Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group has announced its expansion to South Asia, with the opening in 2020 of Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa under a management contract.
The Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is the first-of-its-kind island hotel project by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium brand of Emaar Hospitality Group.
The resort is being developed on the 2.4 square kilometre Ethere Madivaru island in North Ari Atoll, which previously housed the Banyan Tree Madivaru resort.
The Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa, which is accessible by a 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, will feature 80 beachside and overwater villas, including selected units for sale. It will consist of a dedicated spa island and a water sports island, offering diving, surfing and other activities. Floating restaurants and lounges, swimming pools and children’s play areas will also be available.
Abdul Gafoor, whose Finolhu Investment owns the island, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address brand to Maldives to manage our exceptional property that will complement our nation’s focus on tourism growth. With a strong intake of Middle East visitors, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will appeal to visitors and investors from the region for holiday homes and luxury stays in our country.”
Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Maldives is an ideal fit to our expansion plans to take our proven competencies in hospitality to newer geographies. It is our privilege to have been chosen by Finolhu Investment to manage this iconic property in the Indian Ocean.”
Emaar Hospitality Group currently operates 11 hotels and three residential buildings in Dubai. The group has recently announced a major expansion plan, with 29 upcoming hotel projects, including proposed new properties in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey.