Aman Maldives is set to become a new destination for luxury travellers when the hotel brand opens Amanolu in the Vaavu Atoll in 2028, marking Aman’s first resort in the Maldives. The property will have 52 rooms and suites, alongside 16 private residences spread across separate islands.
The resort is planned for a secluded location in the Vaavu Atoll, one of the Maldives’ island groups known for its marine environment and relatively remote setting. Aman has named the property Amanolu, combining the Sanskrit word for peace with “Olu”, the water lily found across the Indian Ocean region.
Designed by Kerry Hill Architects (KHA), Amanolu will draw on the natural setting of the Maldives, with the architecture planned around white coral beaches, turquoise lagoons and the surrounding island landscape. The development is intended to keep the experience closely connected to the sea and its surroundings rather than simply placing a conventional luxury hotel on an island.
Wellness will be a central part of the resort. Amanolu is planned to include a separate island dedicated entirely to wellness, featuring an Aman Spa and the brand’s Spa Houses. The resort will also have a separate activity island where guests can take part in diving, snorkelling and other watersports.
Dining will form another part of the property, with several restaurants and bars planned. Aman has not yet released details about the individual restaurants, their concepts or the type of cuisine they will offer.
The resort’s accommodation will extend beyond the main hotel. Amanolu is planned to include 16 private branded residences, each occupying its own island. The residences will be positioned to take advantage of different views, with some designed around sunrise or sunset and others offering beaches on both sides of the island.
Each residence will have five bedrooms, a private beach and a 25-metre swimming pool. Dedicated accommodation for staff will also be included within the residences, reflecting the level of private service expected from the Aman brand.
The arrival experience is also likely to form an important part of the stay. Like many resorts in the Maldives, Amanolu will be separated from the country’s main urban centres by water, making the journey to the resort part of the experience. Guests arriving through Velana International Airport in Male typically continue to their island resort by seaplane or speedboat, depending on the location.
Amanolu will add another high-end property to a Maldivian tourism market already built around private islands, personalised service and experiences that make extensive use of the surrounding ocean. What will set the new resort apart is the way its planned layout separates accommodation, wellness and activities across different islands.
The first guests are expected to arrive in 2028, giving Aman several years to complete the project and reveal further details about the resort, including its dining concepts and opening arrangements. For travellers interested in the Aman brand and the Maldives, Amanolu will represent the company’s first opportunity to establish its particular style of hospitality in the archipelago.
