The Maldives continues to evolve as one of the world’s most compelling island destinations, where delicate coral ecosystems, centuries-old seafaring traditions, and innovative hospitality coexist across a scattering of turquoise atolls.
In 2025, the nation welcomed 2.25 million visitors, a 9.8 percent increase from the previous year, signaling sustained global interest in both its natural beauty and its expanding tourism landscape. Around 73 percent of those travelers, roughly 1.6 million people, chose to stay at resorts, reinforcing the central role resorts play in shaping how visitors experience the islands.
As new properties prepare to open in 2026, travelers searching for their next hotel will find a fresh wave of design, sustainability initiatives, and location-driven storytelling that reflects a deeper connection to the Maldivian environment.
Best time to travel to the Maldives
The best time to travel to the Maldives is generally from November to April, during the dry season (northeast monsoon). This period offers the most reliable weather, with plenty of sunshine, low humidity, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. It’s ideal for beach holidays, island hopping, water sports, and luxury resort stays.
If you’re looking for better value and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of late April and early November can be a great compromise, still offering good weather with occasional short showers.
Latest Hotel and Resort Openings in The Maldives
Below are the latest resort openings in the Maldives in 2026, from the first openings to the latest. You will also see, further down, the hotel and resort openings in 2025, from the last to the first opened.
Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives
Opening Date: January 2026
Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives is a five-star, all-inclusive resort set in the South Ari Atoll, offering guests direct access to one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments. A scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé brings travelers to the edge of the South Ari Marine Protected Area, known for year-round whale shark and manta ray sightings. Designed for couples, families, and adventure seekers alike, the resort emphasizes immersive ocean experiences through snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters.
The resort features 100 private oceanfront villas, including overwater Water Villas, spacious Sunset Suite Villas with private pools, and beachfront villas with direct sand access. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary selection across four restaurants and bars, two infinity pools, and a full-service spa with wellness facilities. An extensive entertainment and activity program, ranging from live music and outdoor cinema to cooking classes and children’s activities, completes a well-rounded luxury island experience.
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection
Opening Date: January 2026
Noku Maldives marks the debut of IHG’s Vignette Collection brand in the Maldives, located in the pristine waters of Noonu Atoll. The resort features 50 private beach and overwater villas, many with private pools, designed using natural island materials and contemporary comforts to create a relaxed barefoot-luxury atmosphere. Powder-soft beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a tranquil island setting form the backdrop for an intimate, low-density resort experience focused on privacy and authenticity.
Dining highlights include beachfront fire-grilled cuisine at Palms Restaurant and Bar and regional Indian Ocean flavours at Thari, alongside curated private dining experiences such as sandbank picnics, floating breakfasts, and starlit dinners. Wellness is centred at the garden-set Noku Spa, offering treatments inspired by Maldivian healing traditions using local botanicals. The resort also integrates Vignette Collection’s “Memorable Rituals” and “A Means for Good” initiatives, featuring cultural storytelling evenings, community engagement, coral regeneration, and sea turtle conservation projects that allow guests to actively contribute to environmental preservation.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection
Opening Date: January 2026
Formerly Mirihi Island Resort, the boutique property will reopen as V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection following a comprehensive renovation and expansion led by Studio Gronda. Located on a tiny private island surrounded by vibrant reefs and a protected lagoon, the resort will feature 42 luxurious beach and overwater villas and multi-bedroom suites with private pools. Inspired by Maldivian heritage and the delicate Mirihi flower, the design embraces quiet luxury, natural textures, and open-plan living that connects seamlessly with the ocean environment, creating a serene and intimate island retreat.
Guests will enjoy curated dining across multiple venues, including an overwater signature restaurant, beachfront all-day dining, a poolside lounge, and an intimate tasting room for wine and spirit pairings. Experiences range from yoga, spa rituals, and sunset cocktails to scuba diving, snorkelling with whale sharks, cooking classes, and private cruises in the South Ari region. With personalised butler service, mindful sustainability practices, and immersive island experiences, the resort is positioned for honeymooners, families, and travellers seeking refined, soulful luxury in a tranquil setting.
Nala Maldives by Jawakara
Opening Date: March 2026
Nala Maldives by Jawakara is scheduled to open in March 2026, expanding the Jawakara portfolio in the Maldives. Positioned as a fresh island escape, the resort is expected to deliver a contemporary hospitality experience with a focus on relaxed luxury, island living, and guest-centric design. While detailed specifications have yet to be fully disclosed, the opening signals continued development momentum in the Maldivian resort landscape.
The resort is anticipated to introduce modern accommodations, leisure facilities, and curated experiences aligned with Jawakara’s lifestyle-driven approach. Designed to appeal to leisure travellers seeking a balance of comfort, accessibility, and immersive island atmosphere, Nala Maldives by Jawakara is set to become a new addition to the Maldives’ growing collection of next-generation resort destinations.
RAH GILI Maldives
Opening Date: Late March 2026
RAH GILI Maldives marks the debut of the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, located in the pristine waters of South Malé Atoll. The resort will feature 74 private beach and overwater pool villas designed to deliver seclusion, comfort, and immersive natural surroundings. A standout feature is exclusive access to a secluded dolphin sanctuary, reinforcing the resort’s focus on meaningful, nature-led experiences that connect guests directly with the marine environment.
The resort will offer curated culinary concepts across six restaurants and four bars, alongside a holistic spa, wellness and fitness retreat, and a dedicated kids club. Sustainability is embedded into operations, with commitments to solar power usage and a zero-waste policy supporting responsible tourism. Blending contemporary design with Maldivian cultural influence, RAH GILI Maldives aims to create a distinctive luxury destination where nature, heritage, and environmental stewardship shape every aspect of the guest experience.
DON MAAGA Maldives
Opening Date: Late 2026
DON MAAGA Maldives is positioned as an ultra-luxury private island retreat, featuring some of the largest and most opulent villas in the Maldives. The resort will offer 56 beach and overwater pool villas ranging from 370 to an expansive 916 square metres, including a flagship villa with a 40-metre private pool, Zen courtyards, and interiors accented with semi-precious stone details. Guests can expect exceptional privacy, highly personalised butler service, and refined design that elevates the sense of exclusivity and indulgence.
The island will feature six restaurants and three bars, delivering haute cuisine alongside curated music and entertainment experiences. A state-of-the-art spa, wellness, and fitness retreat anchors the wellbeing offering, complemented by family-friendly amenities such as a kids club. Designed to become one of the world’s most iconic hideaway destinations, DON MAAGA Maldives blends grand-scale luxury with cutting-edge wellness and bespoke lifestyle experiences.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection
Opening Date: Late 2026
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection is a boutique luxury resort developed by IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd. Located on the intimate Vaagali Island, the resort will feature 52 land and overwater villas designed to deliver immersive, soulful stays rooted in Maldivian heritage and family legacy. The island is distinguished by rare naturally formed underwater caves, offering exceptional marine exploration opportunities and a strong sense of place for travelers seeking unique, nature-led experiences.
Sustainability is central to the resort’s vision, with initiatives focused on coral restoration, reef monitoring, responsible energy use, waste reduction, and the protection of native vegetation. Accommodations will include one- to three-bedroom pool villas with private yoga pavilions, complemented by a 3,000-square-metre spa, aqua wellness facilities, a freshwater swimming pool, sports complex, kids club, and five distinctive dining venues. The resort further strengthens IHG’s growing Luxury & Lifestyle presence in the Maldives.
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi
Opening Date: 2026
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi will become the 10th property in the prestigious Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection, located on a 20-hectare private island in the Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé. Designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the resort will follow strict sustainability standards while blending refined Italian design with the natural beauty of the Maldives. The island setting features pristine waters, lush landscaped gardens, and even a newly created island dedicated to nesting bird populations.
The resort will offer 54 luxury accommodations, including an exclusive Bvlgari Villa on its own private island, 33 beach villas with individual swimming pools, and 20 overwater villas. Guests will enjoy four signature dining concepts — Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Bao Li Xuan, Hōseki, and La Spiaggia — alongside iconic brand amenities such as The Bvlgari Bar, The Bvlgari Spa, a Bvlgari boutique, and La Galleria, delivering a highly curated luxury lifestyle experience in the Maldives.
Mondrian Maldives
Opening Date: 2026
Mondrian Maldives will debut on Kuredhivaru Island in Noonu Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. The resort represents a transformation of the former Mövenpick-branded Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa under Ennismore’s management, evolving into a bold lifestyle destination aligned with Mondrian’s creative and design-forward identity. Surrounded by pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the resort will deliver immersive spaces inspired by modern art, culture, and contemporary design, reinforcing Mondrian’s reputation as a cultural connector in global resort destinations.
The property will feature 105 private pool villas, including 30 beach pool villas, 72 overwater pool villas, and three-bedroom beach pool residences with direct beach access. Guests can expect a wide range of lifestyle amenities, including a spa, gym, diving centre, yoga pavilion, tennis and volleyball courts, swimming pools, and a dedicated kids’ club. Four restaurants and bar venues will showcase cutting-edge culinary and mixology concepts, complemented by curated cultural programming and experiential events that celebrate Maldivian heritage and creative expression.
Aura Maldives
Opening Date: Q4 2026
Aura Maldives, launched by Pulse Hotels & Resorts, is a new five-star luxury island sanctuary set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Accessible via a 30-minute seaplane from Malé or a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a short yacht or speedboat transfer, the resort is positioned near Hanifaru Bay, famous for seasonal manta ray and whale shark encounters. Designed for the modern conscious traveller, Aura will feature 71 expansive private beach and overwater villas ranging from 246 to 710 square metres, all with private pools and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces suited to couples, families, and multi-generational stays.
The resort is built around a philosophy of mindfulness, sustainability, and purposeful luxury. Environmental stewardship will be central to operations, with plastic-free initiatives, ethical sourcing, wildlife-friendly lighting, and active community engagement. Wellness is integrated into daily island life through Solasta Spa, offering hammam rituals, plunge pools, lagoon-facing sauna facilities, and holistic programming including yoga and ocean-sound meditation. Dining will span multiple experience-led venues, from a beachfront grill and Asian-fusion fine dining to teppanyaki, a wood-fired pizzeria, and a beach club with craft cocktails. Complemented by marine conservation activities, cultural exchanges, and family-focused programmes, Aura Maldives aims to deliver a future-facing luxury retreat rooted in nature and meaningful connection.
2025
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort
Opening Date: 18 December 2025
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort reopens following a six-month transformation of the former Reethi Beach Resort, blending contemporary comfort with authentic Maldivian character. Located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, the resort is a 35-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport and offers convenient access to Hanifaru Bay, one of the Maldives’ most famous marine sanctuaries known for manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. The renovation has revitalised the island’s villas, dining venues, and leisure facilities while preserving the natural beauty of the lush tropical surroundings.
The resort offers 105 beach and overwater villas, including 16 new pool villas, designed to deliver privacy, ocean views, and direct beach or lagoon access. Guests can explore seven dining venues ranging from beachfront grills and Asian overwater dining to sunset bars, rum lounges, and private wine cellar experiences. Leisure highlights include snorkelling on the house reef, diving excursions, extensive water sports, and the reimagined REVIVE spa. Families and active travellers benefit from a kids’ club, fitness facilities, and multiple sports courts, making the resort suitable for both relaxation and adventure.
Ananea Madivaru Maldives
Opening Date: November 2025
Ananea Madivaru Maldives is located in the North Ari Atoll, just 20 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, set across two interconnected private islands within a pristine lagoon. The resort features 111 luxury villas and six spacious residences, accommodating a maximum of approximately 250 guests supported by a large service team. Villas span beach and overwater categories, all offering private pools, contemporary design, and subtle Maldivian influences, making the resort suitable for couples, families, and multi-generational travellers seeking space and privacy.
The resort offers nine dining venues, two bars, and a wine cellar, with culinary concepts ranging from teppan-style grilling and Nikkei fusion to Mediterranean cuisine and international buffets, alongside destination dining experiences. Wellness and recreation are anchored by the overwater Kandu Spa, fitness centre, yoga pavilion, and extensive water sports and diving facilities. With kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and a wide range of leisure amenities distributed across both islands, Ananea Madivaru delivers a comprehensive luxury resort experience combining relaxation, gastronomy, and marine adventure.
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection
Opening Date: October 2025
Set across two private islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, approximately 90 minutes by seaplane from Malé, The Halcyon Private Isles marks Autograph Collection’s debut in the Maldives. Inspired by 19th-century explorer H.C.P. Bell, the resort blends architectural craftsmanship with immersive storytelling, offering a refined sense of discovery rooted in nature, heritage, and design. The resort features 38 expansive private villas ranging from 220 to over 1,250 square metres, including island villas, overwater villas, multi-bedroom ocean villas, and the signature Halcyon Grand Estate, all with private infinity pools and handcrafted interiors reflecting maritime traditions.
Personalised butler service anchors the guest experience, delivering curated itineraries, marine-led excursions, bespoke in-villa dining, and tailored wellness journeys. Culinary offerings span multiple venues, from international and island-inspired dining to Peruvian-Japanese fusion, fire-grilled beachfront experiences, and sunset cocktail lounges, complemented by private sandbank and overwater dining experiences. Guests can explore marine adventures, cultural discovery programmes, children’s eco-focused activities, and holistic wellness at the overwater spa, positioning the resort as a highly curated luxury retreat that blends individuality, craftsmanship, and deep connection to place.
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives
Opening Date: 27 July 2025 (Soft Opening)
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is an upscale lifestyle resort located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, offering a highly accessible private island escape for modern travellers. Set on a natural island surrounded by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort provides excellent access to marine life, snorkelling, and diving experiences. Designed with bold aesthetics and vibrant energy, the resort blends beachfront charm with overwater serenity, creating a dynamic atmosphere that encourages connection, discovery, and relaxed luxury.
The resort features 127 spacious villas across seven categories, ranging from 77 to 306 square metres, most with private plunge pools and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces. A refreshed all-inclusive concept includes à la carte dining across five venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits. Guests can enjoy wellness at Namm Spa, beachfront yoga, rooftop cocktails, live DJ sets, floating breakfasts, and beach cinema nights, while corporate groups benefit from a conference facility for up to 240 guests, positioning the resort as a versatile leisure and events destination.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Opening Date: April 2025
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives introduces 142 spacious beachfront and overwater villas and residences, designed to balance privacy, comfort, and connection with nature. Accommodations range from 78 to 290 square metres and feature private pools, Jacuzzis, or both, with select connecting villas ideal for families and groups. Signature multi-bedroom villas and residences provide expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, dining spaces, and kitchenettes, allowing guests to enjoy personalised in-villa dining and private entertaining experiences curated by the resort’s chefs.
Dining is a central highlight, with venues ranging from all-day international dining at The Gallery to Mediterranean beach club flavours at Bluefin, swim-up cocktails at Coco Drift, champagne experiences at Sunset Social, and refined fine dining at The Club. Located a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, the resort also offers holistic wellness at Spa Cenvaree Retreat, vibrant marine exploration, and dedicated children’s clubs for both teens and younger guests, making it equally appealing for couples, families, and leisure travellers.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
Opening Date: February 2025
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort marks the brand’s second Maldivian property, situated within Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. The resort features 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater villas, designed to maximise ocean views, privacy, and seamless access to the turquoise lagoon. Signature accommodations such as the Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence provide expansive living spaces and panoramic vistas, catering to families and groups seeking an exclusive island escape.
The resort delivers a diverse culinary and lifestyle offering across seven dining venues, spanning international cuisine, steakhouse dining, farm-to-table concepts, and refined patisserie. Wellness experiences are anchored by the overwater Spa by JW, introducing BABOR skincare treatments to the Maldives, alongside yoga, fitness facilities, and a lap pool. Adventure options include snorkelling, diving, dolphin cruises, parasailing, and sunset excursions, while families benefit from the Family by JW programme featuring kids’ and teens’ clubs, playgrounds, and interactive culinary activities, creating a well-rounded luxury resort experience.
Getting to the Maldives and Getting Around
Travel in the Maldives begins at Velana International Airport near Malé, a compact gateway where international jets share the skyline with seaplanes and traditional fishing boats. From the moment travelers arrive, the country’s ocean-based geography becomes clear.
With more than a thousand coral islands spread across the Indian Ocean, onward transfers are an essential part of the experience. Speedboats carry guests to nearby islands across shallow lagoons, while seaplanes reveal sweeping views of reef rings and shifting shades of blue as they head toward more remote atolls. Some journeys also include short domestic flights followed by a final boat transfer.
Allowing extra connection time and packing light helps ensure a smoother journey, as weather and daylight can affect flight schedules. In the Maldives, the journey between islands is not simply transportation, but an early immersion into a nation shaped entirely by sea and sky.
