Nobu Hospitality Announces First Maldives Hotel and Private-Island Residences
A 56-villa resort, standalone Nobu restaurant, and ultra-limited private island estates are planned for Munyafushi in Laamu Atoll.
Drone rendering of Nobu Hotel, Residences, and Restaurant Maldives
Nobu Hospitality is entering the Maldives for the first time with a new hotel, restaurant, and ultra-limited private island residences planned for Munyafushi, a private island in Laamu Atoll. Developed in partnership with Sarat International, the project will introduce the brand’s Japanese-Peruvian dining concept and design-led hospitality approach to one of the Indian Ocean’s more remote provinces.
The resort is set to include 56 villas in total, comprising 26 one- and two-bedroom beach villas and 30 overwater villas. Each accommodation is expected to reflect the brand’s pared-back aesthetic, with clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral palette that complements the surrounding landscape. At the center of the property, a standalone Nobu restaurant will occupy its own private island, complete with a bar and lounge focused on Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
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Beyond the hotel component, the development introduces a small collection of 10 Nobu Island Estate Residences, each on its own private island. Owners will have access to the hotel’s dining, spa, and recreational facilities via boat transfers while maintaining full separation from the main resort footprint. Plans call for private beachfronts, pavilion-style living spaces, and dedicated yachts tied to each estate.
Architecture and interiors will draw on Nobu’s Japanese heritage through angular forms and open layouts intended to integrate with the island’s topography and ocean views. Amenities across the wider resort are expected to include a full-service spa, fitness facilities, a dive center, tennis courts, event venues, and a main pool area designed for both leisure and private gatherings.
“The Maldives is a highly sought-after tourist destination that has long been on our radar for a unique resort concept. Before we embarked on this journey, we envisioned something truly special,” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. “As part of the new generation of Maldives hotels, we aim to set a new standard of rarity. Our priority is to create a superior island experience rather than follow a formulaic approach.”
Sarat International is overseeing development alongside Sarat Investments, with managing director Ali Ahsan and newly appointed chief advisor engineer Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Alkhudair serving on the project’s leadership team. “We are proud to partner with Nobu Hospitality to introduce a project that redefines luxury living in the Maldives, and equally proud to be partnering with Sarat Investments on this landmark development,” Ahsan said.
An opening timeline has not yet been announced.
