Tom McLoughlin started Per Aquum with Universal Enterprises in 2003 and the innovative hotelier created the world’s first underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi and the first underwater nightclub at Niyama.

Now McLoughlin is operating in the Maldives again with new brand Small Maldives Island Co with former Conrad Maldives general manager and Hilton regional director Carsten Schieck at the helm alongside him.

The pair have been visiting the UK for talks with operators and media about the opening of Small Maldives Island Co’s first new hotel, the 60-room flagship Amilla Fushi resort which will open next year.

It is also being promoted as the Maldives’ first resort-with-residences concept, where eight family beach houses will be available on 50-year leases.

Small Maldives Island Co has been created by Coastline Group of Companies, a multi-strand Maldivian conglomerate whose projects have included building resorts such as Dusit Thani.

Small Maldives Island Co will also open Finolhu in 2015, as the “hot, fun-loving younger sister of Amilla”, with 146 rooms. The firm said it was trying to avoid the “thatch-roofed conceptual cul-de-sac” style it believes it is common now in the Maldives.

Both resorts will open in Baa Atoll, where Coastline was also behind the development of the atoll’s Dharavandhoo airport which opened in 2012.

McLoughlin stepped away from Per Aquum in 2008 and Anantara parent company Minor Hotel Group took a 50% stake in the business earlier this year.