Villa Resorts / Project Blue Ocean
Introducing the exciting rebirth of Villa Resorts, our family of award-winning resorts in the Maldives archipelago
A Blue Ocean Shift for Villa Resorts
Journey
Since 1986, Villa Resorts has developed and successfully run more than 1,100 rooms distributed across its five private island resorts: 5* Sun Island, 5* Paradise Island, 5* Royal Island, 4* Holiday Island, and 3* Fun Island. Two brand new islands are also in development, expanding the group’s portfolio to seven properties.
Now, as the next generation of the family owned and locally-run business takes the helm, Villa Resorts is making itself ready for the next generation of travellers.
Transformation
Working in partnership with Luxury Branding, the leading luxury hospitality consultancy, Villa Resorts has undertaken a brand-led transformation of its entire company.
At the heart of the organisation, a new Vision, Purpose and Values serve as its guiding lights, ensuring that progress is rooted in a shared ideology.
As one of only a few brands in the Maldives that is owned, operated and wholly run by locals, Villa Resorts is driven by the personal vocation of returning its guests to a stronger place in their lives. This important purpose is accomplished through the natural beauty of the destination combined with the native warmth of its people.
The Villa Hotels & Resorts name has been simplified to Villa Resorts, with the new visual identity paying homage to the history and wonder of the islands. At resort level, the ‘Villa’ prefix plays the role of parent brand and the suffix (e.g. Park, Nautica, Haven etc.) that follows represents the resort concept. The combined word marks provide a recognisable yet flexible framework for a growing a family of sub-brands.
Each of the resort sub-brands is invested with its own unique personality, reflected in bespoke typography, imagery, colour palettes and styles of communication. This approach allows each property to make the most of its distinct character and strengths while clearly belonging to the Villa family.
Villa Nautica
Paradise Island transforms into Villa Nautica, a maritime celebration of Quayside Life. Expressing refinement and exclusivity of taste, Villa Nautica’s polished environment brings to life a chic nautical experience through its modern, urban-style interiors. Complemented by exceptional scuba diving and other water sports, the resort embraces the seafarer lifestyle with a glamorous twist.
Villa Park
Simultaneously, Sun Island transforms into Villa Park, a lush and never-ending Lagoon Pleasureground teeming with experiences. Its refreshed design is anchored in bold colours that embrace the island’s vibrant jungle and azure lagoons. Recently named Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2022 at the World Travel Awards, the team continues to spearhead sustainability efforts with new concepts such as ZERO – Villa Park’s hidden gem of a restaurant set amidst the palms, serving fresh produce grown in the island’s gardens.
Villa Haven
In 2024, Villa Haven will open as the group’s luxury flagship. Anchored in nature, this Humble Heaven transcends the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, with 68 sea-facing villas – all with private pools – creating an intimate and secluded island experience.
The design is raw, resourceful and reserved, celebrating nature’s beautiful basics with extensive use of sustainable materials that showcase native Maldivian creativity.
Original and fresh local programming takes the form of exciting new signature experiences; distinct to each island and designed to activate the new Resort Concepts.
Accommodation and facilities
Led by Jojo Barr from London-based design studio, House Nine
Rooms, restaurants and public areas have been upgraded and refurbished with stunning interiors by London-based design studio, House Nine. Led by Jojo Barr, her team of trusted and skilled crafts and tradesmen have translated the new Resort Concepts for each island into beautiful and functioning physical environments.
Forbes Service Standards
In partnership with Forbes Travel Guide
Service too has been an important focus, a process that commenced with a renewal of the brand’s Vision, Purpose and Values. Villa Resorts is partnering with Forbes Travel Guide to translate this genuine ideology and service philosophy into world-class brand standards and quality assessments.
Food Concepts 360
Led by Michelin-starred Irish chef Conrad Gallagher
F&B concepts have undergone comprehensive modernisation under the guidance and training of Food Concepts 360, led by Michelin-starred Irish chef Conrad Gallagher, who has collaborated with the Executive Chefs on each island to conceptualise and deliver refreshed dining experiences.
Sandstone
Curated by world-renowned sommelier Kent Scheermeyer
Sandstone, a label of award-winning South African wines and MCC exclusive to Villa Resorts, has been curated by world-renowned sommelier Kent Scheermeyer. The name, Sandstone, celebrates the merging of two countries and two landscapes, from the stone mountains of the Cape’s vineyards to the sandy shores of the Maldives. The Sandstone collection comprises two whites, a sauvignon blanc and chardonnay; two reds, a pinot noir and merlot; as well as a rosé. The collection also includes a Méthode Cap Classique and a rosé sparkling wine.
Press & Pot
By Deluxe Coffeeworks
In collaboration with Cape Town coffee roastery, Deluxe Coffeeworks, Villa Resorts has developed its own coffee brand: Press & Pot. Villa Resorts ethically sources and imports its own green beans and roasts them on-site at Villa Nautica for distribution across all of the brand’s islands. On-site, Press & Pot coffee is served by expertly trained baristas, and sold through various retail channels for guests to enjoy at home.
Our Resorts
Villa Haven
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Immersed in natural beauty, this heavenly sanctuary is a restorative island escape. Experience an elevated sense of harmony at Villa Haven.
Villa Nautica
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Celebrating the glitz of yacht life, Villa Nautica bustles with cosmopolitan flair. Embrace the seafarer lifestyle in a glamorous maritime setting.
Villa Park
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Tropical and exotic, Villa Park is adventurously unfamiliar. Explore our colourful isle and its vibrant coral reefs in a fun-filled holiday.
Royal Island
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Connect with nature in the splendour of a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ease into the local rhythm and recharge at Royal Island.