Emaar Hospitality to run private island resort in Maldives
Wins management contract for Address resort scheduled to begin operations in 2020
Emaar Hospitality Group has won a hotel management contract to operate the Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa. The resort is located on the 2.42sq-km Ethere Madivaru Private Island in the Indian Ocean, and will be the first resort the Dubai-based group is managing in South Asia.
The private island is owned by Adam Abdul Gafoor, chairman of Finolhu Investment Ltd. Finolhu is also the developer behind the project, and already has several interests in the Maldivian tourism sector.
Emaar Hospitality says the Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will be its first island hotel project, and says its expansion to the Indian Ocean archipelago is part of its growth plans. The group currently has 29 upcoming hotel projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Maldives, and presently has 11 operational hotels and three serviced residences in its home-market of Dubai.
Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group said, “One of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, Maldives is an ideal fit to our expansion plans to take our proven competencies in hospitality to newer geographies. It is our privilege to have been chosen by Finolhu Investment to manage this iconic property in the Indian Ocean. We will work closely in the design and development of the hotel project, with a focus on maximising its oceanfront location. Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will not only enhance our reputation as a global hospitality provider but also add value to the local economy through its role in promoting premium tourism and holiday home investments.”
The Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa is expected to span a total area of 75,000sqm, and is being billed as a ‘spectacular vacation destination’. It will include 80 beach and over-water villas including selected units for sale.
Adam Abdul Gafoor added, “We are delighted to welcome Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address brand to Maldives to manage our exceptional property that will complement our nation’s focus on tourism growth. Maldives has been the cornerstone of Indian Ocean tourism, and the government has announced visionary initiatives to drive the role of the private sector, including the long-term lease of islands for resort development. Address Hotels + Resorts bring a unique brand of hospitality that will appeal to the international holidaymakers in Maldives. With a strong intake of Middle East visitors, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will appeal to visitors and investors from the region for holiday-homes and luxury stays in our country.”
The resort will offer visitors dedicated Spa and Water Sports Islands, the latter offering diving, surfing and other leisure pursuits, as well as water villas and presidential suites. Amenities such as floating restaurants and lounges, over-water fitness facilities, swimming pools, and children’s play areas will also be built and designed to maximise the oceanfront location.
