ONYX Hospitality Group announces Maldives deal - Amari Havodda Maldives will open in Q1 2016

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has announced a new Maldives project under its core brand, Amari. Located 400km from the capital Male in the Southern Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, guests will be able to arrive via a short 55-minute domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.

Enveloped by the exotic nature that the Maldives is renowned for, Amari Havodda will offer a private and pristine island hideaway on one of the most preserved atolls in the archipelago. The resort will offer two principal villa types, ‘beach’ and ‘overwater’, each providing uninterrupted views over the reef and the ocean beyond.

Designed by award winning French designer Isabelle Miaja, within a theme of ‘natural simplicity’ and sustainability the guestrooms will offer a contemporary and restful environment, with subtle references to traditional Maldivian art and architecture. In total, the property will encompass 120 Villas, including 48 Beach Villas, 12 Beach Pool Villas, 58 Overwater Villas and two Overwater Pool Villas.

Set to open in Q1 2016, Amari Havodda is owned by Crystal Plaza Resorts, a joint venture between Sri Lankan construction giant, Sanken Overseas and Singapore Hospitality Holdings, a Singapore based company specialising in resort investments. The resort will be managed by ONYX Hospitality Group.

Commenting on the new deal, President and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, Peter Henley said: “Tourism in the Maldives is strong and we see huge potential for an upscale brand like Amari. Our entry into the Maldives with Amari Havodda marks a key step in our international development plan. We look forward to the exciting times ahead as we work closely with our partners to create a contemporary and relaxing haven for future guests.”

Co-owner of Crystal Plaza, Mevan Gunatilleke said: “We are thrilled to be developing a new upscale property in the Maldives with a strong hospitality brand like Amari. Sanken Overseas and our joint venture partner, Laith Pharaon, have been exploring opportunities in the Maldives for some time. I believe Sanken’s expertise in luxury resort development for more than 30 years, combined with our joint venture partner’s international experience in the hospitality sector and the natural beauty of our island, will produce a highly unique product in the Maldives.”

ONYX Hospitality Group currently manages 51 properties and projects throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Photo caption (left to right): Ranjith Gunatilleke, Mevan Gunatilleke and Tahara Yosuke from Sanken Overseas, Armagan Gunaydin, MD of Crystal Plaza, BB Kulupana and Mehen Weerasekara from Sanken Overseas, Peter Henley and Kashyap Vora, both ONYX Hospitality Group.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia