Mohamed Hameed, Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives owner and Muthaafushi Orient Investments Ltd. Director shared the news announced April 6, 2017, that Centara Hotels and Resorts of Thailand has decided to open the brand’s third resort in the Maldives on Baa Atoll’s Muthaafushi Island.
It will comprise 24 land villas and 77 water villas with an array of international restaurants including an underwater restaurant, a floating cinema, a dedicated Thai spa, a fitness centre, and other facilities expected in a Centara Grand Resort. The new resort is scheduled to have a soft opening in the fourth quarter of 2018 and grand opening in 2019.
Baa Atoll, also known as Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll, is approximately 123 kilometres North West of Male International Airport in the Maldives. Consisting of 75 islands dotted around three separate natural atolls, Baa Atoll is home to some of the richest biodiversity in the region, and as such has held the status of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since June 2011. The recognition was a significant achievement for the Maldives, placing it in the company of other world famous ecological sites.
“Baa Atoll has become a highly desirable destination for visiting Superyachts from around the world”, noted Muthaafushi Orient Investments Ltd. Director and APS Maldives MD, Mohamed Mr Hameed, adding, “The new property will surely be welcomed by visiting superyacht owners and visitors.”
According to travel and tourism news website, Hospitality Net, Centara Hotels and Resorts signed an agreement with local firms Muthaafushi Orient Investments Ltd. to manage a five-star resort in Muthaafushi Island, which is situated in the south-west of Baa Atoll. The property will be operated under the name of Centara Grand Muthaafushi Resort & Spa.
Centara Hotels and Resorts’ CEO Thirayuth Chirathiva expressed delight in being selected to manage the new five-star property. “This expansion of the business in the Maldives is in line with Centara’s growth strategy to strengthen our presence both in the South Asian region and internationally,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity for us to work with such an eminent hospitality brand of the Thai origin as Centara, who brings with it a long legacy of success in operating both owned and managed properties in popular tourist destinations worldwide”, declared Mohamed Hameed.