Dubai DAMAC Group signs contract with Mandarin Oriental to manage luxurious resort in Maldives

Cannes: Dubai-based DAMAC Group, under its property development arm DAMAC Properties, signed a contract with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to operate a new resort on a group of private islands in the Maldives. The deal was announced to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes France (ILTM).

The 34-hectare luxury resort, which is currently under development and is scheduled to open in 2025, will be DAMAC Group’s first foray in the tourist islands, known for its premium five-star offerings.

The Indian Ocean resort stretches across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.

Surrounded by white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs for which the Maldives is renowned, the resort aims to provide a picturesque backdrop from where guests can enjoy a variety of activities including culinary experiences through various specialty restaurants around the island in addition to wellness retreats and water sports.

The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef’s accommodation comprises 130 stand-alone villas, made up of 64 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas, including 10 branded residences. Ranging in size from 100 to 600 square metres (internal), the villas are set to be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and beautiful ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practices are followed in all stages of the development.

Eight dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and an exclusive dining venue along with a pool bar will ensure that guests have a varied choice of cuisines during their stay.

In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event spaces will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings.

Spacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, hammam, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments, a press release said.

Additional leisure activities will include a water sports and a dive centre, a world class kids and teens club designed by international consultants, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.

“The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and we felt the Maldives was a perfect location for us. DAMAC has extended its global footprint outside of the Middle East, from the UK to Canada, and we are thrilled to have now reached the Maldives as well. We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island,” Hussain Sajwani, Chairman and founder of the DAMAC Group said.

‘’We are continuously entering into partnerships with established world class brands that mirror DAMAC’s reputation and standards for luxury offerings and are confident that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will excel in its mandate,” Sajwani added.

“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter the Maldives for some time. This project represents the right opportunity for the Group,” said James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.