With 13 resorts scheduled for opening in 2022, the Maldives will see a again a steady stream of new luxury properties, man-made islands and all-inclusive resorts mostly located in 3 atolls : Raa, North Male and South Ari Atoll.
Let’s have a closer look at these new Maldives properties.
2022 New Maldives Resorts Summary
- Maldives new resort openings in 2022 at a glance
- a closer look at the 12 New and Upcoming Resorts in 2022 in the Maldives
- 2022 Maldives Resort Openings
- OBLU Select Obigili ( North Male Atoll ) Opened in March 2022
- Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort ( Raa Atoll ) April 2022
- Oblu Xperience Ailafushi ( North Male Atoll ) May 2022
- Nova Maldives ( South Ari Atoll ) 01st June 2022
- Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( North Male Atoll ) September 01st 2022
- Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa ( Raa Atoll ) October 01st 2022
- Avani + Fares Maldives Resort ( Baa Atoll ) Summer 2022
- Amari Kudakurathu Maldives ( Raa Atoll )2022
- Six Senses Kanuhura ( Lhaviyani Atoll ) end of 2022
- Oaga Art Resort ( North Male Atoll ) End of 2022
- ZAZZ Maldives ( South Ari Atoll ) Late 2022
- Madifushi Private Island ( Meemu Atoll ) 2022
- Maniya Faru ( South Male Atoll ) 2022
- The missing resorts
The hospitality industry is taking another bet on Maldives this year with 13 new resorts.
Maldives new resort openings in 2022 at a glance
Known for its perfect postcard landscapes, the Maldives are as attractive to hotel developers as it is to travelers.
The very small destination continues to have some of the highest rates of hotel development in the world with 13 new resorts announced for 2022.
Man-made islands, luxury resorts and all-inclusive plans remain the trend.
As for the location, hotel brands try to remains as close as possible to Male international airports despite the lack of available natural islands.
Most new resorts are located in 3 atolls : Raa Atoll, North Male and South Ari Atoll
North Male Atoll, the busiest one in Maldives, will see 4 new resorts, Raa Atoll, 4, South Ari will have 2 new resorts and the rest is dispatched between Meemu ( 1 resort ) Baa Atoll ( 1 resort ), Lhaviyani ( 1 resort) and South Male Atoll ( 1 resort ).
The most anticipated Maldives resorts
Some of the most hotly anticipated resort openings of 2022 are probably Hilton Maldives Amingiri in North Male Atoll for its popularity ( it will be Hilton 4th property in the Maldives ).
Next is Alila, which comes back to the Maldives after 11 years ( see here in my archives : Alila Villas Hadahaa sold and rebranded Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives for more ) with a superbly designed hotel called Kothaifaru in Raa Atoll and Six Senses which will take over the iconic Kanuhura at the end of the year with a very anticipated rebranding.
Man-made islands VS natural Islands
It seems that man-made islands are becoming the new normal in Maldives. The new resorts located in North and South Male Male Atolls are all built on artificial islands. Both atoll have no more natural islands available so new ones are artificially created to answer the ever increasing hotel demand.
Read more about Maldives artificial Islands.
The resorts that might open…one day
Just like each year ( see my previous Maldives resort opening lists ), some of the resorts that were supposed to open back in 2017, 2020 and 2021 might not do in 2022 or even the years after.
When curating these hotel openings ( an exciting investigation I must admit ), I always check back at the previous releases and announcements to see their respective opening status. If they opened or not or if their opening is postponed …
All resorts announced the past 2-3 years have opened excepted for 3. You will find the the missing resorts here at the end of this post for your information.
a closer look at the 12 New and Upcoming Resorts in 2022 in the Maldives
The following upcoming opening dates are announced by press releases and official resort medias. Remember they still might change.
Let’s take a closer look at these 12 new and upcoming resorts in 2022 in the Maldives
Resorts with opening dates
- Oblu Select Lobigili ( North Male Atoll ). Opened in March 2022
- Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort ( Raa Atoll ). Opening early April 2022
- Oblu Xperience Ailafushi ( North Male Atoll ). Opening in May 2022
- Nova Maldives ( South Ari Atoll ). Opening June 01st 2022
- Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( North Male Atoll ). Opening September 01st 2022
- Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa ( Raa Atoll ). Opening 01st October 2022
Resorts opening in 2022 but without exact dates
- Avani + Fares Maldives Resort ( Baa Atoll ) Opening during summer 2022
- Amari Kudakurathu Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) Opening in September 2022
- Six Senses Kanuhura ( Lhaviyani Atoll ) Opening in December 2022
- Oaga Art Resort ( North Male Atoll ). Opening end of 2022
- ZAZZ Maldives ( South Ari Atoll ). Opening end of 2022
- Madifushi Private Island ( Meemu Atoll ) in 2022 ?
- Maniya Faru Resort ( Raa Atoll ). Opening in 2022 ?
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
2022 Maldives Resort Openings
OBLU Select Obigili ( North Male Atoll )
Opened in March 2022
OBLU Select Obigili
North Male Atoll
OBLU Select Lobigili is located in North Male Atoll at 15 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport.
OBLU Select Lobigili recently opened on 24th March 2022. The resort is the sister property of OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, one of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts All Inclusive flagship resort in the Maldives.
Lobigili is a fully All Inclusive resort. The LOBI Plan includes dining, beverages, activities and various adventures fully encompassing all the elements of an intimate, carefree holiday experience.
Lobigili features 68 vibrant chic beach and overwater villas, an all-day Dining restaurant, a pool bar, a Food Truck and Only Blu, Lobigili underwater restaurant.
Activities and leisure include a PADI Dive School, a spa and the classic range of Maldives watersports.
Read more about OBLU Select Obigili opening
Number of villas : 68
Category : OBLU Select Obigili is a 5* adult-only All Inclusive resort
OBLU Select Obigili Photos
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort ( Raa Atoll )
April 2022
Raa Atoll
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort is located in Raa Atoll, at 45 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport.
Set on a beautiful island surrounded by an excellent house reef for snorkeling, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort will open mid April 2022. The resort announced a soft opening with beach Villas and limited dining facilities.
Kothaifaru is Alila’s second resort in the Maldives. The hotel brand, well known for its modern design and zen concept previously managed Alila Hadahaa Maldives, now Park Hyatt Hadahaa, in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, south Maldives.
Alila Kothaifaru remains in the spirit of the brand with 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas designed for serene relaxation and complete privacy in harmony with nature. Each villa comes with a private pool and features contemporary interiors in a palette of soothing colours.
The resort features 6 restaurants ( including several signature venues ) and bars, a kids club, a yoga space and a fitness center, a spa, an infinity pool and the classical Maldives watersports and diving facility.
Read more about Alila Kothaifaru Maldives opening
Number of villas : 80
Category : Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort is a 5* Luxury Boutique Hotel
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Resort Photos
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi ( North Male Atoll )
May 2022
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi
North Male Atoll
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is located in North Male Atoll at 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport.
Scheduled for opening in May 2022, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is a 4-Star fully All Inclusive Resort showcasing 268 villas located overwater and on the beach, available in four categories.
Also branded by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts like Lobigili, Ailafushi defines itself as a free-spirited Maldivian holiday experience for the modern traveler – be it families, couples or friends.
OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is a fully All Inclusive resort with a Plan including dining, beverages, activities, and adventures all blended in for a truly blissful getaway. The resort also boasts a futuristic 15-meter theatre and entertainment center with several fun activities including Zumba class and 3D movie shows, a spa and a diving center. Watersport lovers will be delighted with the complimentary use of non-motorized water sports (stand-up paddleboard and canoe) throughout the stay.
Read more about Oblu Xperience Ailafushi opening
Number of villas : 268
Category : OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is a 4* fully all-inclusive resort.
OBLU Xperience Ailafushi Photos
Nova Maldives ( South Ari Atoll )
01st June 2022
Nova Maldives
South Ari Atoll
Nova Maldives is located in South Ari Atoll at 25 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport.
Nova Maldives is set to open in June 2022. Nova is a modern luxury All-Inclusive resort which defines itself as a smart, playful, rooted and responsible resort with a laidback feeling.
If you’re a long time traveler to the Maldives, you will surely appreciate the fact that Nova Maldives is set on what was the iconic Vakarufalhi Island. The resort is developed by Pulse Hotels & Resorts brand, a Maldivian hotel group who’s also behind The Nautilus Maldives, Niyama Private Islands, Kandima Maldives to name a few.
Nova Maldives will feature 76 villas in ten different categories including inter-connecting Beach Villas for families and groups of friends, 5 restaurants and bars, a Spa, a gym and outdoor training area, a wide variety of watersports and a diving center.
The resort will offer a full board base meal plan and an All-Inclusive option.
Number of villas : 76
Category : Nova Maldives is a 5* All Inclusive Resort
Nova Maldives Photos
Hilton Maldives Amingiri ( North Male Atoll )
September 01st 2022
Hilton Maldives Amingiri
North Male Atoll
Hilton Maldives Amingiri is located in North Male Atoll, at 15 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport.
Scheduled for opening at the end of 2021, Hilton Maldives Amingiri will finally open in September 2022. The resort will feature 109 well-spaced beach and water villas, each with a private pool, including an exclusive six-bedroom villa for big families and groups.
Hilton Amingiri will feature six restaurants and bars, a pool, a spa, a fitness center and salon, a diving center and the classical watersport activities. Hilton has not yet announced if it will have a kids club.
Read more about Hilton Maldives Amingiri opening
Number of villas : 109
Category : Hilton Maldives Amingiri is a 5* Luxury Boutique Hotel
Hilton Maldives Amingiri images ( artist impressions )
Read more about Hilton Maldives Amingiri opening
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa ( Raa Atoll )
October 01st 2022
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Raa Atoll
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is located in Raa Atoll. The resort is reachable in 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé international airport or, alternatively, in 40 minutes by domestic flight to Raa Atoll domestic airport Ifuru.
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, first scheduled for May 2022, has re scheduled its opening for October 2022, 01st. Emerald’s second property in the Maldives is announced to be a modern luxury haven.
The 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive resort is nestled on lush tropical island of 7 hectares and is surrounded by both a close-by reef and a big lagoon. The perfect duo for snorkeling and watersports. Emerald Faarufushi design will blend luxury elements of contemporariness and typical barefoot elegance in the villas and across the island.
Faashifaru Maldives will boasts 80 villas located overwater and on the beach. The resort will feature a wide variety of activities and recreational hubs like a spa, a watersport center, a gym and a yoga pavilion as well as international dining venues and bars.
Number of villas : 109
Category : Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is a 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Resort.
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa Photos
Avani + Fares Maldives Resort ( Baa Atoll )
Summer 2022
Avani + Fares Maldives Resort
Baa Atoll
Avani + Fares Maldives Resort is located at a 45-minute journey by seaplane from Male international or in 30 minutes by speedboat from Baa Atoll domestic airport, Dharavandhoo.
Initially scheduled for opening since 2019, Avani + Fares Maldives Resort is supposed to finally open during the 2022 summer. Located in Baa Atoll, the 12.4 hectare natural island resort will be Avani’s first property in the Maldives and the only one opening in this atoll this year.
Not much has been released about the resort yet. The resort will feature 200 villas, including standard rooms and a selection of luxury villas, special living spaces that will gather the reception, a lounge, a meeting space as well as several gourmet dining options.
Read more about AVANI + Fares Maldives opening
Number of villas : 200
Category : Avani + Fares Maldives Resort is a 5-star Boutique Hotel
Avani + Fares Maldives Resort images ( artist impressions )
Amari Kudakurathu Maldives ( Raa Atoll )
2022
Amari Kudakurathu Maldives
Raa Atoll
Amari Kudakurathu Maldives is located in Raa Atoll in 45 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport or, alternatively, in 40 minutes by domestic flight to Raa Atoll domestic airport Ifuru.
Amari Kudakurathu will feature 200 villas, seven dining options, a spa and a kids club.
Number of villas : 200
Category : undisclosed.
Amari Kudakurathu Maldives Images ( Artist Impressions )
Six Senses Kanuhura ( Lhaviyani Atoll )
end of 2022
Six Senses Kanuhura
Lhaviyani Atoll
Six Senses Kanuhura is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, at 40 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport.
Six Kanuhura ( previously Kanuhura ) is scheduled to open under its new name at the end of 2022. The resort encompasses three private islands two deserted neighboring islands and Kanuhura itself.
The resort will offer 80 overwater and beach villas as well as spacious family villas offering sunset or sunrise views.
Read more about Six Senses Kanuhura opening and rebranding
Number of villas : 80
Category : Six Senses Kanuhura is a 5* Luxury resort
Six Senses Kanuhura Photos
Oaga Art Resort ( North Male Atoll )
End of 2022
Oaga Art resort
North Male Atoll
Oaga Art Resort is located in North Male Atoll at 30 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport.
Located in North Mala Atoll just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Oaga Art Resort promises to feature real art and creativity. The 5-star resort will offer 60 cosy and intimate villas with beach and over water options, 4 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing. The resort artistic and creative spaces will offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.
Number of villas : 60
Category : Oaga Art Resort is a 5-star All Inclusive resort
Oaga Art Resort Photos
ZAZZ Maldives ( South Ari Atoll )
Late 2022
ZAZZ Maldives
South Ari Atoll
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is located in South Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport or 90 minutes by speedboat
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is set for opening at the end of 2022 on the former Ranveli Island, but without precise date. ZAZZ Maldives is an adult-only resort developed by the Thailand based company Unicorn Hospitality and managed by Pulse Hotels & Resorts ( the Maldivian brand behind Kandima, The Nautilus, Niyama Private Islands…)
ZAZZ Maldives will feature a total of 101 overwater and beach villas in five categories. Each residence unit would be featuring high-end amenities like Zazz’s signature bedding, luxury and complimentary toiletries, modern bathroom facilities, filled minibar, television, safe and air condition.
The resort should also feature six restaurants and bars, an excellent wellness program including a medi-holistic Zspa for a complete rejuvenation treatment, as well as several watersports and activities.
Number of villas : 101
Category : ZAZZ Escapes Maldives is a 5* adult-only resort.
ZAZZ Escapes Maldives images ( Artist impressions )
Madifushi Private Island ( Meemu Atoll )
2022
Madifushi Private Island
Meemu Atoll
Madifushi Private Island is located in Meemu Atoll at 35 minutes by seaplane from Male international airport.
Madifushi Private Island will open late 2022. There is not much information yet about the new private island. Hopefully it will be as beautiful as the first artist impressions which look very promising.
The hotel brand promises that Madifushi will be a natured centric island and host 200 villas. Located in Meemu Atoll, a beautiful central area known for having whale sharks and manta rays, the private island will also focus on diving.
Number of villas : 200
Category : Madifushi is a Private Island. Luxury standards are expected.
Madifushi Private Island images ( Artist impressions )
Maniya Faru ( South Male Atoll )
2022
Maniya Faru
South Male Atoll
Maniya Faru is located in South Male Atoll at 30 minutes boat ride from the international airport.
Maniya Faru is announced for opening in 2022 but without any precise date. What we know is that the resort is still being built and developed by the same Maldivian company which also operates Reethi Faru Resort and Reethi Beach Resort. The island is artificial by looking at the available images.
Maniya Faru will feature 110 spacious villas, several restaurants, 2 bars, an overwater spa, a diving center, a fitness center and the usual range of watersports you will find on a Maldives resort.
Number of villas : 110
Category : undisclosed.
Maniya Faru location
Click to enlarge ↗
The missing resorts
3 resorts are still “missing”, year after year. I cannot find any information about their openings : Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort and The Address Madivaru Resort & Spa both announced for opening in 2020 and 2021, and Gran Meliá Huravee announced each year since 2017.
Here are the latest updates I could find about each of them at the time I write this post ( april 2022 )
1 – Gran Meliá Maldives
The opening of Gran Meliá Maldives is amongst the most enigmatic of all . After 5 years of announcement, Meliá Hotels portfolio still doesn’t mention it, not even in the development section.
2 – The Address Madivaru Resort & Spa
The opening of The Address Madivaru Resort & Spa opening might never happen either. The resort ( previously known as Banyan Tree Madivaru ) has completely vanished from the radars.
3 – Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort
As for the opening of Tolarno Maldives Kunaavashi Resort, a Chinese investment, there is no further news about its development. The resort still appears on La Vie Hotels & Resorts Portfolio, but with a single artist impression only and no further information.
Have these projects been abandoned ? The future will tell.
Stay tuned for opening resort updates & news
read more /
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