08 New Maldives Resort Openings Anticipated for Late-2020 & 2021

The existing Maldives properties are opening their doors following the border opening of the Maldives. However, which brand-new resort openings should you look forward to? After all, the Maldives has much more in store with many resort openings scheduled for 2021. From ultra-luxury to new brands resort openings in late-2020 and 2021; here are 08 of the most anticipated resort openings to look forward to.

ZAZZ Island Maldives

Expected to open in early 2021 – ZAZZ Island Maldives is a part of the ZAZZ escapes collection. The properties from ZAZZ escapes promise guests on a journey of discovery and fun. If you’re looking for a chance to disconnect and share adventures while shifting back to the nature, ZAZZ Escapes will not disappoint you.

The modern oasis ZAZZ Island is a playground for adults, offering exclusive relaxation and exciting diversions to holidaymakers. The resort boasts 101 over-water and beach villas accented by breathtaking views. In addition to that, guests can savor a large choice of venues, with six different food and beverage destinations that will delight your buds.

The resort located in South Ari Atoll – is a 25-minutes scenic seaplane journey from the main Velana International Airport.

Maniya Faru Resort

Developed by Mahogany Pvt Ltd, Maniya Faru Resort will feature 110 villas incorporated with popular services and facilities. The resort located in the South Male’ Atoll is expected to open in early 2021. Mahogany owns and operates the Reethi Faru Resort in Northern Raa Atoll. In addition to that, the company also managed Reethi Beach Resort for 20 years.

Avani Fares Maldives Resort

The Avani Fares Maldives Resort will comprise of 200 guest rooms, including standard rooms and a selection of villas. Every attention is given to wellbeing, alongside décor blending genuine pleasures, and modernity. Likewise, these rooms will boast soothing materials, textures, and high-tech equipment.

The Resort is secluded in the northern Maldives, accessible by a 45-minute journey by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport. Similarly, the resort is also just 30 minutes by speedboat from Baa Atoll’s domestic airport.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a hotel and resort chain with 23 properties across 15 countries. The company launched in 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa.

Capella Maldives, Fari Islands

Capella Maldives finds synergy between authentic island life and the contemporary elements that make up the perfect escape from every day. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Hong Kong-based interior designer André Fu, all 57 villas and mansions located on land or over water. Enjoy the villas and mansions immersed in the beauty of the surrounded lagoon!

Capella features signature oceanfront immersive dining concepts in 4 uniquely designed dining quadrants. In addition to that, look forward to the American steakhouse with chophouse-style dining and Californian wine.

The 5-star resort is part of the integrated luxury development of Rah Falhu Huraa lagoon’s Fari Islands.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Patina Maldives is also located within the Fari Islands, an elevated Maldivian island destination that celebrates nature, craft, and connection. Designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, each of the resort’s 90 exquisite Villas provide private sanctuary while the joys of island life surround guests.

Patina Hotels & Resorts is a part of the Capella Hotel Group’s portfolio. The sophisticated lifestyle brand is created for progressive travelers of a new generation. Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is the first launch of the company with properties in Ubud, Bali, Sanya, and China also in development.

Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Marriott International’s flagship brand property is also a part of the four-island Rah Falhu Huraa Lagoon development project. The luxury resort will feature 100 land and overwater villas alongside 5 food and beverage outlets.

The Fari Islands consists of three resorts; the Ritz-Carlton, Capella, and Patina, in addition to a marina.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Set in a picturesque corner of Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will open in early 2021. Discover the resort enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and infinite ocean vistas, teemed with flora and fauna. Likewise, choose from 6 culinary experiences featuring a mix of global cuisines. Furthermore, Children can enjoy the Le Meridien Family concept, an immersive world where tinkering and exploring are celebrated.

Cocogiri Island Resort

Cocogiri is an exclusive, boutique resort featuring 20 water villas and 20 beach villas on a private island ensuring the utmost tranquillity. The island hideout promises to provide guests an unmatched luxurious experience.

The haven is accessible by only 18 minutes by seaplane or 60 minutes by speedboat from Velana International airport. Regardless of the occasion, the resort offers the perfect setting for rare moments of romance, adventure, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime.

Which resort opening are you most looking forward to? Whether it’s a luxury resort at the Fari Islands or a journey of discovery and fun at ZAZZ escapes, every resort in the Maldives offers an array of unique activities fitting your taste.

Feature image by Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Few figures have shaped the world of luxury travel quite like Sonu Shivdasani. As the co-founder of both Soneva and Six Senses, he defined what sustainable, experiential luxury looks like not just in the Maldives but on a global scale. Over more than three decades of passion-driven leadership, he transformed remote islands into globally celebrated eco-conscious sanctuaries.

Since opening Soneva Fushi in 1995, Sonu Shivdasani has pioneered a back-to-nature luxury experience that redefined the Maldives as a premier high-end destination. Under his leadership, Soneva introduced many hospitality innovations that have become industry standards, including private pools, open-air bathrooms, and curated experiences with marine biologists and artists. His approach seamlessly fused luxury with environmental responsibility by embedding sustainability into every facet of the business.

Now, following a significant change in Soneva’s ownership structure, Shivdasani embarks on a new chapter guided by creativity, exploration, and long-awaited personal pursuits.

Stepping Back, Not Stepping Away

In May 2025, KSL Capital Partners converted their preference shares into ordinary shares, taking majority control of the Soneva Group. Despite this shift, Sonu and his wife Eva remain significant minority shareholders but have stepped back from the company’s day-to-day operations.

Sonu Shidvasani told Hotel Investment Today,

“It is very important to us that Soneva thrives. However, I have agreed with them that they will run the business and Eva and I will not be involved.”

This marks the close of an era of active leadership while maintaining lasting influence. Their continued stake reflects deep-rooted confidence in the brand’s values and future.

A Legacy of Innovation in Sustainable Hospitality

To fully appreciate this transition, it is essential to reflect on Sonu and Eva’s remarkable journey, which has been a deeply personal and enduring commitment. Over more than 30 years, they built two globally respected hospitality brands that set new benchmarks for sustainability, wellness, and authentic guest experiences. They launched Six Senses in 2004, growing it to 26 resorts and 41 spas worldwide, before deciding to focus exclusively on Sovnea’s “One Wonder, One Operator, One Philosophy” model. This model champions intimate, purpose-driven luxury.

Beyond pioneering resorts, Sonu spearheaded transformative environmental and social initiatives through the Soneva Foundation, founded in 2010. Under his guidance, the foundation rolled out impactful programs, such as eliminating branded bottled water in favor of purified onsite water. This initiative funded clean water access for over 800,000 people across 50 countries. Additionally, the voluntary carbon levy on guest stays supports projects including planting half a million trees in Thailand, installing a windmill in India, and distributing energy-efficient cookstoves that have benefited nearly 300,000 people in Myanmar and Darfur.

He also led the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, which generated $14 million in social value over four years by reducing deforestation, improving public health, and increasing incomes for 140,000 people. In the Maldives, his groundbreaking Soneva Namoona waste management program led the regional and national phase-out of single-use plastic.

From Personal Challenges to Global Recognition

In 2017, Sonu faced a serious health challenge when diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After a courageous battle, he emerged with a renewed holistic wellness philosophy that integrated both conventional and alternative therapies. This vision led to the launch of the Soneva Soul, a wellness brand in 2021, broadening the group’s commitment to well-being.

Therefore, his extensive contributions to tourism, sustainability, and philanthropy earned him recognition in 2023 when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). That same year, he received the SevenRooms Icon Award at the World’s 50 Best Hotels. A unique individual honor celebrating his transformative impact on global luxury hospitality.

Today, Soneva’s portfolio includes:

Soneva Fushi
Soneva Jani
Soneva Secret
Soneva in Aqua (luxury yacht experience)

Each property embodies the brand’s core philosophy, “SLOW LIFE.” Which focuses on Sustainability, Locality, Wellness, Learning, and Inspiring experiences. These principles have defined Shivdasani’s legacy and continue to shape the future of luxury travel.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter of Creativity

Despite stepping back, Sonu Shivdasani is far from slowing down. While many might see this as a step toward retirement, he views it as a welcome pause and a chance to breathe and pursue projects long deferred.

“I feel fortunate to have a little bit of a break to catch my breath and do many things that I have always wanted to, but have never had the time.. At 58, I have another lifetime of creativity ahead of me.”

With day-to-day operations now entrusted to KSL. He plans to revisit hospitality concepts he once envisioned to develop but had kept aside. His broad experience and deepening focus on wellness and longevity continue to inform his evolving perspective on hospitality.

What’s Next for Soneva Under KSL?

With its increased stake, KSL Capital Partners now guides Soneva’s next phase. Armed with a strong background in luxury travel and leisure, the firm intends to expand operations and invest in existing properties while preserving the founding values that define Soneva.

To lead this evolution, KSL appointed Neil Gallagher as Soneva’s new CEO.

The Legacy Continues

Though Sonu Shivdasani no longer leads Soneva’s daily operations, his legacy remains deeply woven into the Maldives hospitality sector and resonates across global luxury travel. His vision endures in every villa, every tranquil moment, and every barefoot step taken on the Maldivian sands.