Maldives Resorts Reopening on October 2020

Maldives resorts have set the bar high since border reopening (on 15th July 2020) with innovative ways for holidaymakers to enjoy their stay in paradise. The country has taken extensive measures to provide travelers a stress-free and safe holiday at the sunny side of life. As major airlines recommence operations to the island nation and travel restrictions around the globe eases, resorts in the Maldives are reopening their doors to guests once again. Here’s a list of Maldives resorts (that are officially confirmed) reopening this October 2020.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort – 1st October 2020

At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, adventures await across silvery sands, at sea, and below the water’s surface. Choose between running into the surf from your beach pool villa, or jump straight into the lagoon from your overwater suite. Furthermore, guests can surf, dive, picnic on a deserted island, then return to relax at the overwater spa and treat themselves to a gastronomic journey!

Private dining at Anantara Dhigu Maldives
*Image: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort*

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort – 1st October 2020

The dedicated luxury travel connoisseurs of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo are on hand to tailor the trip of a lifetime for discerning guests. Meanwhile, ahead of the reopening, the idyllic Meradhoo revealed a retreat that will provide the ultimate hideaway for those who want to relax in unparalleled style; the Raffles Royal Residence.

South Palm Resort, Maldives – 1st October 2020

South Palm Resort Maldives offers high-quality room facilities in the transportation hub, beaches district of Maldives. With the resort’s convenient location, South Palm offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Additionally, the resort is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives – 1st October 2020

Naladhu Private Island Maldives boasts 20 timelessly elegant houses, each a spacious sanctuary with a private swimming pool. The resort was also named the Best resort in the Indian Ocean for three years in a row. To make guests’ stay even more memorable, Naladhu offers 24-hour dedicated butler service, private dining and in-house spa journeys.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort – 1st October 2020

Nestled within the crystal waters of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests complete privacy and intimate luxury. With exquisite over-water bungalows, innovative Maldivian cuisine, rejuvenating Navasana Spa, reef adventure and stunning sea life, guests are showered with uncompromising Outrigger hospitality.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – 1st October 2020

Luxury all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort features 2 exclusive underwater suites, 6 dining venues, and is one of the best fitness retreats in Maldives. Furthermore, fitness enthusiasts should not miss the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track, beach boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience, yoga session, and nature walks.

Kuramathi Maldives – 1st October 2020

Kuramathi Maldives presents an excellent range of rooms which has something suitable for everyone. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or for an adventure seeker, the resort is an ideal location for holidaymakers. Kuramathi Maldives offers the opportunity for families, couples, and friends to enjoy their holiday filled with exciting beach, water, and undersea activities.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives – 1st October 2020

St. Regis Vommuli Resort offers 77 inspired accommodations options. Meanwhile, a vast range of delightful dining venues is available at the resort. For its reopening, Vommuli Resort has launched Signature Floating Dining Rituals to offer guests an elevated level of privacy. Moreover, guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey, while they take a dip in their very own private plunge pool. Likewise, holidaymakers can also enjoy an opulent starlight dinner set along the beach to an unparalleled toes-in-the-sand cinema and dining experience, and much more.

Sunset Overwater Villa with Pool
*Image: St. Regis Vommuli Resort*

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives – 1st October 2020

Nature’s playground – Niyama Private Islands is the only luxury surf resort in the Maldives. Niyama has waves breaking right onto the shore at its own Vodi Point. the resort also boasts over-water ocean havens with plenty of space to chill, play, or both!

Baros Maldives – 1st October 2020

The award-winning boutique resort, Baros Maldives will reopen on 1st October 2020 along with its new ‘Baros Residence’ villas. These new villas promise guests with uninterrupted privacy, space as well as more room amenities. Differing from other resorts, Baros Maldives spent decades fine-tuning its services and cultivating its environment, making it a legendary resort since its official opening in 1973.

Reethi Faru Resort – 1st October 2020

Reethi Faru Resort opens with new additions as well, including a Deluxe Beach Pool Villa. The new Deluxe Beach Pool Villas have uninterrupted views on the Indian Ocean as well as is equipped with a private pool next to the terrace. The resort is also facilitating PCR testing for those guests with this compulsory requirement.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa – 1st October 2020

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of scenic luxury boasting overwater and beach accommodation options. Furthermore, a wide variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and sailing is available at the resort. Rejuvenating beauty, massage, or wellness therapy can also be enjoyed at JW Marriott’s luxury spa.

Kandolhu Island Maldives – 1st October 2020

Kandolhu Maldives is the home to one of the most colorful and lively house reefs in the Maldives. For its reopening, the resort’s operator Universal Resorts announced extensive safety measures in order to ensure guests can fully enjoy their holidays.

Vilu Bar at Kandolhu
*Image: Kandolhu Maldives*

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives – 1st October 2020

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is a pristine sanctuary and tropical oasis nestled in the undisturbed Noonu Atoll. The resort boasts 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites, and also three beach spa pool residences. Likewise, true to its reputation, Mövenpick also features mouth-watering cuisine at three restaurants alongside stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean.

Amari Havodda Maldives – 1st October 2020

Amari Havodda Maldives features 120 luxury villas with 60 beach villas and 60 over-water villas. Spaces at the resort complement thoughtfully designed comforting home-from-home experience. Furthermore, the resort features added touches to the décor to showcase modern craftsmanship at every turn – a contemporary re-imagining of the traditional Maldivian home.

Malahini Kuda Bandos – 1st October 2020

Malahini Kuda Bandos is nestled only 10 minutes from Velana International Airport. The understated rooms at the resort provide complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Alternatively, upgraded rooms add TVs, sofabeds, terraces, and/or ocean views. Furthermore, beachfront bungalows have outdoor, rainfall showers.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa – 1st October 2020

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is situated on the private island of Furanafushi. The resort is within close proximity to the airport, with a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy members can currently enjoy up to 20% discount until 30th September 2020, for stays till 30 June 2021 at Sheraton Maldives.

W Maldives – 1st October 2020

The luxury 5-star W Maldives sets the stage to fuel guests’ lust for life. Spacious villas at the resort offer either direct beach, reef, or ocean access and come with a private plunge pool. Meanwhile, relaxation can be found at AWAY Spa at W Maldives, which has a menu of massage, Ayurvedic, facial treatments, and much more.

Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas – 30th October 2020

Offering a luxurious paradise experience, Diamonds Athuruga, an all Inclusive paradise, features spacious villas, a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, and a dive center. Furthermore. The luxury resort is just a 20-minute scenic seaplane flight from Malé International Airport.

Without a doubt, some of the most popular resorts in the Maldives are reopening this October. The island archipelago also announced to restart guesthouse operations on 15th October 2020. Above all, a safe holiday experience is definitely guaranteed in the Maldives with natural isolation and the extensive measures in place.

Feature image by Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

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.