Le Méridien Set to Open in Maldives this Summer

A new resort is expected to make its debut in the world’s most captivating destinations – the Maldives from 1 August. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, the stylish European-inspired brand is opening a 154-villa resort on the island of Thilamaafushi that welcomes creative-minded travellers to island living.

Secluded in a southeastern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is found on a natural island spanning nine hectares – an eco-conscious haven abundant with indigenous flora and fauna. It is enveloped by vast lagoon. Spanning coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life, including pods of manta rays and turtles. The resort is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane journey north of Velana (MLE) International Airport, Malé.

Guests at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa are invited to step out of their daily routine and into a glamorous getaway with notes of nostalgia. Every aspect of the resort’s design takes cues from the Paris-born brand’s mid-century design aesthetic and European heritage inspired by the era of glamorous travel, presented through a Maldivian lens. With vast hues of Maldivian blues and fringing reefs abound with marine life, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa unlocks the charm of the Maldives in style, celebrating the destination’s iconic flat lagoons, endless blues and pristine beaches through the distinct European spirit of savouring the good life. At Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, guests can feel free to indulge in the simple pleasures of life – where lingering longer is encouraged.

The resort’s distinct timeless chic design is inspired by the formation of the Maldives archipelago, emulating the atoll’s unique topography, its bordering reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as thilas. Interior and exterior design celebrates the Maldives’ distinct life and culture and vibrant landscape, fused with mid-century modern and Bauhaus aesthetics to present a resort that sits in harmony with the natural environment.

Each villa’s design evokes mid-century philosophies and unites the concept of art and industrial design with clean lines, a muted colour palette and a juxtaposition of renewable materials that fosters simplicity, openness and functionality. A selection of one and two-bedroom villas are tucked amongst the tropical landscape and dotted over the Indian Ocean and feature unparalleled views across the whitewashed beaches, the Indian Ocean or turquoise lagoon. Families and groups will enjoy the Thilamaafushi Villa, a three-bedroom villa set in its own alcove of the island on the beach.

Guests will be able to dine at six restaurants and bars showcasing global tastes and locally harvested produce, as well as enjoy treatments from sustainable international brands at Explore Spa by Le Méridien. The hotel will also take part in Le Méridien’s signature brand programmes that evoke the glamour of a summer spent on the French Riviera. This includes Au Soleil, which encourages a summer state of mind with activations at golden hour and Le Scoop by Le Méridien, which invites guests to pair a glass of rosé with a refreshing scoop of gelato or sorbet.

Families can take advantage of the Le Méridien Family and Kids’ Hub, with day and night nature trails, a mini marine conservation program, folklore storytelling, sustainable art classes and micro-green planting in The Greenhouse.  Families can also explore a menu of expeditions that include a nature safari, marine talks and coral restoration, foraging and cooking classes in The Greenhouse. There are also expeditions to Le Meridien’s private island, Bodu Finolhu and a range of resort-wide experiences to discover and conserve the surrounding environment. The resort also presents a boutique lifestyle space that features an ocean facing fitness studio and yoga pavilion as well as an interactive creative arts studio for guests to stay balanced and inspired during their travel.

Rates start from USD 600 per night in a sunrise overwater villa inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Visit www.lemeridien-maldives.com