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.
“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.”
The Essence of the Transformation: The Original Wavemaker Returns
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.
A New Vision for Dining and Culinary Experiences
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.
An Unmatched Collection of Experiences
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 UNDER Dive 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.
Unrivalled Wellness and Fitness
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.