W Maldives to reopen after... | Connecting Travel

Five-star resort embraces a bio-boho design philosophy

After 20 years as a trailblazer in luxury Maldivian hospitality, W Maldives, a Marriott hotel, will reopen in March 2025 following a multi-million-dollar “full-scale” renovation.

As the first property to showcase W Hotels' global rebranding initiative, the five-star heart-shaped island resort nestled in the North Ari Atoll is embracing a bio-boho design philosophy.

This approach focuses on connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces by integrating natural elements, textures and patterns to reflect the island’s biodiversity.

Each of the reimagined 77 overwater and beach villas have been redesigned, with beach villas taking their design cues from local mangroves, while the overwater villas draw inspiration from coral reefs and whale sharks.

Redesigned villas embrace a bio-boho design philosophy with materials, patterns and a palette that reflects the island's biodiversity

Overwater one-bedroom villa bathroom

Each villa offers a private pool, marble bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows that connect guests to the ocean, some with starlit outdoor bathrooms, others with private whirlpools and two-storey private water slides that slip directly into the pool.

The new Oasis Beach two-bedroom villa is for families seeking direct beach access.

With a similar bio-boho aesthetic, poolside hangout WET introduces a stainless-steel water slide whose design mirrors the natural contours of the ocean and reflects the surrounding water and sky.

Complementing its organic design, the resort has replaced single-use plastics with more sustainable alternatives, while an in-house bio-gas plant transforms food waste into methane gas and nutrient-rich water to cultivate the lush foliage that forms the backdrop of the resort's boho-inspired spaces.

Beach villa surrounded by lush foliage

There are also plans to cultivate a herb and fruit plantation and integrate solar power.

The resort's culinary offerings have been revamped too. Fish offers an ocean-to-table experience, showcasing the freshest local seafood sourced sustainably from nearby fishermen, while beachside smokehouse Fire elevates BBQ dining with wood-fired cuisine and chef's table service.

Sip delivers a taste of Latin America with cocktails, caviar and a resident DJ and poolside dining concept WET Deck brings flavours of Mykonos to the Maldives.

Overlooking the ocean, the fitness centre offers state-of-the-art equipment alongside classes, with plans to introduce a padel court in May 2025, while the AWAY Spa combines natural ingredients with soothing therapies in overwater treatment rooms.

Days can be spent snorkelling in the house reef with the resort’s marine biologist, diving from the property’s yacht, stretching out to yoga on the beach, or tucking into a private dinner on the resort’s private island, Gaathafushi.

From each overwater bungalow, guests can enjoy direct access to the house reef

Overwater villa with direct access to the house reef

The resort has also doubled down on delivering immersive music experiences and interactive art installations, with plans for collaborations with world-renowned chefs, mixologists, artists and brands.

“This transformation is a bold step forward, blending the distinctive W spirit with the incredible natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives.

“We are confident that our guests will find not only a luxurious escape, but a dynamic and unforgettable experience that reflects the true essence of paradise.”

The transformation is part of a broader global rebranding effort by W Hotel, which aims to update the brand's design sensibilities and accelerate its sustainability efforts.

W Maldives reopens on 1 March 2025.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlewh-w-maldives

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