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The Maldives is one of the world’s most exclusive — and expensive — destinations, and there’s no shortage of luxury hotels in the archipelago.
And soon, yet another high-end brand will arrive on the scene: Mandarin Oriental.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru resort.
Dubai-based DAMAC Group, a luxury real estate developer, announced yesterday, December 6, 2022, a contract with Mandarin Oriental to open a resort in the Maldives in 2025.
Dubbed the Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru, the resort will straddle 3 private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in the South Male Atoll.
The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru will feature 130 villas — 61 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas — and 10 branded residences. Amenities will include 7 dining options, a pool bar, a full-service spa with 12 treatment suites, a beauty salon, and spaces for meetings and events.
The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, is a sought-after travel destination, but there are several logistical steps to consider after arriving in the nation’s capital, Malé (MLE), which serves as the international gateway to the country. Oftentimes a seaplane or speedboat connection is required to reach resorts from Malé — and sometimes the distances are long. But, this upcoming Mandarin Oriental will be located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, making access much easier.
“The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and we felt The Maldives was a perfect location for us,” Hussain Sajwani, founder of the DAMAC Group, said in a statement.
Sajwani went on to say that DAMAC is extending its reach outside of the Middle East, with projects in the United Kingdom and Canada, and was “thrilled” to be opening a property in the Maldives.
Mandarin Oriental, which opened its first property in the 1960s in Hong Kong, is one of the most exclusive hotel chains in the world. With 5-star offerings in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the brand is known for some of the most luxurious — and expensive — hotel stays across the globe.
Hot Tip: Make sure to read our full guide to the Mandarin Oriental brand to learn more.
It makes sense that Mandarin Oriental would foray into the Maldives. But when it opens, the Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru will have to contend with scores of luxury properties already open in the Maldives.
These include Hilton’s Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, and the SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hyatt’s Alila Kothaifaru Maldives and Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa; Marriott’s St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; IHG’s InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort; among many others.
While the resort won’t open for several years, the announcement of the Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru is fantastic news for travelers who will have another luxury option in the Maldives. It’s expected to be an ultra-luxury resort — so remember that all that luxury is certainly going to come at a high price!
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