The project is under development across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male atoll, where there will be 120 villas, including 56 overwater and 64 beachfront options, including 10 Residences at Mandarin Oriental.

The villas will be some of the largest in the market, and Mandarin Oriental said it is “working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practices are followed in all stages of the development”.

The 34-hectare site, which is being developed by DAMAC Properties out of Dubai, will have six dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and a sunset bar, as well as creative indoor and outdoor event spaces for meetings, gatherings and weddings.

Spacious wellness facilities will be created among tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon.

Accessed by a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport, the islands will also feature a watersports and dive centre, tennis courts, a kids’ and teens’ club and swimming pool.

“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter the Maldives for some time. This project represents the right opportunity for the group,” said chief executive James Riley.

The group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, and has also recently announced it is to launch its first resort in Greece.