Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is now open in Maldives. Located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, the 141-villa resort celebrates the fabric of the Maldives, its people, nature and art, channeling its energy to uncover the charm of the destination through Le Méridien’s distinctive European-chic lens.
Design
In a nod to its environment, the design also takes inspiration from the formation of the Maldives Archipelago, emulating the Atoll’s unique topography, its bordering reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as “Thilas”. Interior and exterior design celebrates the Maldives’ distinct life and culture and vibrant landscape, fused with Le Méridien’s signature mid-century modern and Bauhaus aesthetics to present a resort that sits in harmony with the natural environment.
Sustainability
The hotel safeguards a low carbon footprint through leading-edge practices that focus on renewable energy, waste reduction and usage of renewable resources. Standout initiatives include the widespread use of solar panels and lighting and one of the Maldives’ largest state-of-the-art hydroponic farms that has been purposely designed to promote hydroponic farming and consumption.
Accommodations
The resort presents 141 villas that are tucked amongst the tropical landscape and dotted over the Indian Ocean, featuring views across the pristine beaches, the Indian Ocean or turquoise lagoon. A selection of one, two and three-bedroom villas unites the concept of art and industrial design with clean lines, a muted color palette and a contrast of renewable materials that fosters simplicity, openness and functionality.
Dining
There are six restaurants and bars at the resort. Inspired by Japanese fishing villages and water lanterns, the signature restaurant Tabemasu features a lively teppanyaki counter and a private open-air pavilion where with Omakase tasting menu. The resort’s adults only bar, Riviera, is a beachside playground framed by an oceanfront infinity pool and private beach. Waves Café is a mindful eating space that fosters a healthy and nourishing approach with a focus on organic farm-to-table ingredients. Velaa Bar + Grill, situated poolside, has crafted cocktails and light dishes including grilled seafood and meats. The Le Méridien Hub, a social gathering place for the creative-minded traveller, serves custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee beverages as part of the brand’s collaboration with illy coffee. Turquoise is a beachside marketplace with local dishes from breakfast to dinner.
Tabemasu – Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa 
The Hub and Longitude Bar – Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Location
Spanning nine hectares, Thilamaafushi is defined as “island surrounded by vast lagoon” in Dhivehi, the local parlance of the Maldives. The natural island is an eco-conscious haven abundant with indigenous flora and fauna, enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life, including pods of Manta Rays and turtles.
Activities
The Marine Hub at the resort offers a range of conservation programs including mangrove and seagrass protection and turtle identification and snorkeling with the marine biologist. At the resort’s house reef there are four dive sites and a thila (sea mountain), all brimming with green and hawksbills turtles, various stingrays, shoals of colorful fish. There is also Bodu Finolhu, which is the resort’s private island, complete with tropical greenery and 360-degree beach.
Families can take advantage of the Le Méridien Family and Kids’ Hub, with programming that ranges from day and night nature trails, folklore storytelling and sustainable art classes. The Greenhouse also offers immersive family experiences including micro-green planting and family foraging and cooking classes.
In addition, the resort also has a boutique lifestyle space features an ocean facing fitness studio and yoga pavilion positioned high in the jungle, as well as Waves Café, an interactive creative arts studio that focusses on local contemporary art.