and the John Jacob Astor Estate, one of the largest villas in the Maldives, which will span 1,540 square metres and feature a 92m private pool, as well as a spa room, fitness area and mini theatre. The resort will offer six distinct dining venues, a 24-hour butler service for all guests, a nature discovery centre and a dive centre.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Soneva Jani: Opened 5th November 2016
Located on the island of Medhufaru in the northern Atoll of Noonu, Soneva Jani is located an hour by speedboat from its sister resort Soneva Fushi and is enclosed by a 4km-long unspoilt beach. The new resort showcases some of the most modern approaches to eco-tourism without compromising on luxury. For example, it boasts a silent outdoor cinema, where guests will listen to movies with Bluetooth earphones, so as not to disturb the local wildlife. The resort also features 24 spacious villas, each with a private pool, as well as a private island villa for those who seek a truly exclusive retreat, with the master bedrooms boasting retractable roofs made from sustainable materials, so that guests can sleep under the stars without having to leave their beds. Some of the villas even feature a huge water slide into the Indian Ocean.

Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa: Opening November 2016
Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa, located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, will open its doors in November 2016. With 90 new stylish Ocean and Beach Villas, this adults-only sanctuary will offer guests an unforgettable experience in the height of luxury. A professional photo concierge will be on hand to capture life-long memories and a variety of excursions such as sunset cruises, guided snorkelling and sightseeing trips to local islands will keep guests entertained throughout their stay. Activity seekers will be able to take advantage of the wide range of water sports, multipurpose athletic courts and the fitness centre available. For those seeking some much needed pampering, the overwater Duniye Spa will provide a tropical spa experience, focused on wholeness, simplicity, purity and quality. Amongst its restaurants, the scene stealer will be the underwater restaurant, ‘5.8’. Located 5.8 metres (18 feet) beneath the sea and surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, the spell-binding Aquarium restaurant will send senses soaring with modern cuisine in an unparalleled setting.

Milaidhoo Island, Maldives

Milaidhoo Island Maldives: Opening November 2016
New luxury resort Milaidhoo Island Maldives will be opening in November 2016 in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll region. Milhaidhoo’s 50 private villas have been designed with conservation at front-of-mind by a local Maldivian architect, ensuring minimal impact on the coral reef. The materials used effortlessly blend natural elements with modern, sustainable architecture and each villa will seamlessly fuse indoor and outdoor living as it opens up 180 degrees. The villas will be just a short stroll from three world-class restaurants, incredible watersports, and fitness, spa and yoga facilities, as well as Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area which attracts the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays in the world and is an excellent location to spot whale sharks. Milaidhoo Island Maldives is proudly rooted in local tradition and has been designed to showcase small island living. It will offer guests the chance to join local fisherman for the catch of the day and master time-honoured recipes.

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives At Voavah: Opening 1st December 2016
Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah will be the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway when it opens on 1st December. This secluded five-acre oasis will accommodate up to 22 guests and will boast a dive centre, spa and 62-foot (18.9-metre) yacht available on an exclusive basis. The luxury yacht, the Voavah Summer, will take guests on excursions ranging from snorkeling with manta rays and diving with whale sharks to visiting local islands, as well as other Four Seasons Resorts. The Beach House hub will offer an open-air living room, dining room, kitchen, pool deck, gym, library and loft lounge, while seven bedrooms will span three separate locations: on the beach, over the lagoon or elevated in panoramic Mezzanine Suites. Four Seasons developed Voavah in close coordination with local environmental consultancies, to ensure proper maintenance of the balance between man and nature, culture and conservation – in keeping with the prerequisites of the Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere designation.

Cocoon Maldives: Opening December 2016
Located on the pristinely stunning island of Ookolhufinolhu in Lhaviyani Atoll, the first glimpse of Cocoon Maldives will take anyone’s breath away. Awash with tropical natural beauty, the resort was designed by renowned Italian firm LAGO and touches include large windows which frame the beautiful Indian Ocean and furniture hewn from 200-year-old Wildwood. The elegant resort will feature an expansive reception pavilion, three restaurants, two bars, a dive centre, a spa, a lounge, library, gym and kid’s club, in addition to 150 beach and over water villas. Adventures on offer will include diving and snorkelling excursions, fishing and cultural enrichment excursions.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort: Opening February 2017
When it opens in February 2017, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, located on Gaafu Alifu Atoll, will provide one of the best value accommodation options in the spectacular Maldives. The 68-villa resort, with 43 over water villas, 25 of which are scattered along the white sandy beach, has been built using local materials. The interior design will feature bright colours and stylish furniture, reflecting Maldivian culture and the spirit of travel. The resort will also boast a fitness centre, tennis facilities, two restaurants and bars, a range of watersports and excursions, and a kids club to keep little guests happy.

Kandima Maldives: Opening February 2017
Located on a lush tropical island in the Dhaalu Atoll and operating under new hospitality group Pulse Hotels & Resorts, Kandima Maldives will cater to couples, groups, families and honeymooners, offering guests more than just a beach holiday when it opens in February 2017. At this soulful resort, boredom won’t exist as a large selection of experiences and facilities will be available, including the longest pool in the Maldives (measuring 100m), an art studio, photo studio, marine biology school, kids club, and spa. The resort’s incredible choice of ten restaurants and bars will suit everyone’s tastes as they showcase cuisine from all around the world, including traditional Maldivian menus. The 274 stylishly-designed studios and villas, with 11 different categories to choose from, will all have a private terrace and uninterrupted views to enjoy.

Baglioni Resort Maldives: Opening 2017
Italian-owned Baglioni Resort Maldives, located on Maagau in Dhaalu Atoll, will offer a piece of island paradise when it opens in 2017. Its comprehensive comforts will offer an unforgettable stay with a blend of sport, relaxation and mouth-watering gourmet dining. The 96-villa resort’s elegant Italian design will be complemented with the Jungle Spa, which will offer a deeply relaxing experience via a host of deluxe natural treatments in a lush, tropical setting. Meanwhile, beach volleyball, the beach gym and a range of watersports will keep the more active guests entertained.

R&B Boutique Hotel: Opening 2017       
Opening in 2017 on the stunning coast of Hulhumale, located approximately 10 minutes from Male International Airport, is the bold R&B Boutique Hotel. Its convenient proximity to the airport will be complemented by its internationally themed design and cuisine, as 10 beautifully designed suites will each resemble a different culture from around the world and an international restaurant will serve global sizzling sensations. The roof-top pool will flaunt the most spectacular views of the dazzling Indian Ocean, whilst the health club and spa will pamper guests before their chauffer escorts them back to the airport.