with so many amazing resorts opening! Here are our favorite resorts opening this year. Keep in mind that Maldives resorts do
have a history of running behind schedule so don’t count on each resort being fully opened when they say they will.
#9. Heritance Aarah
Opening Date: December 2018
Atoll: Raa
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 157
A $50 million investment by Heritance Hotels, a Sri Lankan company, creates a luxury all-inclusive resort with Indian Ocean
hospitality. Great diving sites are nearby. This in an authentic luxury all-inclusive resort with a lovely setting.
#8. JW Marriott Maldives
Opening Date: November 2018
Atoll: Shaviyani
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 61
Years ago the island began as a Viceroy branded resort. JW Marriott has carefully and extensively renovated everything.
It’s better than ever. We are most excited about the nice selection of restaurants. It will be a great way to use Marriott
points.
#7. Fairmont Maldives
Opening Date: Just Opened
Atoll: Shaviyani
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 120
The Fairmont Maldives just opened. The villa décor is on-trend while the resort features the longest pool in the Maldives.
The Underwater Art Museum is set to open soon.
#6. LUX* North Male Atoll
Opening Date: October 2018
Atoll: North Male
How to get there: Speedboat
Villas: 67
Easily accessed from the main airport, LUX* North Male Atoll has done away with thatched roofs and opted for a penthouse
feel with rooftop decks. The modern décor and ultra-cool main pool area ensure guests will have a lot of fun!
#5. Kudadoo Private Island
Opening Date: September 2018
Atoll: Lhaviyani
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 15
This small, intimate resort with huge overwater villas (3,260 sq. ft. in size or 303 sqm) – and glass cutouts in the floor
– provides an adults-only atmosphere including butler service. Guests can enjoy facilities such as the underwater restaurant
at neighboring sister resort, Hurawalhi.
#4. Baglioni Resort Maldives
Opening Date: November 2018
Atoll: Dhaalu
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 96
Baglioni Resort Maldives is bringing Italian flair, with tastefully designed villas, and the best Italian Restaurant to
the Maldives. Nice value for great luxury should ensure Baglioni Resort Maldives will be a popular spot, especially
for foodies.
#3. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort
Opening Date: November 2018
Atoll: Gaafu Alifu
How to get there: Domestic flight and speedboat
Villas: 37
Formerly a Jumeirah resort, the island is undergoing significant renovations and will re-open as a Raffles branded property.
We love the huge and lovely decorated villas – 16 of which are overwater a half mile out in the lagoon – and some of
the best snorkeling and diving in the Maldives.
#2. The Nautilus Maldives
Opening Date: January 15, 2019
Atoll: Baa
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 26
A highly personalized, private resort where every experience is tailored to guest desires. The aim is to be one of the
best resorts in the World. From VIP airport arrivals, massive villas, excellent food, personalized excursions, and
terrific service, we think this will be amazing!
#1. Joali Maldives
Opening Date: September 15, 2018
Atoll: Raa
How to get there: Seaplane
Villas: 73
Joali Maldives is perhaps the resort we are most excited about. A legendary General Manager, gorgeous villas, amazing restaurants,
and a stunning location ensure Joali Maldives will be a top-notch resort! The level of detail in every aspect of the
resort is some of the best we’ve seen.
If you haven’t had enough, here are 5 additional resorts opening soon in the Maldives:
10. OBLU Select Sangeli – Opening July 2018 – North Male Atoll – Speedboat – 137 villas
11. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa – October 2018 – Raa Atoll – Seaplane – 120 villas
12. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort – November 2018 – Baa Atoll – Seaplane – 70 villas
13. Movenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru – December 2018 – Noonu Atoll – Seaplane – 105 villas
14. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – December 2018 – South Male Atoll – Speedboat – 178 rooms
