New Luxury Properties On Private Islands: The Maldives And Neom

This luxurious 34-hectare resort is Damac Group’s first project in the Maldives.

The Indian Ocean resort stretches across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.

Dubai-based DAMAC Group signs contract with Mandarin Oriental to manage luxurious resort in The Maldives

Announced at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes France (ILTM), the Dubai based DAMAC Group, under its property development arm DAMAC Properties — one of the region’s foremost luxury real estate developers, has signed a contract with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to operate a new resort on a group of private islands in The Maldives.

The 34-hectare luxury resort, which is currently under development and is scheduled to open in 2025, will be DAMAC Group’s first foray in the tourist islands, known for its premium five-star offerings.

Surrounded by white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from where guests can enjoy a variety of activities including culinary experiences through various specialty restaurants around the island in addition to wellness retreats and water sports.

The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef’s accommodation comprises 130 stand-alone villas, made up of 61 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas, including 10 branded residences. Ranging in size from 100 to 600 square metres (internal), the villas will be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and beautiful ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practises are followed in all stages of the development.

Seven dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and an exclusive dining venue along with a pool bar will ensure that guests have a varied choice of cuisines during their stay.

In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event spaces will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings.

Spacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments.

Additional leisure activities will include a water sports and a dive centre, tennis courts, a world class kids and teens club designed by international consultants, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.

HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced Sindalah, NEOM’s first island development

His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, has announced the development of Sindalah, the first luxury island destination in NEOM and one of the most important projects supporting Saudi Arabia‘s national tourism strategy.

A main gateway to the Red Sea offering bespoke nautical experiences, Sindalah is expected to start welcoming guests to enjoy its exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings from early 2024. It is anticipated that the development will create 3,500 jobs for the tourism sector and hospitality and leisure services.

Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square meters, Sindalah, is one of a group of islands that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design.

Adding to NEOM’s growing tourism offerings, Sindalah will reshape the luxury international yachting calendar offering a new season for visitors and guests to enjoy. It will feature a prestigious 86-berth marina, an ideal destination for accommodating luxury vessels, while offshore buoys will house superyachts. Providing one-of-a-kind nautical experiences, Sindalah will offer 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms, in addition to 333 top-end serviced apartments. A luxe beach club, glamorous yacht club, and 38 unique culinary offerings will provide an incomparable experience in the Red Sea.

With its incredible array of amenities, state-of-the-art marine facilities, strategic location and exceptional natural landscapes, Sindalah is expected to become established as one of the most alluring islands in the Red Sea.

Building on its ability to design new tourism opportunities from the ground up, NEOM is working with world-class leisure and hotel brands to make Sindalah an exclusive and glamorous destination in the Red Sea for the world’s yachting community. NEOM is developing the island to be a premium destination surrounded by a stunning and diverse marine environment which has one of the world’s most beautiful coral reserves.

Sindalah is also expected to become a popular golfing destination by offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience a world-class 6,474-yard (5,920 meters) par 70 course. With its 18 tees, the Sindalah golf course will deliver two unique nine-hole experiences.

The announcement of Sindalah affirms the accelerated pace in the development of NEOM towards achieving the ambitious vision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, with the development of its flagship projects such as THE LINE, its designs recently revealed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; TROJENA, its global mountain tourism destination that will be the Arabian Gulf’s first outdoor skiing retreat; and OXAGON, its reimagined manufacturing and innovation city.