Regent Hotels & Resorts announces plans to open a new luxury resort on Maalefushi Island, Republic of Maldives
in 2008. The Regent Maldives will be a 50-villa luxury resort on the
secluded coral island, just 50 minutes by seaplane from the capital
city of Male. Regent Hotels & Resorts is part of Carlson Hotels
Worldwide. The Regent Maldives will occupy the entire Maalefushi
Island, an unspoiled 8-hectare (hectare=107,639 square feet) island
paradise with lush tropical vegetation fringed with flawless white sand
beaches. This magnificent villa development will redefine the concept
of luxury resort hospitality, with its superb facilities, exclusive
ambiance and world-renowned Regent service.
Paul Kirwin, president and managing director of Carlson Hotels
Worldwide - Asia Pacific comments, “Everything about this resort – from
the breathtaking location and distinctive architecture to the
spectacular beautiful spa – will be the embodiment of The Regent
Experience.”

Maalefushi Island sits at the heart of the Thaa Atoll, a natural
wonderland of crystal clear waters, coral reefs, brilliant white
beaches and spectacular sunsets. The Regent Maldives will feature 23
beach villas and 27 over-water villas, including two presidential
villas, which will allow guests to observe the abundant marine life
directly beneath their rooms. All villas are designed with private
plunge pools and expansive timber decks offering breathtaking views
across the turquoise lagoon.
The individual villas are designed to maximize privacy and comfort,
and combine traditional Maldivian architecture with
internationally-sourced materials and contemporary fabrics and
furnishings selected by renowned interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates.
The bathroom of each villa opens to either a lush private garden area
or ocean vistas and features indoor and outdoor showers. The two
exclusive Presidential villas set over the coral lagoon include extra
indulgences such as a luxurious dining pavilion with a viewing and
relaxation platform, spacious bedroom suites with walk in wardrobe and
private sun decks.
Integral to the theme of indulgence is the 850 square-metre Spa
which resides over the lagoon, with the eight private treatment
pavilions open to the ocean breezes. Specializing in innovative spa
treatments, each pavilion will feature a plunge bath, outdoor shower
and relaxation deck.
Dining options at The Regent Maldives will include the Maldivian
Chic over-water signature grill restaurant/bar, showcasing local
seafood prepared using variations of grill cuisine from nations
surrounding the Maldives.
Complemented with spectacular views over the water and to the sunset,
The Café will offer continental style buffet for breakfast and a wide
range of a la carte dishes while a more casual dining experience by the
pool is available at the Ocean Terrace and Lounge. For private dining
each guest villa features both indoor and outdoor dining facilities.
For recreation, a myriad of water sports and activities are
available such as scuba diving, with a fully equipped dive school and
qualified dive masters, snorkelling
on the reef, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing or romantic
picnics on nearby uninhabited islands. There will also be a fitness
centre with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
On the beachfront is a 38 metre infinity pool, while the lush
sculpted gardens include a tennis court, volleyball court and yoga
pavilion. Those with a taste for adventure can explore the remote and
seldom-visited atolls of the Maldives in the comfort of the resort’s
luxury motor launch. A library and lounge will also provide a full
range of business services.
The Regent Maldives joins the growing portfolio of new Regent hotels
and resorts under development around the world. Regent Hotels &
Resorts currently has eight hotels and resorts worldwide.