The Dubai-based DAMAC Group, through its property development arm DAMAC Properties — one of the region’s leading luxury real estate developers — announced at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes France (ILTM) that it has signed a contract with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to operate a new resort on a group of private islands in The Maldives.
The 34-hectare luxury resort, which is presently under construction and is slated to open in 2025, will be DAMAC Group’s first push into the tourism islands, recognised for its upscale five-star offerings.
A quick 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport will get you to the Indian Ocean resort, which is spread across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll.
The resort will offer a scenic setting from which visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including gourmet experiences at numerous specialised restaurants across the island, wellness retreats, and water sports. The Maldives is known for its white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
There are 130 independent villas at The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef, including 10 branded apartments. There are 61 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas. The villas, which will be some of the biggest on the market and range in size from 100 to 600 square metres (internal), will each offer exclusivity and isolation, private pools, and stunning ocean views. To ensure that sustainability best practises are followed at all stages of the development, the Group is collaborating with a number of international consultants.
Large wellness facilities with 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a beauty salon will be housed among the resort’s tropical gardens. The skilled team of wellness professionals at Mandarin Oriental will provide customised experiences and the Group’s hallmark treatments.
Tennis courts, a world-class kids and teens club created by international consultants, a swimming pool, and various private coves and beaches to explore will be among the other leisure activities offered.
Hussain Sajwani, Chairman and Founder of the DAMAC Group, stated, “The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and we felt The Maldives was a perfect location for us. DAMAC has extended its global footprint outside of the Middle East, from the UK to Canada, and we are thrilled to have now reached The Maldives as well. We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island.”
Sajwani added that The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will succeed in its mission. He states that the DAMAC Group is confident as they continually enter into relationships with established world-class brands that reflect DAMAC’s reputation and standards for premium offerings.
Some of the most opulent hotels, resorts, and homes in the world are owned and operated by the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Since establishing its global presence from its Asian origins, the Group has expanded to run 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 nations and territories, with each property showcasing the Group’s oriental heritage and distinctive sense of place.
As a part of the Jardine Matheson Group, Mandarin Oriental has a sizable pipeline of hotels and apartments under construction.
Mandarin Oriental has been considering entering The Maldives for some time as part of its emphasis on expanding its resort portfolio. According to James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, This project represents the right opportunity for the Group.”
