Maldives new and upcoming resorts in 2021

In 2021, the Maldives will see a plethora of new resorts with 12 14 hotel openings, most of them being the ones that were already supposed to open in 2020.
Despite a difficult year that halted some new resort developments, 2021 will see again many new resorts, including several man-made islands and many ultra-luxury resorts.

last update : 21 June 2021 *

The Maldives Ministry of Tourism has announced 15 new resorts in 2021 but they will not all open. The Covid crisis made resort developments more difficult than ever.
After carefully checking each hotel news and press releases, I could only list 11 new resorts for 2021 at the initial time of writing this post.
* + edit : out of the blue, a 12th, 13th and then a 14th resort appeared.
The added new resorts are now listed : Cora Cora Maldives, JOALI Being and Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( the resort is delayed and re-scheduled for opening in 2022 ).

Please note that some of them might postpone again their opening dates.

With or without the sanitary crisis, the Maldives continue to open new resorts.
Let’s have a look at 2021.

Maldives new resort openings in 2021 at a glance.

2021 is pretty much the same as the past years, with some major differences in delays in opening dates and resort development techniques.
As usual, luxury brands prevail and a few simple resorts will open, Cocogiri will be the only one.

Resorts have suffered huge delays in openings.

Opening delays happen each year, but this time it’s a record.
2020 was worse than ever with the Covid crisis and Maldives border closures that forced companies to halt their new resort developments in Maldives ( just like everywhere else in the world ).

In 2020, almost none of the resorts announced to launch have effectively done so. If you’re following my resort yearly opening lists ( started back in 2016 ), you’ve probably seen that delays happen each year for various reasons, the complicated task of building a resort on a remote island being the main one.

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2020 has spiced up the process with the huge and infamous Covid crisis that postponed every single new resort development.

As a consequence, most of the resorts that you will discover in this 2021 opening list are the same as last year. The Ritz-Carlton, Capella Maldives, Avani Fares, Siyam World and several others are listed here again. Hopefully they will all open on due dates.

Yes, again and again. It’s the same, each year.
The information made available by the upcoming resorts is quite poor or nonexistent. Most of the images released are artist impressions and exact opening dates are sometimes blurred.
After (re) checking the plethora of information available, I finally came up with 12 new resorts in 2021 in Maldives.
Let me know if I missed one of them.

Avani Fares Maldives Resort is announced for 2021 but with the mention “opening soon” on Avani press releases, which lets some space for another opening date that could be in 2022.
The record goes to Gran Meliá Huravee, already announced to open back in the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 appears with the mention “opening soon” for 2021 on Gran Meliá website. The exact date is still unrevealed.

Zazz Hotel Maldives and Madifushi Private Island, announced for 2021 will apparently open in 2022. ( see Maldives New and Upcoming Resorts in 2022 for the latest information. )

Ultra Luxury resort developments prevail again in Maldives

2021 is also another year for Ultra Luxury resort developments. Amongst the 12 new resorts I listed, only 1 is a simple resort : Cocogiri Island Resort.

The Maldives will also see a new and big All Inclusive resort : Siyam World by Sun Siyam resorts ( the Maldivian Hotel brand behind Iru Fushi, Vilu Reef to name a few).
In the ultra luxury segment, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Le Méridien Maldives, Patina and Capella Maldives are the most anticipated luxury brands this year.

More resorts are built on artificially created islands

The 3rd and last trend of 2021 is the development of more artificial islands and land reclamation. More than 50% of 2021 new resorts are built on man-islands or islands make bigger with sand dredging happening in several places in the archipelago.

Fari Islands 3 resorts are entirely artificial. The Chedi Kudavillingili, currently in development, is built on a reclaimed land. The island has seen its size multiplied by 5 after a massive dredging.

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Opening of The Chedi Kudavillingili Maldives in 2021. What we know about the new resort

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Fari Islands Maldives, a man-made group of islands is set to open in 2021

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Let’s take a closer look at these 11 New and Upcoming Resorts in 2021 in the Maldives

The following upcoming opening dates are announced in various press releases by Hotel brands and resorts. Remember they still might change.

Resorts are listed according to their opening dates

Resorts with opening dates released

1. Cocogiri Island Resort ( Vaavu Atoll ) Opening on March June 01st 2021.
2. Patina Maldives ( North Male Atoll ). Opening in May 2021
3. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives ( North Male Atoll ). Opening in June 2021
4. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa ( Lhaviyani Atoll ). Opening on September 2021
5. Siyam World ( Noonu Atoll ). Opening on August October 01st 2021
6. Cora Cora Maldives ( Raa Atoll ). Opening on October 01st 2021

Resorts opening in 2021 but without exact dates

1. Capella Maldives ( North Male Atoll ) .
2. The Chedi Kudavillingili ( North Male Atoll ) .
3. Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort ( Vaavu Atoll ).
4. Gran Meliá Huravee ( Thaa Atoll )
5. Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa ( North Ari Atoll ).
6. Avani Fares Maldives Resort ( Baa Atoll).
7. JOALI Being ( Raa Atoll ). Opening late 2021
8. Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( North Male Atoll ). Opening late 2021

About the Photos : Resorts which are still in building process do not release real photos.
I have tried my very best to find you the most up-to-date photos of each opened or opening resort.
+ To complete this portfolio, I also had to use Artist Impressions for some of them. All photos and A.I Credits / Respective Resorts

2021 Maldives Upcoming Resort Openings

Resorts with release dates

# 1

Cocogiri Island Resort ( Vaavu Atoll )
Opening March June 1st, 2021

Cocogiri Island Resort

Vaavu Atoll
Cocogiri Island Resort is located in Vaavu Atoll at 18 minutes by seaplane or 60 minutes by speed boat from Male International airport.

The most simple resort of this list is Cocogiri Island Resort, is nestled on a very small island that will offer a real sense of Maldivian Holidays with a limited number of villas. Cocogiri features 20 Beach villas and 20 Water Villas only.

The resort offers a spa, a wellness centre, a beach restaurant and 1 bar. Cocogiri features an extensive water sports programme and focuses on snorkeling and diving.

Read more about Cocogiri Island Resort opening

Number of villas : 40
Category : Cocogiri is a Boutique Hotel

Cocogiri Island Resort Photos

# 2

Patina Maldives ( North Male Atoll )
Opening in May 2021

Patina Maldives

North Male Atoll
Patina Maldives is located in North Male Atoll at a 50 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport or in 10 minutes by seaplane.

Patina Maldives is located on the newly set of Islands called Fari Islands, in North Male Atoll.
Designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the upcoming resort is self-described as catering to ‘progressive travelers of a new generation.’
The 90 well-appointed villas each with a private pool and 20 beach suites are located on the beach and overwater.

Patina Maldives boasts a Beach Club and a multitude of dining options, from hearty Asian fare to Greek cuisine and Nordic Japanese fusion restaurant. A plant-based concept cuisine will compliment the culinary experience.
The resort facilities include a wide range of holistic treatments and therapies at the spa and wellness as well as a kids club.

Number of villas : 90
Category : Patina Maldives is an Ultra Luxury Resort

Patina Maldives Photos

Read more about Patina Maldives opening

# 3

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives ( North Male Atoll ) Opening in June 2021

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

North Male Atoll
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is located in North Male Atoll at a 50 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport or in 10 minutes by seaplane.

Set to open in June 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is part of an integrated development, Fari Islands, a group of man-made islands currently in development in the north of North Male Atoll. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives boasts 100 contemporary and spacious beachfront and overwater villas each featured with private infinity pools and butler service.

The resort offers a wide array of dining options with 7 restaurants and bars showcasing global cuisines, an overwater Spa with nine spa treatment rooms and a Ritz Kids Club with daily activities, playgrounds and its own dedicated pool.
From the Ritz, guests will have access to Fari Marina with luxury shopping, dining and entertainment.

Read more about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives opening

Number of Villas : 100
Resort Type : The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is a 5 Star Ultra Luxury Resort

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Photos

# 4

Siyam World ( Noonu Atoll )
Opening in August October 2021

Siyam World

Noonu Atoll
Located in Noonu Atoll, Siyam World is set on a 52-acre Island, at a 45 mns seaplane flight from Male International Airport .

Siyam World is the latest All Inclusive resort to open in Maldives.
Located on the big island of Dhigurah in Noonu Atoll, the resort offers 6 kms of beaches, Full All-Inclusive Plan and a huge array of options for all age and mood.
The accommodation at the Siyam World Resort offers a choice of seven categories of Beach Villas & Suites and five choices of Water Villas.

The All Inclusive Dining options include twelve restaurants and bars, daily activities, a water park and an entirely dedicated kids village.
Guests will enjoy a world-class spa, wellness and sports facilities and some of the regions best dive sites just moments away.

Read more about Siyam World Opening

Number of villas : 499
Resort Type : Siyam World is a 4 Star Deluxe Resort All Inclusive

Siyam World Photos

# 5

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
( Lhaviyani Atoll )
Opening in September 2021

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Lhaviyani Atoll
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, at 35-minute by seaplane from Male International airport.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will open in September 2021. The resort will be Marriott 7th Resort in the Maldives.
The resort is nestled in North Maldives on the island of Thilamaafushi, in Lhaviyani Atoll, at 35-minute by seaplane from Male International airport.
Spanning over 9 hectares, the resort features 144 villas on the beach and over water, 6 Dining venues, a kids club and an overwater spa.

Guests will enjoy a wide range of activities including diving, snorkeling and sailing. Several excursions and water sports will be proposed including canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and windsurfing.

Number of villas : 144
Resort Type : Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Le Méridien Maldives Photos

Read more about Le Méridien Maldives opening

# 6

Cora Cora Maldives ( Raa Atoll )
Opening Oct 01st 2021

Raa Atoll
Cora Cora Maldives is located in Raa Atoll at 45 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport.

Cora Cora Maldives

Cora Cora Maldives is set to open on October 01st. The resort will offer 100 villas and water villas, with or without pool and will feature a Premium All Inclusive Plan.
The 5* Luxury resort will boast a licensed art gallery and museum presenting 400 Maldivian artefacts.
note : the resort All Inclusive Plan is orchestrated by the Chef Umberto Piccolini, a promise of excellence.

Number of villas : 100
Resort Type : Cora Cora Maldives is a 5 Star Premium All Inclusive Luxury Resort.

Cora Cora Maldives Photos

Resorts with unreleased dates

# 7

Capella Maldives ( North Male Atoll )
Opening in 2021

North Male Atoll
Capella Maldives at Fari islands is located in North Male Atoll at a 50 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport or in 10 minutes by seaplane.

Capella Maldives

Capella Maldives was scheduled to open at the end of 2020, the resort announced again its opening for 2021 but without giving an exact date.
Located at Fari Islands, Capella Maldives is set to feature 57 spacious villas and mansions each with private infinity pools.

The ultra Luxury Resort will also give the opportunity to private investors to own private residence estates.
a few information is released by Capella. As per today, we know Capella will boast an oceanfront dining destination offering 4 immersive dining concepts in 4 uniquely designed dining quadrants, a superb spa called Aurega and the classical Maldives activities.

Read more about Capella Maldives Opening

Number of villas : 57
Resort Type : Capella Maldives is a 5 Star Ultra Luxury Resort

Capella Maldives Photos

# 8

Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort
( Vaavu Atoll )
Opening in 2021 ?

Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort

Vaavu Atoll
Tolarno Maldives Kunaafushi is located in Vaavu Atoll at 60 mns ride by speedboat or 15-mns by seaplane.

Developed by a Chinese project manager group, CJL Investment Pvt Ltd, Tolarno Maldives is managed by the Australian hotel management group, La Vie Hotels and Resorts.
Located in Vaavu atoll, Tolarno Maldives will be decorated by local Maldivian artists selected by Tolarno Art Advisors and will feature 72 luxury villas set on the beach and overwater.

The luxury resort will feature two secluded Presidential villas with generous space, multiple bedrooms and pools fitted with water slides.
A dining restaurant, Café and a pool bar including an overwater seafood restaurant and a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant will be proposed.
Tolarno announced to boast a signature spa, a fully equipped watersports, a diving center and a Kids Club.

Number of Villas : 72
Resort Type : Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi is a 5 Star Luxury Resort.

Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Photos

# 9

Gran Meliá Huravee ( Thaa Atoll )
Opening in 2021 ?

Note about the above image : there is no new photo nor news about the upcoming resort for several years now. To show you that Gran Meliá is really about to open a new resort in Maldives I chose this year to show you a Google view of the current resort development. On this image, you can see that the resort is almost finished. However I could not find any further details.

Gran Meliá Huravee

Thaa Atoll
Gran Meliá Huravee is located in Thaa Atoll at a 40 mns ride from Male International Airport by speedboat or 15 mns by seaplane.

Initially announced for 2017 and the years after including 2020, Gran Meliá Huravee Maldives is again set to open in 2021.
The Gran Meliá Huravee is announced to feature 96 private villas including 2 presidential suites and 1 private island villa, 3 restaurants, a bar and café, a spa, a leisure and dive centre and several retail shops.

Number of Villas : 96
Resort Type : Gran Meliá Huravee is a 5 star Luxury resort.

Gran Meliá Huravee Photos

# 10

Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa
( North Ari Atoll )
Opening in 2021 ?

Note about the above photo. This aerial view of Madivaru island was photographed at the time that the island was branded by Banyan Tree Hotels, thus before the development of the Address Madivaru.
This image is the only one available at time of publication. The satellite view below shows that the resort is far from being ready, thus I doubt about its opening in 2021.

Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa

North Ari Atoll
Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is located in North Ari Atoll at a 20-minute flight via a seaplane from Male International Airport.

Already set to open in 2020, Address Maldivaru is announced again for 2021. The resort is located on the small island of Ethere Madivaru in North Ari Atoll known for being surrounded by breathtaking house reefs.
Address Madivaru will include 80 beach and overwater villas, a dedicated spa, floating restaurants and lounges, over-water fitness facilities, swimming pools and children’s play areas.

The resort is developed by Dubai Company Emaar, Emaar Hospitality, which currently has 11 operational hotels and 3 serviced residences in Dubai with upcoming projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey.

Number of Villas : 80
Resort Type : Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

Address Madivaru satellite view

# 11

Avani Fares Maldives Resort ( Baa Atoll )
Opening in 2021 ?

Note about Fares satellite view above . On this view, nothing much has been yet built on the island which leads to conclude that an opening in 2021 remains uncertain.

Avani Fares Maldives Resort

Baa Atoll
Avani Fares Maldives Resort is located on Fares Island in Baa Atoll, at 45 mns by seaplane from Male International Airport or 30 mns by domestic flight to Baa airport Dharavandhoo+ 30 mns by speedboat.

Scheduled to open in 2020, Avani Fares Maldives Resort is again supposed to launch this year.
Located in Baa Atoll on 12,4-hectare island called Fares, Avani Fares will feature 200 villas, including standard rooms and a selection of luxury villas.

With Fares opening, Avani promises to offer holidays focusing on wellbeing, a decor that will blend soothing materials and high-tech equipment.
The resort will feature several gourmet dining options, a Spa, a Kids club, a large swimming pool and a pool bar.

Number of Villas : 200
Resort Type : Avani Fares Maldives Resort is a 5 Star Resort.

Avani Fares Maldives Island Photo

Note about the below aerial photo : the island is photographed before the construction of the new resort. This aerial view is the only one available at time of publication

# 12

The Chedi Kudavillingili ( North Male Atoll ) Opening in 2021 ?

The Chedi Kudavillingili

North Male Atoll
The Chedi Kudavillingili is located in North Male Atoll at a 25-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport.

With the announced opening of The Chedi Kudavillingili in 2021, GHM will launch its first resort in the Maldives. The resort was initially scheduled to open in 2020, The Chedi Maldives should now be launched in 2021. However, the official launch date is still undisclosed.
Kudavillingili will feature 36 overwater villas, 63 island-based villas and a central 150-metre-long pool, supposed to be one of the longest pool in Maldives after Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.

The ultra luxury resort is located on the island of Kudavillingili, on the east side of North Male Atoll at 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.

The Resort finally opened its doors in 2021 June 06th under the name Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

Read more about Kuda villingili Maldives Opening

Number of Villas : 99
Resort Type : The Chedi Kudavillingili is a 5 Star Ultra Luxury Resort.

The Chedi Kudavillingili Photos

The Beach Bar

Water Villa Exterior

# 13

JOALI Being ( Raa Atoll ) Opening late 2021

JOALI Being

Raa Atoll
JOALI Being is located in Raa Atoll at 45 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport.

Set to open in late 2021, JOALI Being will be the second resort of Joali Brand in Maldives. Set on Bodufushi island in Raa Atoll, the resort will be the first dedicated wellbeing-immersive retreat in the Maldives.
JOALI Being is an eco-friendly island that will feature a total of 68 beach and water villas, each with their very own personal butler, a private pool, highly personalised treatments and experiences, and diverse tailored cuisine.

The resort aims to provide guests with transformational wellbeing experience centred around four pillars of wellbeing: Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy.

Read more about JOALI Being Opening

Number of Villas : 68
Resort Type : JOALI Being is a 5 Star Ultra Luxury Wellness Resort.

JOALI Being Photos

2 Bedroom Beach Villa

3 Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence

# 14

Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( North Male Atoll ) Opening late 2021

Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Raa Atoll
Hilton Maldives Amingiri is located in North Male Atoll at 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri is set to open at the end of 2021. The new resort will be Hilton’s 4th property in the Maldives.
The resort will feature 109 beach and water villas, each with a private pool, including an exclusive six-bedroom villa.
Amingiri will also feature six restaurants and bars, a pool, a spa and a fitness centre .

Read more about Hilton Maldives Amingiri Opening

Number of Villas : 109
Resort Type : Hilton Maldives Amingiri is a 5 Star Luxury Resort.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Photos

EDEN Champagne bar

Beach Villa

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