DATA SHEET
Owner: Accor
Hotel operator: Pullman Hotels & Resorts
Architecture: Blink Design Group, Miaja Design Group
Interior design: Miaja Design Group
Lead & Creative design: Isabelle Miaja
Photo credits: courtesy of Pullman Hotels & Resorts, Miaja Design Group
It is no mystery that, in addition to having one of the largest and deepest lagoons in the region, the Maldivian atoll Gaafu Alifu is a heavenly oasis dressed in lush tropical vegetation, adorned with a natural lake and white sandy beaches. What is less known is that exploring its fascinating marine life and the surrounding dive sites now truly has no boundaries.
The Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, the fifth one owned by Accor, a global luxury hospitality group with facilities in 110 countries, has just opened its doors here in the name of high-level hospitality, yes, but with incredibly astonishing experiences. Immersing yourself in the exotic environment of the region through excursions, diving, jet skis, or simply by lying on a net suspended above the water are certainly amazing experiences.
The most unforgettable one, though, is the one offered by the underwater bedrooms of the exclusive Aqua Villas – for now just two – which offer a unique, constantly changing underwater scenery to enjoy in complete relaxation. An extraordinarily intimate and open encounter with the marine background, the first in the Maldives, in a place where up to 13 species of sharks can be sighted, in addition to the infinite coral reef.
The 113-sqm villas, each strategically positioned to admire the sunrise and sunset, are equipped with a second bedroom on the surface overlooking the ocean, a private infinity pool, and a bathroom. The Aqua Villas are joined by 122 villas and a Royal Suite considered ‘a resort within the resort’ offering a high level of customized services.
‘Finding the perfect balance to blend the Pullman brand with the Maldives was an exciting challenge. The Pullman brand is all about contemporary lines. Architecturally, the design team wanted to mix a modern, resort-feeling approach with the Maldivian culture. The result is in each villa’s distinctive thatched roof reminiscent of the Maldivian striped sarong, symbolising the country’s national costume. Pullman is about modernity, and the stripes, although intrinsically Maldivian, are also very contemporary,’ explained Julian Miaja.
Art was also a significant part of the resort’s design, taking a bold and unique approach through street artist Mad C, a renowned artist tasked with painting the resort’s facades with her colourful strokes.
