Alila plans June debut in the Maldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will be accepting guests from the end of June and the 80-villa island resort will have a treetop spa.

The resort is in the north of the country in Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Mahe.

Given its location among deeper atolls near Hanifaru Bay and Vaadhoo Island, marine experiences and snorkelling opportunities will be a key attraction.

Hanifaru Bay is a Unesco-listed World Biosphere Reserve while Vaadhoo Island is said to be one of the best spots to witness the spectacular “Sea of Stars” phenomenon, a unique phenomenon where the waters sparkle with bioluminescent phytoplankton.

Alila said its commitment to sustainability has ensured work on the island had managed to conserve up to 70% of existing vegetation.

The all-pool-villa resort has been designed by Singapore-based Studiogoto and includes Spa Alila, which has been built in treetops at the heart of the island.

There will be a choice of six food and drink outlets at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, including beachside Seasalt, an all-day dining restaurant serving coastal Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences.

Other options include Umami for Japanese-inspired menus prepared in a teppan theatre; Mirus Bar; Pibati Cafe for “light bites and comfort food”; and The Shack, a private sand cay reached by a traditional Maldivian Dhoni service twice a day.

Alila is part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which said Alila Kothaifaru Maldives forms part of a “growing Alila portfolio”.  

“As countries continue to open up and travel confidence grows, we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives for a memorable getaway in what we hope will become the centrepiece of Raa Atoll,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “We are delighted to add this beautiful resort in the Maldives to our growing Alila portfolio, with new Alila hotels opening in sought-after destinations such as Suzhou and Shanghai in China and Nha Trang in Vietnam in the future.”

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has 44 villas along the beach and 36 overwater, while families will be able to access the Play Alila kids’ club.

Spa Alila features four double treatment suites, and all guests will be able to try complimentary daily yoga sessions. The resort also offers a 24-hour fitness centre and a beachfront infinity pool.