AccorHotels will launch its first luxury resort in the Maldives next week.

On 1 September 2017, the European hotel group will take over the management of Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, which is set on the private island of Meradhoo within the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Following the initial takeover, the resort will be gradually upgraded before being rebranded as a Raffles in late 2018.

The property currently features 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools, along with three restaurants, a bar, spa, an over-water fitness centre, water sports facilities and a PADI-certified dive centre. Guests will also be offered private dining options, 24-hour butler service and the use of a private chef.

“We are thrilled to announce our very first luxury resort in the Maldives at a time when the region is enjoying excellent growth, especially with travellers from Asia Pacific. AccorHotels is bringing to the resort our expertise in delivering unparalleled luxury experiences renowned in our Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel brands,” said Patrick Basset, AccorHotels’ chief operating officer of Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia.

“We believe the appointment of AccorHotels for the resort will allow us to optimise its asset potential and redefine this resort at the very top end of the luxury resort sector in the Maldives, following the re-positioning exercise in 2018,” commented Vincent Yeo, CEO of CDL Hospitality Trusts, the property’s owner.

Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort is a 55-minute flight from Male International Airport, followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer.