Brice Borin to lead Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives ahead of 2027 opening
Experienced French hotelier returns to the Maldives to lead Hyatt Regency’s debut in the destination, with the new all-villa resort scheduled to open in late 2027.
Brice Borin, a seasoned French hotelier with more than three decades of international hospitality experience, has been appointed General Manager of Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives, a new luxury resort scheduled to open in the North Malé Atoll in late 2027.
The appointment brings Borin back to the Maldives, where he has previously overseen three resort pre-openings at Mövenpick Maldives Resort, The Regent Maldives and Anantara Maldives. His extensive experience in resort development and operations is expected to play a key role in preparing the new property for its launch.
Borin most recently served as General Manager of Pimalai Resort & Spa in Thailand, a luxury property recognised with Two Michelin Keys and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). He brings more than 20 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside a broader international career spanning over 30 years in hospitality.
Throughout his career, Borin has focused on combining financial discipline with authentic hospitality, with an emphasis on improving profitability, strengthening market positioning, enhancing guest satisfaction and building engaged, service-driven teams.
His return to the Maldives comes as Hyatt prepares to introduce its Hyatt Regency brand to the country for the first time.
Hyatt Regency makes its Maldives debut
Set across 24 acres (approximately 10 hectares) in the North Malé Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will feature 130 luxury villas, including beachfront, treetop and overwater accommodation, each with a private pool.
The resort is being developed by SingHaiyi Hospitality, marking the company’s second property in the Maldives and reinforcing its strategic presence in one of the world’s most sought-after luxury tourism destinations.
Located approximately 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is designed to combine convenient access with a secluded island experience. Its location will also provide access to the atoll’s established diving and snorkelling sites, where marine life includes manta rays and hawksbill turtles.
The surrounding area is also known for its surfing opportunities, including renowned breaks such as Pasta Point and Sultans, positioning the property to appeal to both luxury leisure travellers and adventure-seeking guests.
Architecture and interior design will be led by Park + Associates, with the design approach combining traditional Maldivian elements with a soft, natural aesthetic.
A resort designed for diverse luxury experiences
Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will offer a broad range of dining, wellness and recreational facilities. Its planned dining venues include a Japanese restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a beach club and a sunset bar.
The resort will also feature an exclusive Regency Club lounge for eligible World of Hyatt Globalists and guests staying in villas with club access.
Facilities will include a dedicated kids’ club, a marine and diving centre, a fitness pavilion, a yoga deck and a spa with eight treatment rooms. The combination of family-friendly amenities, marine activities and wellness facilities is intended to cater to a wide range of travellers, from families and couples to guests seeking active holidays or restorative island escapes.
Expanding Hyatt’s presence in the Maldives
The opening of Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will make it the third Hyatt property in the country, joining Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.
The addition will broaden Hyatt’s portfolio in the destination, bringing the Hyatt Regency brand’s emphasis on welcoming hospitality and full-service experiences to the Maldivian luxury resort market.
For SingHaiyi Hospitality, the project represents a further investment in the Maldives, where demand for high-end island experiences continues to underpin the country’s international tourism profile.
With Borin’s previous Maldivian pre-opening experience and extensive regional leadership background, his appointment places an experienced resort operator at the helm of the new development as it moves towards its planned late-2027 opening.
The resort’s combination of private-pool villas, varied dining concepts, wellness facilities and access to the North Malé Atoll’s marine and surfing attractions is expected to position it as a new entrant in the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.
