JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort Opens in Maldives

JW Marriott, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, which includes over 30 prestigious hotel brands, has unveiled its second resort in the Maldives: the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. The resort sits within the expansive Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, just a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport. As a result, guests can easily reach this serene and luxurious destination in the heart of a tropical paradise.

Bruce Rohr, Vice President & Global Brand Leader of JW Marriott, stated

“JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island embodies our dedication to blending unparalleled luxury with holistic
well-being, offering guests a peaceful escape where every detail is designed to inspire balance and
rejuvenation. With the Maldives’ natural beauty as a backdrop, we aim to provide an exceptional experience that deeply resonates with those seeking tranquility, mindfulness, and world-class service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination, where they can truly disconnect and find harmony.”

A Tranquil Haven of Luxury Villas, Designed to Harmonize with Nature

The resort features 80 private pool villas, designed by renowned architect Cuneyt Bukulmez of Atolye4N. These villas blend contemporary design with Maldivian heritage. Of these, 47 villas float above the turquoise waters, each offering expansive terraces with panoramic views of the ocean. As a result, guests can fully immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

Inspired by the traditional Maldivian ‘Gedhoru’ huts, the villas incorporate kajan roofs and vibrant turquoise doors. The neutral tones and subtle references to Maldivian lacquerware crafts enhance the serene atmosphere. The design focuses on both aesthetics and a deep connection to nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the ocean inside, while open-air showers and private pools encourage guests to indulge in their natural surroundings. Every detail fosters a mindful and luxurious escape.

For guests seeking even more space, the Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence provides an exceptional sanctuary. Elevated above the ocean, this residence offers ample space for families or groups of friends. Panoramic views serve as a breathtaking backdrop for shared moments of joy, while the seamless integration of architectural elegance and natural beauty elevates the experience.

The resort also focuses on eco-conscious luxury. Crafted from natural materials such as timber and stone, the villas enhance the beauty of the Maldives while promoting sustainability. The arrival jetty, inspired by the graceful flight of the Maakana heron, exemplifies the integration of local elements with modern design. Together, the resort’s architectural brilliance and the island’s natural beauty create a peaceful haven where luxury and sustainability effortlessly coexist.

Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, said,

“When envisioning this resort, every detail was carefully crafted to reflect the timeless beauty of
Maldives, with a focus on creating not just a memorable vacation, but an unforgettable journey. Our goal is to provide guests with a true sanctuary, where luxury and well-being converge. With JW Marriott’s signature warmth and hospitality, we invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the Maldives, nurturing both the mind and body. ”

A Culinary Journey for the Senses

The resort offers seven distinct dining venues and bars, each providing a culinary experience that delights the senses. Guests can savor a wide variety of flavors, ranging from international cuisine to local Maldivian specialties. Every dish is crafted using the finest, sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring guests enjoy a world-class dining experience.

At Veyo, the international menu features fresh, flavorful ingredients, paired with panoramic views that awaken the senses. For a more relaxed experience, the Wahoo infinity pool bar offers refreshing drinks and delicious bites in a laid-back atmosphere. Meanwhile, Athiri, the resort’s signature steakhouse, impresses with its two-story design, inspired by the ebb and flow of ocean waves, and its expertly prepared cuts of meat.

For guests seeking a vibrant dining experience, Nikkei blends the best of Peruvian and global influences. This venue serves light bites and craft cocktails in an elegant, chic setting. Riva offers a fine dining experience, reinterpreting the flavors of the Indian Ocean by blending traditional Indian, Sri Lankan, and Maldivian dishes. On the other hand, Pure serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which come from the on-site JW Garden, making for an intentional and eco-conscious dining experience.

Tito’s, the resort’s deli and patisserie, offers an assortment of handcrafted delights, including decadent chocolates, delicate macarons, and rich truffles. Every dining experience at the resort is designed to create lasting memories and foster connection.

Restoration and Rejuvenation at the Overwater Spa

At the Overwater Spa by JW, guests indulge in luxurious treatments featuring BABOR’s precision skincare products—making this a first for the Maldives. The signature Ocean Bliss treatment combines BABOR’s luxurious anti-aging range with ingredients sourced from the depths of the sea. This treatment offers a transformative experience that merges island relaxation with the best skincare.

Wellness enthusiasts can also enjoy sunrise yoga, a state-of-the-art fitness center with ocean views, and a lap pool. These spaces nurture both the body and mind, promoting overall well-being.

Guests seeking adventure can explore marine life through activities like snorkeling, diving, and bespoke ocean excursions. For those looking for a more exhilarating experience, the resort offers dolphin safaris, parasailing, or tranquil sunset cruises.

A Family-Centric Resort for All Ages

The resort’s Family by JW program ensures that guests of all ages can create unforgettable memories together. With a dedicated Kids’ and Teens’ Club, a colorful playground, and a child-friendly swimming pool, younger guests will stay entertained and engaged throughout their stay.

Children can explore, learn, and play through activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. Families can bond through interactive cooking classes, where they will use fresh, sustainably grown produce from the JW Garden to create culinary masterpieces. This garden not only supplies ingredients for the resort’s exceptional cuisine but also serves as a tranquil space for guests to reconnect with nature through gardening.

Sustainability and Innovation: A Vision for the Future

The resort is committed to environmental sustainability, which is evident in its groundbreaking partnership with INVENA. In response to the challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels, the resort has introduced an innovative 30-meter-long underwater coastal structure. Designed in collaboration with the Self-Assembly Lab at MIT, this structure mitigates wave action and beach erosion while fostering marine life. Guests can engage with this fascinating project, contributing to efforts aimed at addressing climate challenges affecting island nations.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, sustainability, and adventure. Whether guests indulge in exceptional dining, unwind at the spa, or explore the marine wonders of the Maldives, the resort offers an experience designed to rejuvenate and inspire.

Tucked away in the South Nilandhe Atoll, the premium all-inclusive resort Angsana Velavaru offers more than just a picturesque Maldivian escape. In fact, it’s known for its blend of beachside and overwater villas, including its standout InOcean Pool Villas that float above the lagoon. The resort gives guests the space to truly slow down and savour the moment. At the heart of this relaxed luxury? A collection of thoughtfully curated destination dining experiences that blend setting, Island flavours, and local character.

So whether you dine under the stars, above the ocean, or with your feet in the pool, each meal at Angsana Velavaru feels immersive and unforgettable.

What Kind of Dining Experiences Does Angsana Velavaru Offer?

Start the Morning with a Floating Breakfast

To kick things off, guests can ease into the day with a floating breakfast served right in the privacy of their villa pool. Think tropical fruits, baked pastries, and warm breakfast dishes arranged on a tray that gently drifts across the water as the sun rises.

Not a morning person? No problem. If you prefer a slower afternoon, you can enjoy a floating afternoon tea, a beautifully curated mix of sweet and savoury bites, perfect for lounging under the open Maldivian sky.

The resort offers spacious accommodations both on the island and elevated over the lagoon, allowing guests to choose their ideal setting to begin the day.

Sunset Beach Dining: Casual or Elegant, You Choose

As day fades to night, the beach at Angsana Velavaru effortlessly becomes a relaxed dining destination. Guests can choose from two very different yet equally memorable experiences:

A laid-back beach barbecue, complete with freshly grilled seafood and your toes in the sand
A more refined lobster dinner, served under candlelight with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack

Either way, every evening meal creates a personal and unhurried atmosphere. It’s a quiet celebration of time, place, and connection.

Dine Over the Water on the V Deck

For something more dramatic, the resort sets dinner on the V Deck, a floating platform in the heart of the lagoon. Surrounded by nothing but sea and open sky, the setting suits couples or anyone marking a special occasion.

And honestly? This kind of atmosphere stays with you long after dessert.

Private Rooftop Dining at the InOcean Villas

If you’re after privacy and something a little different, guests staying in the InOcean Pool Villas can enjoy rooftop dining, a quiet, elevated spot above the ocean where stars shine overhead and a gentle breeze keeps things cool. The resort’s culinary team prepares each meal with care and serves it with warm, unobtrusive hospitality.

Get Hands-On with Maldivian Flavours

Now, if you’re curious about local cuisine, you can take a private cooking class at Funa, the resort’s open-air restaurant. With guidance from the resort’s chef, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Maldivian dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

It’s not just about the food. This experience offers a relaxed and enriching way to connect with the culture through flavour and technique.

Why These Dining Experiences Matter

At Angsana Velavaru, dining goes beyond the food. It becomes a way to experience the Maldives on a deeper level. Each setting, whether beachfront, poolside, or rooftop reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality: personal, intuitive, and grounded in a strong sense of place.

Of course, food is just the beginning. Beyond dining, the resort invites guests to explore its “101 Things To Do” program, which includes diving lessons, watersports, and indulgent spa treatments. These activities are perfect for those seeking variety and adventure.

So whether you celebrate something big or simply enjoy a quiet evening, every dining moment invites you to share, remember, and savour the experience.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort Opens as the Maldives Newest Luxury Escape