Recently Corinthia informed the general public that it has signed a management agreement to operate a luxury hotel in the Maldives.
The Corinthia Group has a multi-pronged capability to function as a developer through CDI, investor through IHI, project manager through QP, industrial catering through Corinthia Caterers, and ultimately as a hotel operator through CHL.
The luxury resort developer is Maarah Pvt Ltd, a Maldivian entity affiliated with Maarah Holdings Ltd, a United Arab Emirates company registered within the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is part of Niro Investment Group, one of the most prestigious investment companies in Romania, which is bolstering its international operations in the Middle East and South Asia.
Initial land reclamation works and the first phase of the development of the resort, which is located on the Kaafu Atoll, have already started. They will feature two islands of different sizes. The larger one will host a 73-key resort, whilst the smaller one will be a private island for exclusive use.
The mild-temperature ocean water of the Maldivian Atolls is home to the largest ray in the world: the Manta Ray. The architecture of Corinthia Maldives, designed by the global firm HKS, will be aquatically inspired, and the main pavillion and all villas will intelligently mimic the gently curved shape of the Manta Ray.
The resort will include state-of-the-art wellness facilities, multiple fitness spaces and a choice of five restaurants operated by internationally renowned brands.
Besides HKS as the lead architect, several contractors and engineering firms have been engaged in the project. These include RLB Hoolooman as Project Managers, having already completed 14 resorts within Maldives, working alongside Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTTC), which have been appointed as the main contractor for land reclamation and shore protection works. China State Construction has been appointed as the General Contractor, while Beaufort Global, a leading and reputable hospitality asset management firm based in Dubai UAE, has been appointed as Asset Manager.
Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, has publicly expressed his delight with this new venture. “We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Corinthia in the Maldives. Together with our partners, the developers, we will work to create a unique architectural statement that will delight the senses.”
René Beil, Managing Director, Maarah Holdings and Maarah Pvt Ltd, was equally enthusiastic. “We are excited about this milestone Maldivian luxury resort development, which is located only 15 minutes from Male International Airport and will provide long-term local employment opportunities whilst contributing towards the growing destination tourism economy of the Maldives. We are fortunate of our thirty years’ legacy of real estate investments and developments of pioneering nature, and we are privileged to partner with a leading luxury hospitality brand such as Corinthia.”