IHG Signs Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, in partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd, a tourism development company in the Maldives.
Scheduled to open in late 2026, the resort will comprise 52 land and overwater villas, designed to offer guests immersive stays on Vaagali Island — a boutique destination shaped by the legacy of a Maldivian family. The island will welcome travellers seeking stays that reflect a sense of place and local heritage.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, will expand IHG’s presence in the Maldives, joining Noku Maldives and contributing to the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, which also includes Six Senses and InterContinental resorts in the region.
Shi’ai Liang, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG, said: “In partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, we are pleased to introduce a new all-villa resort in the South Malé Atoll — a destination known for notable diving sites and reachable by a 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection aims to highlight the essence of the Maldives by combining thoughtful design, cultural authenticity and a focus on guest connection and purpose. The Vignette Collection brand is well aligned with the island’s characteristics and vision.”
Statement from the Owners: “As a family, Vaagali has been part of our lives for decades — a place of memory, exploration and connection. The island reflects the dedication of our parents and founders, Mr. Hussain Shareef and Mrs. Fathimath Naseema, whose approach to Maldivian hospitality guides us today.
Opening Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection marks an important step for us. We are pleased to collaborate with IHG to share the island’s story with guests who seek experiences rooted in culture and nature. Vaagali has long been defined by its raw landscape and calm atmosphere, and we remain committed to maintaining these qualities throughout the guest journey.
We look forward to welcoming travellers to Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, where hospitality, local heritage, and the natural environment come together in a mindful way.”
The island is characterised by its natural terrain and compact layout, including rare naturally formed underwater caves that offer opportunities for marine exploration. Nature-focused experiences will encourage guests to connect with the environment and the traditions associated with Maldivian island life.
Sustainability initiatives at the resort will include coral restoration, reef health monitoring, responsible energy and waste management, reduced use of single-use plastics, and conservation of native vegetation. Locally sourced materials and craft-inspired design elements will support its development approach.
Accommodation options will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom pool villas, each featuring a yoga pavilion. Additional facilities include a 3,000-square-metre spa with aqua wellness features, a natural freshwater swimming pool, paddle courts, a kids’ club, and five dining venues.
Maldives tourism continues to show steady growth, recording 1.7 million international arrivals from January to October 2025, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase and placing the country on track to meet its target of 2.3 million arrivals for the year.
Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will become IHG’s sixth property in the Maldives, joining Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives, Six Senses Laamu, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. Since its launch in 2021, Vignette Collection has welcomed properties seeking the benefits of IHG’s global platform while retaining each hotel’s individual identity. Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, will join a pipeline of 68 open and upcoming properties, including recent additions in Dubai, Lima, Osaka, and Shanghai.
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