W Maldives, the iconic luxury resort nestled in the North Ari Atoll, is set to welcome guests back on 1st March 2025 with a bold, full-scale transformation that redefines the island escape. After nearly two decades as a trailblazer in luxury Maldivian hospitality, the resort will reopen with an entirely reimagined design and elevated guest experience that combines W’s signature free spirit with the island’s natural splendour.
Since opening in 2006, W Maldives has revolutionised the concept of Maldivian luxury. Pioneering a new wave of design-driven hospitality, offering unpretentious service, and infusing a playful yet sophisticated vibe, the resort quickly became a leader in the region’s luxury scene. Now, as it begins an exciting new chapter, the resort is weaving its unmistakable spirit into every facet of the guest journey. From immersive music events and avant-garde culinary concepts to striking bio-boho design and interactive art installations, the transformation embodies a harmonious blend of culture, wellness, and meaningful connections—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldivian Indian ocean.
At the heart of this transformation lies a refreshed vision for what W Maldives represents: a place where W’s signature playful spirit meets elevated luxury. W Maldives remains as bold as ever, with a unique “Above and Below the Water” design philosophy that integrates the surrounding ocean and natural landscapes with cutting-edge architecture and interiors. This bold bio-boho aesthetic is inspired by the rich marine life and lush flora of the island, blending the island’s raw beauty with a sense of contemporary sophistication that is distinctly W.
The resort’s nature-inspired 77 villas—overwater and beachfront—have been meticulously redesigned to reflect the vibrancy of the island’s natural beauty while maintaining a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. Each villa—whether suspended above the lagoon or nestled along the pristine beach— has been carefully crafted to harmonise with the stunning natural surroundings, blending sustainable materials, natural tones, and ocean-inspired accents with splashes of colour and bold accents to create sanctuaries for an exclusive and immersive escape.
The Superior and Premier One-Bedroom Overwater Villas (149 sqm) feature spacious, open-plan layouts with private decks overlooking the turquoise waters, and floor-to-ceiling windows that connect guests to the island’s endless horizon. For beachside tranquillity, the Escape One-Bedroom Beach Villas (188 sqm) offer a lush, open-air retreat with mangrove-inspired accents, custom furnishings, and starlit outdoor bathrooms for a unique natural experience. Larger groups can indulge in the expansive Supreme and Oasis Two-Bedroom Overwater Villas (323-492 sqm) or Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas (376 sqm), the newest addition to W Maldives’ villa categories, each with en-suite bathrooms, private whirlpools, extensive outdoor decks and two-story private water slides that slip directly into the pool. Each villa is fully outfitted with W’s MIXBAR, IPTV, and premium sound systems, ensuring an extraordinary balance of style, comfort, and connectivity.
W Maldives is also redefining its culinary offerings, elevating the island’s dining experience with bold new concepts and global influences. At the core of this transformation is the resort’s signature restaurant, FISH, which will introduce an “Ocean-to-Table” experience that highlights the freshest local seafood, line-caught and sustainably sourced from local fishermen. Combining innovative techniques with global culinary traditions, FISH offers guests a chance to savour the rich flavours of the ocean while experiencing the dynamic vibrancy of Maldivian culture.
The resort’s refreshed concept, SIP, will offer a dining experience inspired by Latin America, blending its vibrant culinary heritage with a relaxed island setting. Guests can enjoy a selection of bold, flavor-driven dishes paired with signature cocktails, all set against the backdrop of stunning sunset views.
FIRE, the resort’s Beachside Smokehouse concept, will elevate the BBQ experience by offering wood-fired cuisine with high-quality steak cuts and chef’s table service in a stunning beachfront setting. This communal dining experience is designed to bring guests together over expertly grilled meats and seafood, infused with smoky flavours that create an intimate and lively atmosphere. Whether dining under the stars or watching the waves crash nearby, FIRE promises an unforgettable experience where food and the island’s natural beauty come together.
For those looking for lighter bites and refreshing cocktails, the poolside dining concept WET Deck brings a sense of Mykonos to the Maldives, offering everything from midday snacks to evening indulgences. As the social hub of the resort, WET™ offers a chilled-out poolside hangout from sunrise to sunset, and well into the night. With creative cocktails and delectable small plates designed for sharing, guests can lounge by the pool, mingle with fellow travelers, and enjoy the stunning surroundings, all while savoring delicious food and drinks. New for the reopening, WET™ will also debut a custom-designed water slide by SplinterWorks that flows directly into the turquoise waters below. Featuring their signature wave-inspired shape, the slide mirrors the natural contours of the ocean, with a mirror-polished stainless steel finish that reflects the surrounding water and sky, seamlessly blending with the resort’s bold design aesthetic.
In addition to its reimagined accommodations and dining offerings, W Maldives continues to redefine the island getaway experience with its exclusive programming and events. With a calendar filled with exciting, immersive experiences, the resort’s dynamic lineup will include Marriott Bonvoy Moments in 2025, along with a variety of planned collaborations with world-renowned chefs, mixologists, artists, and brands. One such highlight will be the exclusive W Presents event in March, which promises to deliver a unique cultural and social experience infused with the vibrant music that is signature to W Hotels. This carefully curated programming will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in local and global creativity, adding an unforgettable layer to their stay.
Guests can also explore the vibrant marine life of the Maldives with a variety of exciting water experiences. Whether through snorkelling in the resort’s world-renowned house reef, diving with the DOWN UNDERDive Centre, or indulging in water sports through the WAVE Water Sports Centre, guests are invited to dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant aquatic life just steps from the beach.
For those seeking ultimate privacy, Gaathafushi Island, the resort’s private island, offers a secluded escape where guests can disconnect from the world and experience the ultimate in luxury. Whether it’s spending the day enjoying the natural beauty of the island or booking a night for a Robinson Crusoe-style retreat, Gaathafushi provides a completely personalised experience.
W Maldives also offers a range of wellness and fitness experiences designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The AWAY Spa is the ultimate escape for relaxation, offering a wide range of treatments that combine natural ingredients with soothing therapies, all set against the backdrop of the island’s turquoise ocean. From massages to body scrubs, each treatment is designed to restore balance and enhance well-being.
For guests seeking to stay active, the FIT Fitness Centre offers a comprehensive range of TechnoGym equipment and energising classes, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routine while immersed in the island’s serene surroundings. Whether it’s yoga by the beach or an intense workout using state-of-the-art equipment, the fitness centre provides everything needed for a revitalising experience.
In May 2025, W Maldives will also add a padel court to its fitness offerings, giving guests the chance to enjoy this fun and social sport in a stunning Maldivian setting.
A Commitment to Sustainability
With a strong commitment to sustainability, W Maldives’ transformation also prioritises environmental stewardship. The resort’s eco-conscious practices include an in-house bio-gas plant that recycles food waste to produce methane gas and nutrient-rich water for landscaping. The elimination of single-use plastics and a soon-to-launch herb and fruit plantation are also part of W Maldives’ sustainability initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem. The resort is actively exploring solar power installations to further reduce its environmental impact, underscoring W Maldives’ dedication to responsible luxury.
“We are excited to introduce a completely reimagined W Maldives to the world,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “This transformation is a bold step forward, blending the distinctive W spirit with the incredible natural beauty of the Maldives. We are confident that our guests will find not only a luxurious escape, but a dynamic and unforgettable experience that reflects the true essence of paradise.”
Reopening on 1st March 2025, W Maldives will continue to set the standard for the Maldives’ most exclusive and vibrant luxury escape. With its renewed commitment to sustainability, world-class dining, exhilarating experiences, and unforgettable moments, W Maldives is poised to once again lead the way in luxury island vacations.
