Raffles is headed to the Maldives. Slated to open in late 2018, the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort will be a first for the renowned Raffles brand in the region. AccorHotels took over management of the property, previously known as the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, in September 2017 with plans to reposition it as a Raffles resort after a top-to-bottom renovation.

Located in the southern end of the Maldives—a jetsetter’s paradise composed of more than 1,000 islands in 26 atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean—the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo will have 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools. Expect 24-hour butlers on call and private chef service. Facilities will include an overwater spa, fitness center, three restaurants and a cocktail bar overlooking the crystal-clear waters surrounding the resort. From the PADI-certified diving center, guests can partake in snorkeling and scuba diving adventures, exploring the coral reefs for which the Maldives are known. There will also be a yoga program and numerous water sports options.

Access to Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort is via a 55-minute flight from Male International Airport, then a 15-minute speedboat transfer.

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Earlier this year, Olivier Larcher was appointed general manager of the resort, bringing with him more than two decades of experience at Starwood, Banyan Tree, Hilton and Dalian Wanda Group. Previously he served as GM of the Sofitel Foshan in China.

In other news from Raffles, the Raffles Europejski Warsaw made a splash when it debuted in the Polish capital in June 2018. The historic Raffles Singapore is currently undergoing an extensive makeover, and Raffles will open its first hotel in North America in Boston in 2021.

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