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A raft of new resorts opening in the island nation is ensuring it keeps its place on luxury travellers’ radars, along with new airport developments to enhance accessibility, says April Hutchinson
Luxury boost set for the Maldives
T
he Maldives is about to enter a whole new phase in its tourism development with the arrival of a new
airport runway. Its previous slither of tarmac on a small island did what it could, but now the plan for Velana International airport is the largest infrastructure development project in the country’s history.
It handled 4.4 million passengers in 2017, but the new code-F runway – on which Etihad Airways recently landed the first-ever A380 to arrive in the country – and international passenger terminal building have been designed to cater for more than 7.5 million people.
The current international terminal building will become the new domestic terminal once the new international terminal becomes operational. The old seaplane terminal – where many luxury resorts have their own waiting lounge – will see a vast improvement and will now be capable of holding up to 80 aircraft, eventually relocating to a newly reclaimed area to the north of the island’s air traffic tower. Meanwhile, those who like to travel by private jet will be pleased with the news of a separate VIP/CIP terminal. The country is also looking forward to continued expansion in visitor numbers, with latest figures showing 972,839 global tourist arrivals from
The architecture at Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort on Baa atoll evokes marine life and shells
January-August 2018, an increase of 9.1% when compared with the same period in 2017.
The country already has several small regional airports, serving population pockets and the higher- density resort areas. Noonu atoll is home to some of the country’s most high-end resorts including the likes of Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, Velaa Private Island and Cheval Blanc Randheli, and they can all now be reached easier, thanks to the recent opening of Maafaru International airport. It is capable of accepting large aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, where previously
the only access available to the area was by seaplane.
Room boom
With high targets on arrivals and an expanded airport, there is certainly a lot of room stock coming online to match, much of it at the luxury end. Noonu atoll is home to another luxury favourite, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of a group in expansion mode, with 125-villa Sun Aqua Iru Veli opening on November 17 as the fourth resort for the brand in the country. Making its debut on Aluvifushi in Dhaalu atoll, the resort will operate as a premium all- inclusive and will have a six-room spa and a kids’ club – something of a must these days as the destination evolves into a family-friendly option. Aitken Spence Hotels is also set to make a debut, with the launch of its first Heritance property in December. Heritance Aarah, tucked away in Raa atoll, also operates as an all-inclusive resort with accommodation options including duplex ocean suites. But one of the most hotly
The redeveloped Velana International airport in Male will be able to handle 7.5 million passengers a year
42 06.11.2018
anticipated openings is Joali, which opens this month, with 73 villas
pitched as the “epitome of sustainable glamour”. Across the island, there will be a range of art and design made from recycled goods by celebrated young artists, as well as an Art Studio and Gallery, complemented by a wellbeing programme in collaboration with ESPA, plus a whisky lounge, ice- cream store and well-curated library. Already well established in the Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to unveil “the world’s first undersea residence” this week. The Muraka cost $15 million to build, with the two-level structure including a suite five metres below sea level. The villa can accommodate up to nine guests and has its own infinity pool – above sea level, obviously.
Mix and match
The Maldives has always been a hotbed of independent hotels, with local players always wary of the need to be even more creative as more and more international luxury brands arrive on their doorstep. Also tacking on something special to an existing resort is Hurawalhi, having just launched Kudadoo
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