Maldives New and Upcoming Resorts Openings in 2018

The Maldives will see the opening of 20 new resorts in 2018. This year will probably be one of the busiest for the destination.

New Opening Resorts in Maldives in 2018.

My latest opening list of the New & Upcoming Resorts in 2017 in Maldives, focused on the 6 most noticeable Resorts that opened in 2017 in the archipelago.
2018 is probably one of the busiest year with more than 20 new resorts openings. Some have already opened but some others are still in building process and thus postponed their openings for 2019.

.Question : But …Why so many new resorts ?

.Answer :

The current government is leasing a lot of Islands.

Several islands are leased from the government to become luxury resorts.
The List of Islands and lagoons available for lease is getting bigger by the time.

Since 2014, several uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign Hotel developers.

Numerous international brands have entered into the Maldives market for the need of existing inside this prestigious Hotel Collection.

.Fact : Almost 150 Resorts in 2018 in Maldives

In my latest article mid-August 2018 , I had a lot of fun ( and difficulties…) gathering and listing the Complete and latest List of all Maldives Resorts [ with 1 Photo per each Island ] .

At this date, I listed almost 150 Resorts, including operating resorts and resorts that are about to operate before the end of 2018.

Let’s take now a closer look at all New and Upcoming Resorts in 2018 in Maldives.

New 2018 Resort Openings

According to scheduled announced openings, in 2018, approximately 30 New Resorts were officially expected to open in 2018.

However a few ones did not, or will not, make it on time.

My final investigation based on the latest news, shows that “only” 21 new resorts will be operating before the end of 2018, if nothing is postponed until then.

OPENING DELAYS

Some resorts were set to open during the first half of 2018, but delays in the process ( usual in this business ) have led to postpone operation for the last 2018 semester and many will not open on time.

2018 Maldives most recent Resort openings / 1st Semester

2018 most recent openings are :

1. Hondaafushi Island Resort ( Haa Dhaalu Atoll ) in March 2018,
2. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi ( Shaviyani Atoll ) in April 2018,
3. Noku Maldives ( Noonu Atoll ) in August 2018,
4. Dreamland Unique Island ( Baa Atoll ) in February 2018 and
5. OBLU SELECT at Sangeli ( North Male Atoll ) in July 2018.

2018 Maldives upcoming Resort openings / 2nd Semester

2018 upcoming openings are :

1. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo ( Gaafu Alifu Atoll ) due to open late 2018
2. Sun Aqua Iru Veli ( Dhaalu Atoll ) in October 2018
3. Kudadoo Private Island Miriandhoo ( Lhaviyani Atoll ) in Automn 2018
4. Innahura Maldives Resort ( Lhaviyani Atoll ) opening December 2018
5. Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort ( Baa Atoll ) opening October 2018
6. The Nautilus Maldives ( Baa Atoll ) opening October 2018
7. You and Me by Cocoon Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) opening December 2018
8. Heritance Aarah Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) opening December 2018
9. Joali Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) opening October 2018
10. Faarufushi Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) opening December 2018
11. Emerald Maldives ( Raa Atoll ) opening December 2018
12. Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa ( Raa Atoll ) opening November 2018
13. Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives ( Noonu Atoll ) opening end 2018
14. Pullman Maamutaa  ( Gaafu Alifu Atoll ) end of 2018 – or 2019 ? still not clear
15. Centara Grand Muthaafushi ( Baa Atoll ) soft opening late 2018, grand opening early 2019
16. Gran Meliá Maldives ( Thaa Atoll ) the most enigmatic opening of all : opening first scheduled for 2017, then 2018, but might be postponed again (… to be reconfirmed).

Resorts are listed according to Opening Date.

Please note :
About Prices : All prices in this list exclude local taxes and transfers otherwise mentioned.
Prices are subject to change according to the period and current available offers.

About Opening Dates : Some Properties are still in Development. This could lead to a further opening date than the one I mention below.
All mentionned dates are the ones that are announced by Hotel Companies.
They might change before the end of 2018.

About Photos : Resorts which are still in building process do not release real photos that easily.
I have tried my very best to find you the most up-to-date photos of each opened or opening resort.

For most of them I could feature 4 photos per each resort, but sometimes you will only see 2 or 3 images as visuals can be hard to find.
To complete this portfolio, I had to use computer generated images for some of them.

All photos & Computer Generated Images. Credit / Respective Resorts

2018 Past Resort Openings

Dreamland Unique Island. Opening Date : February 2018

Baa Atoll
Located at 25 mns by seaplane from Male International Airport, Dreamland Unique Island has several unique features that you might not find in other islands. It has a fresh water lake right in the middle of the resort.

Number of Villas : 90. Beach & Water Villas.

Resort Type : Dreamland Maldives is a 4 Star Resort.

Dreamland Maldives Photos

Hondaafushi Island Resort. Opening Date : March 2018

Hondaafushi Island Resort

Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Hondaafushi Island Resort is a private retreat in the Maldives. The resort is situated 40 minutes away from Male International Airport and guests can arrive here by domestic flight provided by Maldivian Airline, followed by a 15 minute speed boat ride.

Number of Villas : 100. Beach & Water Villas.

Resort Type : Hondaafushi is a 4 Star Resort with All Inclusive Plan.

Hondaafushi Photos

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. Opening Date : April 2018

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Shaviyani Atoll
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is a 120 luxury all-villa resort that offers an incredibly detailed architecture and a world-first underwater art installation. The island covers approximately 160,000 sqm (16 hectares) of land and features one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives.

Number of Villas : 100. Beach & Water Villas.

Resort Type : Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

OBLU SELECT at Sangeli. Opening Date : July 2018

OBLU SELECT at Sangeli

North Male Atoll
Situated at 5-0 mns via Speedboat from Malé International Airport, OBLU SELECT at Sangeli is a 4 Star DELUXE resort offering a great value for discerning travellers. The resort has a wide variety of contemporary designed villas and suites coupled with a great All Inclusive Plan and one of the best snorkeling location in Male Atoll.

Number of Villas : 137. Beach & Water Villas AND Suites.

Resort Type : OBLU SELECT at Sangeli is a 4 Star DELUXE Resort with All Inclusive Plan.

OBLU SELECT at Sangeli Photos

Noku Maldives. Opening Date : August 2018

Noku Maldives

Noonu Atoll
Noku Maldives is a 5 Star resort located at 45 mns by seaplane from Male Inetrnational Airport. The resort is set on a splendid Island surrounded by soft powdery shores and crystal blue waters. Noku Maldives offers a peaceful and intimate retreat.

Number of Villas : 50 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : NOKU MAldives is a 5 Star Resort.

Noku Maldives Photos

2018 Upcoming Resort Openings

Sun Aqua Iru Veli. Opening Date : October 2018

Sun Aqua Iru Veli

Dhaalu Atoll
Located in Dhaalu Atoll at 40 mns by seaplane from Male International Airport, Sun Aqua Iru Veli is a Premium All Inclusive Luxury Resort ideal for Honeymooners and families. The resort promises a laid-back and stylish atmosphere with a playful vibe.

Number of Villas : 125 Beach & Water Villas AND Suites

Resort Type : Sun Aqua Iru Veli is a 5 Star Luxury Premium All Inclusive Resort.

Sun Aqua Iru Veli Photos

Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Opening Date : October 2018

Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

Baa Atoll
Located in Baa Atoll at 40 mns by seaplane from Male International Airport, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is inspired from the oceans and focuses on environmental sustainability. The overwater suites are announced to be amongst the largest a resort has to offer in Baa Atoll.

Number of Villas : 70 Beach & Water Villas AND Suites

Resort Type : The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Photos

The Nautilus Maldives. Opening End 2018

The Nautilus Maldives

Baa Atoll
The Nautilus Maldives a privately-owned island in the heart of a Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve has a serious ambition of being noted as one of the leading luxury resorts in the world. All Guests are considered VIP from the arrival to their departure. Accommodation at The Nautilus is called ‘houses and residences’ for guests to feel the same levels of comfort and ease as when at home.

Number of Villas : 26 Beach & Water Suites

Resort Type : The Nautilus Maldives is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

The Nautilus Photos

Joali Maldives. Opening Date : October 2018

Joali Maldives

Raa Atoll
Located at 45 mns by seaplane from male international Airport, Joali Maldives will offer unconventional luxury blended with glamour and Art. Each villa features a private infinity pool, butler service, artisanal amenities, curated in-villa libraries, thoughtful design and handpicked art.

Number of Villas : 73 Beach & Water Villas AND Residences

Resort Type : Joali Maldives is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

Kudadoo Private Island Miriandhoo. Opening Date : Automn 2018

Kudadoo Private Island Miriandhoo

Lhaviyani Atoll
Located at 40 mns by seaplane from male international Airport, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is designed to be a sanctuary of serenity for those seeking an all-inclusive luxury experience complemented with an abundance of personal space. The Private Island 15 opulent Over water residences can also be entirely rented.

Number of Villas : 15 Water Residences

Resort Type : Kudadoo Private Island Miriandhoo is a Luxury All Inclusive Private Island.

Kudadoo Private Island Photos

Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa. Opening Date : November 2018

Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa

Raa Atoll
First resort of Carpe Diem Maldives, specialized in luxury dive and surf liveaboard cruises, Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa focuses on an activities and Nature for easy-going travellers. The island benefits from a healthy house reef and a large lagoon.

Number of Villas : 115 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa is a 4 Star Luxury Resort.

Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa Photos

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. Opening Date : Late 2018

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is located at a 55-mns flight from Male Airport and a 15-minute speedboat transfer. The resort promises to offer island and ocean villas with private pools, 3 restaurants, including an award winning luxury spa, 24-hour butler and private chef service, along with snorkelling and diving at its finest.

Number of Villas : 37 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is a 5 Star ULTRA Luxury Resort.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Photos

Innahura Maldives Resort. Opening Date : December 2018

Innahura Maldives Resort

Lhaviyani Atoll
Innahura Maldives Resort is located at 40 mns flight from Male International Airport. Innahura island is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and white sandy beach. This 600 meters long by 180 meters wide island is the small humble yet charming sister of Hurawalhi Maldives.

Number of Villas : 78  Beach Villas

Resort Type : Innahura Maldives Resort is a 3 Star All Inclusive Resort

Innahura Maldives Photos

You & Me Maldives by Cocoon. Opening Date : December 2018

You & Me Maldives by Cocoon

Raa Atoll
You & Me Maldives is a private, rustic and romantic island located in Raa atoll at 20 minutes by speedboat from Ifuru domestic airport ( reachable in 30 mns from Male international Airport ), or a 45 minute, scenic seaplane ride from Male’ international airport. Adults only island, targeting couples, honeymooners and friends, the resort is a quiet, relaxing retreat, far away from other hotels.

Number of Villas : 150 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : You & Me Maldives by Cocoon is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

You and Me by Cocoon Maldives Photos

Heritance Aarah Maldives. Opening Date : December 2018

Heritance Aarah Maldives

Raa Atoll
Heritance Aarah Maldives is located at 40 mns flight from Male International Airport. The resort is a fusion of indigenous Maldivian and modern architecture for guests seeking relaxation and active holidays. Heritance Aarah promises to offer various choices with a unique Premium All-Inclusive holiday plan, some of the largest beach villas in the Maldives including large family villas.

Number of Villas : 157  Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Heritance Aarah Maldives is a 5 Star Premium All-Inclusive Resort

Heritance Aarah Maldives Photos

Faarufushi Maldives. Opening Date : December 2018

Faarufushi Maldives

Raa Atoll
Member of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Faarufushi Maldives announces to offer a combination of all the things travellers want from a luxury Maldivian resort. Set on the private island of Faarufushi in a remote part in the northern Raa atoll, the resort is at a 50-mns journey by seaplane or a flight via Ifuru Domestic Airport from the main Velana International Airport. 

Number of Villas : 80 Beach & Water Villas AND Retreats

Resort Type : Faarufushi Maldives is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Faarufushi Maldives Photos

Emerald Maldives. Opening Date : December 2018

Emerald Maldives

Raa Atoll

Emerald Maldives is accessible by seaplane in 45 mns or a 30-minute domestic flight from Male International Airport to Ifuru Domestic Airport followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride. Emerald Collection’s Maldives resort will be its second property included in the portfolio of Leading Hotels of the World.

Number of Villas : 120 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Emerald Maldives is a 5 Star All Inclusive Resort

Emerald Maldives Photos

Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. Opening Date : End 2018

Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives

Noonu Atoll

Located at a 45 mns seaplane flight from Male International Airport, Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is announced as contemporary tropical resort combining comfort and style with a high degree of privacy. Movenpick Maldives will also feature an array of onsite recreational facilities to entertain a wide range of guests, from honeymooners to adventurous families.

Number of Villas : 105 Beach & Water Villas AND Suites

Resort Type : Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Mövenpick Kuredhivaru Maldives Photos

Pullman Maamutaa. Opening Date : Late 2018 / Beginning 2019 ?

Pullman Maamutaa

Gaafu Alifu Atoll

We know only a few about Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort. What is sure and confirmed is that the resort is located 10 minutes away by speedboat from Kooddoo Airport, built on a 195,000 sqm Island, making the Resort one of the largest in Maldives. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is announced as a 5 star luxury Island providing several dining options and leisure including 2 swimming pools, organic gardens, Kids facilities to name a few.

Number of Villas : 120 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Pullman Maamutaa is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Pullman Maamutaa Photos

Centara Grand Muthaafushi
Opening Date : soft opening late 2018, grand opening early 2019

Centara Grand Muthaafushi

Baa Atoll

Still in development process, quite at a early stage to know a lot about this new upcoming Island, Centara Grand Muthaafushi is expected to be a 5 star Luxury property. The resort is announced to offer an underwater restaurant, a floating cinema, a dedicated Thai spa, a fitness centre among other facilities.

Number of Villas : 101 Beach & Water Villas

Resort Type : Centara Grand Muthaafushi is a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Centara Grand Muthaafushi Photos

Gran Melià Maldives. Opening Date : 2018, no official date

Gran Meliá Maldives

Thaa Atoll

The opening of Gran Meliá Maldives was already announced for 2017, and appears again in the 2018 expected openings. The resort seems to have a lot of delays. Unfortunately, at this day, few information about its ( definitive ) official opening is available.

Number of Villas : 95 Beach & Water Villas.( to be reconfirmed )

Resort Type : Gran Meliá Maldives is expected to be a 5 Star Luxury Resort

Gran Meliá Maldives Photos

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