HONG KONG—Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group is developing a new Maldives project under its core brand, Amari.
Located 248 miles from the capital Male in the Southern Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, guests will be able to arrive via a 55-minute domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.
Amari Havodda will offer a private hideaway on one of the most-preserved atolls in the archipelago, according to the company. The resort will offer 120 villas, including 48 beach villas, 12 beach pool villas, 58 overwater villas and two overwater pool villas.
Designed by French designer Isabelle Miaja, with a theme of “natural simplicity” and sustainability, the guestrooms will offer references to traditional Maldivian art and architecture.
Set to open in first-quarter 2016, Amari Havodda is owned by Crystal Plaza Resorts, a joint venture between Sri Lankan construction company Sanken Overseas and Singapore Hospitality Holdings, a Singapore-based company specializing in resort investments. The resort will be managed by Onyx Hospitality Group.
Onyx President/CEO Peter Henley noted, “Tourism in the Maldives is strong and we see huge potential for an upscale brand like Amari. Our entry into the Maldives with Amari Havodda marks a key step in our international development plan.”
Mevan Gunatilleke, co-owner of Crystal Plaza Resorts, added, “Sanken Overseas and our joint-venture partner, Laith Pharaon, have been exploring opportunities in the Maldives for some time. I believe Sanken’s expertise in luxury resort development for more than 30 years, combined with our joint-venture partner’s international experience in the hospitality sector and the natural beauty of our island, will produce a highly unique product in the Maldives.”
Onyx Hospitality Group currently manages 51 properties and projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region with four brands: Saffron, Amari, Shama and OZO.