Marriott’s W Maldives is open again following refurbishment, with an even cooler look
From the whale shark patterns in the overwater infinity pools to the translucent bathtubs in the beach villas, W Maldives’ new look is stylish and sensuous. For fans of the W Hotels brand this may be no big surprise, since blending daring design with playful luxury is a hallmark of their hotels. However, two ‘first in the Maldives’ design elements take this makeover to the next level.
At almost 20 years old, W Maldives has been through various transformations over the years. As a scuba diver, I used to love the bright red divers flag and coral designs scattered around the beach villas in previous years. But this redesign could be W Maldives’ most stylish metamorphosis yet.
The new-look W Maldives is undoubtedly hip and contemporary, yet there’s something slightly more mature about it. The villas still have a playful energy, but their coolness seems more effortless.
As before, the 77 villas at W Maldives are inspired by the colours and shapes of Maldivian nature. However, Singapore-based Miaja Design Group has recreated the patterns found on whale sharks in the tiny tiles that pave the overwater villa infinity pools. This design feature (pictured above and below) is a genuine ‘Maldives first’.
Many Maldivian resorts often claim to be the ‘first’ or ‘only’ place to offer something. But some simple research may prove this isn’t always the case. However, while W Maldives isn’t bragging about it being a ‘Maldives first’, the whale shark patterns in the pool is actually one of the most unique concepts I’ve seen at any resort in the Maldives in years. (Continue to the end of this article for W’s next ‘first’).
Perhaps more significantly, this concept pays tribute to how important whale sharks are in Ari Atoll. This is the name of the area where W Resort is based. Ari Atoll is one of the only places in the world to have a year-round population of whale sharks.
As you can see below, these Premier Overwater One Bedroom Villas are also brighter and airier inside now. Wood panelling and painted walls have been replaced with a range of lighter and brighter materials and textures. The wardrobes are as glassy as W Maldives’ award-winning house reef can sometimes appear when the conditions are perfect. Its ombré colours reflect the shades of the ocean as the golden sun melts into it.
Decorative wall moldings evoke images of sea creatures and reefs. Cream rugs create the effect of sand in the floor, in the style of historical Maldivian homes. And yes, there is still a glass panel in the floor for spotting fish. Only now, a glimpse of a line drawing of a whale shark entices you to look more closely.
Now, on to the Escape Beach One Bedroom Villas. A highlight of these is the translucent bathtubs. While it’s not the only resort in the Maldives to have a see-through bathtub, it certainly is a fun feature.
As you can see (below), the shade of the bathtubs is similar to the amber shades of a Maldivian ‘kilhi‘ (lake). The water villas don’t have this shade of bathtub (they are blue instead), while the beach villas don’t have the striking whale shark patterns in the pools.
You can splash about and admire the tropical rock garden through it. Or turn your head to the sky to watch coconut tree fronds waving in the breeze, maybe to the sound of calls from an Asian Koel.
As previously mentioned, these beach villas used to be decorated predominantly in red and white but now they’re inspired by the softer hues of mangrove habitats (below). These ecosystems are incredibly important to the Maldives, although they garner significantly less attention than the country’s white sand beaches.
In the bedroom/living area, the glass table is made from driftwood. A rug beneath it, and the patterns on the walls, resemble the intricate patterns left by water in white clay mangrove habitats.
The curved lines and muted tones of these refurbished villas allow you to appreciate their unique shape even more. With rounded walls and dome-shaped upper decks, they have a distinctive look, rather like a lighthouse, but topped with coconut thatch. This shape has not been changed (exterior shot below).
From the end of May/June, W Maldives’ first-ever Supreme Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas will also be added to its repertoire. They will be similar to the Escape Beach One Bedroom Villas (pictured below) although obviously larger. The new design will feature water slides that connect the upper floor to the private pool.
The upgrades to W Maldives incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices. This is part of its commitment to be more sustainable by 2026. The resort has one of the largest biogas plants in the Maldives, as well as a fruit and vegetable garden.
George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader of W Hotels, said: “We are not simply unveiling a completely renovated resort; we are redefining our signature, liberated approach to destination-driven luxury with this newly reimagined hotel.
“W Maldives has been transformed for both global travelers and locals alike, offering meaningful experiences and a deep dive into the cultural richness of these islands. We’ve created a haven that reflects the dynamic energy of this world-class, coveted destination while setting a new standard for W Hotels Escapes globally”.
The second ‘first’
Global strategy and design studio, EDG Design, took on the task of transforming the other parts of W Maldives, including the eating and drinking venues. The showstopper is the new Splinterworks Vertex water slide at WET Deck – another first of its kind in the Maldives.
WET Deck pool bar is always where the action happens, from fashion shows to DJ sets. But now the $133,950/£87,950 stainless steel pool slide completes the resort’s fresh look. New lighting pulses in sync to live music while built-in water jets keep the steel slide cool under the tropical sun.
“Our goal is to offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with the traditions of the Maldives, from its rich history and cultural rituals to its natural beauty, while enjoying the bold, creative energy that W Hotels is known for,” said General Manager of W Maldives, Amila Handunwala.
“The reimagined W Maldives embraces the deep cultural heritage of the Maldives, blending it with the resort’s modern design to create an immersive, elevated experience. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the soul of the destination, inviting guests to explore, discover, and unwind in a truly exceptional setting”.
W Maldives’ transformation even extends to experiential travel. New programmes, such as ‘Dare to Taste’, take you on seasonal culinary journeys that showcase local flavours with creative twists. Pop-up collaborations with acclaimed international chefs and mixologists further elevate the dining experience.
To find out more about W Maldives, click here.
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