JW Marriott Expands in the Maldives with the Unveiling of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

New JW Marriott Resort in the Maldives

JW Marriot has announced the opening of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the second JW Marriott resort in the Maldives. Located in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, this luxurious retreat offers a sanctuary to recharge the mind, body, and spirit in a tropical paradise.

“JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island embodies our dedication to blending unparalleled luxury with holistic well-being, offering guests a peaceful escape where every detail is designed to inspire balance and rejuvenation,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott.

“With the Maldives’ natural beauty as a backdrop, we aim to provide an exceptional experience that deeply resonates with those seeking tranquillity, mindfulness, and world-class service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination, where they can truly disconnect and find harmony.”

The resort features 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater options. The resort seamlessly fuses traditional island charm with modern luxury, fostering a close bond with nature. Each villa serves as a retreat for relaxation, complete with terraces, views of the Indian Ocean, and access to unspoiled lagoons. The Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence, elevated above the waters, offers a sanctuary that combines luxury with sights for an extraordinary experience. Designed for families or groups of friends, this residence creates a polished environment for connection and memories while providing ocean views.

A Sanctuary of Design and Environmental Stewardship

Envisioned by the renowned architect Cuneyt Bukulmez from Turkey’s Atolye4N, the villa design of the resort skillfully combines local Maldivian elements with sleek modern aesthetics inspired by the island’s beauty. The arrival jetty, modelled after the elegant flight of the Maakana heron, establishes the resort’s design theme. The villas reflect traditional Maldivian ‘Gedhoru’ huts, featuring kajan roofs and striking turquoise doors enhanced by a soothing palette of neutral tones. Subtle references to Maldivian lacquerware and contrasting features are intricately integrated throughout, resulting in a peaceful and harmonious getaway. The resort encourages a profound connection with nature, effortlessly merging indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors unveil stunning ocean vistas, while open-air showers and private pools offer a secluded retreat. Constructed with natural materials like timber and stone, the resort’s design pays tribute to the unspoiled beauty of the island nation, providing an elevated experience of luxury, serenity, and conscious relaxation.

Embodying its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the resort is proud to be part of a groundbreaking collaboration with INVENA. Motivated by shifting tides and global warming challenges island nations face, this initiative introduces a pioneering 30-meter-long underwater coastal structure, designed in partnership with the Self-Assembly Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to attenuate wave action and combat beach erosion. The installation will foster vibrant marine ecosystems by creating a reef habitat that attracts diverse fish and coral. Guests will be uniquely able to interact with this innovative project, contributing to scientific efforts addressing climate challenges.

A Culinary Journey

The resort’s seven unique dining venues and bars offer a culinary journey. They showcase flavours from around the globe and carefully sourced ingredients, encouraging guests to celebrate taste and craftsmanship.

Veyo offers an international menu highlighting the resort’s talent for meeting a diverse range of refined tastes, with fresh and exciting ingredients and breathtaking views that awaken the senses. Meanwhile, Wahoo, the infinity pool bar, creates a relaxed yet elegant setting where guests can savour refreshing drinks and flavorful dishes. At Athiri, the resort’s premier steakhouse, visitors will be mesmerized by its impressive two-story layout, boasting a dramatic curved roof inspired by the ebb and flow of ocean waves. Here, top-quality cuts of meat are skillfully cooked, paired with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Located above, Nikkei presents a lively bar experience with craft cocktails and lighter fare influenced by the blend of Peruvian cuisine and global flavours, merging Japanese and European traditions. At Riva, guests can enjoy a sophisticated take on Indian Ocean heritage. This fine dining venue enhances traditional Indian dishes with Sri Lankan and local Maldivian flavours, all served in a chic and modern environment. For those desiring a purposeful dining experience, Pure highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients transformed into exquisite dishes celebrating the island’s natural bounty. Many ingredients, including rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, and sage, are sourced directly from the JW Garden, ensuring an authentic farm-to-table journey. Tito’s, a delightful deli and patisserie, presents a mesmerizing blend of visual beauty and exquisite taste. Its carefully selected array of handcrafted treats includes decadent chocolates, delicate macarons, rich truffles, luxurious cakes, and flaky pastries designed to delight and enchant the palate.

The resort also offers bespoke private dining options, where intimate spaces are designed to foster connection. Every culinary moment at the resort is an invitation to savour and create unforgettable memories.

Restore, Revive, and Reconnect

At the Overwater Spa by JW, guests can find renewal through exclusive treatments featuring BABOR’s precision skincare products — a first in the Maldives. The signature treatment, Ocean Bliss, crafted in collaboration with BABOR, highlights their anti-ageing skincare range, SeaCreation, enriched with precious active ingredients sourced from the deep sea, delivering a transformative experience that embodies the best of precision skincare and island-inspired relaxation.

Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy sunrise yoga, a fitness centre with ocean views, and a lap pool. Guests seeking adventure can participate in marine life activities such as snorkelling, diving, and tailored ocean excursions. Thrill-seekers can explore dolphin safaris or parasailing, while those craving stillness can sail into the sunset on a cruise.

The resort’s designed public spaces provide contemplation opportunities, helping restore balance and clarity. Whether you savour the cuisine, enjoy the Overwater Spa by JW, or engage in interactive experiences, each aspect is curated to promote rejuvenation and connection.

Mindful Moments for All Generations

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort celebrates the spirit of togetherness through its signature Family by JW program, which provides carefully crafted experiences designed to help families create enduring memories. The resort caters to guests of every age, featuring a dedicated Kids’ and Teens’ Club, a vibrant playground, and a swimming pool safe for children, all ensuring that younger visitors remain entertained and engaged.

The JW Kids’ Club encourages children to discover, learn, and have fun through various educational and inspiring activities. Families can connect through unique experiences, including cooking classes where participants craft culinary delights using the JW Garden’s fresh, sustainably sourced produce. This oasis supplies ingredients for the resort’s outstanding cuisine and offers guests a chance to reconnect with nature through gardening. The Family by JW program promises adventures and shared moments of creativity and discovery, ensuring an experience filled with joy and treasured memories for every family member.

“When envisioning this resort, every detail was carefully crafted to reflect the timeless beauty of Maldives, with a focus on creating not just a memorable vacation, but an unforgettable journey,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.

“Our goal is to provide guests with a true sanctuary, where luxury and well-being converge. With JW Marriott’s signature warmth and hospitality, we invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the Maldives, nurturing both the mind and body.”