IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, under an agreement with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd, one of the country’s established tourism development companies. Scheduled to open in late 2026, the all-villa resort will bring a new expression of boutique luxury to Vaagali island in South Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
The resort will feature 52 land and overwater villas, designed to offer soulful, immersive stays that are closely connected to the island’s character and history. Guests will be able to choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom pool villas, each with its own yoga pavilion, blending privacy with tailored wellness and relaxation. A 3,000-square-metre spa anchored by aqua wellness facilities and curated programmes, a natural freshwater swimming pool, a sports complex with paddle courts, a kids club and five distinctive dining experiences will position Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection as an intimate yet full-service luxury escape within easy reach of Malé.
Vaagali island itself lies at the heart of the project’s story. For decades, the island has been part of the life and memories of the Maldivian family behind Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd. Shaped by the vision and dedication of the parents and founders, Hussain Shareef and Fathimath Naseema, Vaagali has long been a place of sanctuary, discovery and family connection. The owners describe the opening of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection as a deeply meaningful step, allowing them to share the “history and soul” of the island with guests seeking something personal, authentic and rooted in Maldivian culture. They emphasise that the resort experience will preserve the island’s defining qualities of raw natural beauty, quiet serenity and a sense of freedom in every layer of design and service.
The natural environment of Vaagali is a key differentiator within the increasingly competitive Maldives luxury market. The island is defined by its untouched landscapes and intimate scale, and it features naturally formed underwater caves, a rare geological formation in the archipelago. These underwater features underscore Vaagali’s ancient origins and create unique opportunities for marine exploration, diving and guided ocean experiences. Immersive encounters with nature will be central to the guest journey, encouraging visitors to reconnect with the environment, with themselves and with the traditions that continue to shape Maldivian island life.
Sustainability and responsible development will be core pillars of the resort’s operation under the Vignette Collection brand. Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will implement coral restoration initiatives, reef-health monitoring and careful protection of its surrounding marine environment. On land, the project will focus on responsible energy and waste management, the reduction of single-use plastics and the regeneration of native vegetation. The use of locally sourced materials and craft-led design elements will further reflect a commitment to both environmental stewardship and cultural authenticity, supporting local artisans and embedding Maldivian craftsmanship into the resort’s identity.
From a brand perspective, Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection strengthens IHG’s luxury and lifestyle footprint in the Maldives. The resort will join Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, as well as Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives, Six Senses Laamu, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, bringing IHG’s portfolio in the country to six properties. Vignette Collection, launched in 2021, is designed for owners who want access to IHG’s global systems and distribution while retaining the distinct character of each property. Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection will become part of a growing pipeline of 68 open and signed Vignette Collection hotels worldwide, alongside recent additions in destinations such as Dubai, Lima, Osaka and Shanghai.
For the Maldives, the signing comes at a time of continued strength in tourism performance. From January to October 2025, the country recorded 1.7 million international arrivals, a 10 per cent year-on-year increase, putting it on track to achieve its target of 2.3 million arrivals for the year. Against this backdrop, Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection is expected to appeal to a segment of discerning travellers looking for a smaller, story-driven resort that combines high levels of comfort and privacy with a strong sense of place. By uniting family heritage, environmental responsibility and IHG’s luxury and lifestyle expertise, the project is poised to add a distinctive new option to the Maldivian resort landscape when it opens in late 2026.
advertisment
advertisment
