Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced that it has signed a management agreement for an exclusive luxury resort currently under development on a pristine, private island in The Maldives. This exceptional retreat is scheduled to open around the turn of 2009/2010.

Mandarin Oriental, Maldives is located 185 kilometres north of the capital city Male, a journey of 45 minutes by seaplane. The luxurious hideaway is being developed on its own exclusive island, Maavelavaru in the Noonu Atoll, encircled by 5 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand beaches and the turquoise blue lagoons and colourful reefs for which the region is renowned.

Offering the ultimate luxury of space and privacy, the resort comprises 114 spacious, stand-alone villas, including 20 water villas and 4 Presidential villas, ranging in size from 300 to 1,750 square metres. Each secluded villa is surrounded by generous landscaping, providing total privacy, while opening onto a private pool and the lush vegetation of a serene garden with sweeping ocean vistas. All are designed with exquisite and pampering interiors, with indoor and outdoor bathing options, using a combination of Maldivian architecture and internationally-sourced materials.

The largest of the villas have private spa facilities, and the water villas extend over a lively coral reef affording stunning sunrise and sunset views. Mandarin Oriental’s seamless technology and superior entertainment systems, for which the Group is renowned, are employed throughout.

Al fresco and underwater dining with an eclectic selection of local and international cuisines will be available at 7 restaurants and bars, including an all day poolside café and bar, a beachfront signature restaurant, an al fresco Maldivian grill, a comfortable lounge and a dramatic underwater wine cellar with private dining room. An authentic Lebanese restaurant and bar, as well as a Japanese restaurant will be built over the ocean.

Meeting facilities include a spacious multi purpose function room, a business centre and a well-stocked library.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Maldives will be a destination in itself, focusing on the well-being of its guests by offering total rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. A spacious spa which is situated within 13,000 sq metres of tropical gardens, will feature 14 expansive treatment villas and 6 treatment suites, situated around a lavish outdoor Jacuzzi. Each villa consists of 4 separate pavilions dedicated to Mandarin Oriental’s welcome rituals, signature treatments, water and heat therapies and relaxation areas, allowing guests to be guided through an intimate and personalised spa journey.

There are endless leisure pursuits for those who tire of the transparent waters and remote beauty of the island, including a fully equipped fitness centre, a badminton court, tennis courts, squash courts, a soccer field and a beautifully appointed outdoor lap pool. In addition, there is a comprehensive water sports centre with a full service diving school, catering for guests who wish to explore the abundant coral reefs that fringe the island. For added peace of mind, the resort also has a fully equipped decompression chamber and emergency medical clinic available on site.

The project is being developed by Athama Investments Pvt. Ltd., a private Maldivian company with extensive and intimate knowledge of the destination.

“Mandarin Oriental, Maldives will be a unique and extraordinarily private hideaway retreat that offers our guests tranquillity and seclusion in a stunning, natural setting. We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of service to this important leisure destination,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“We are delighted to be working with Mandarin Oriental on creating the most exclusive resort in The Maldives,” said Ibrahim Abdul Latheef, Managing Director of Athama Investments Pvt. Ltd. “On opening, this luxurious retreat will embody Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service philosophy and the unique sense of place inherent to all its hotels,” he added.