Emaar Hospiality Group has announced its expansion in the Indian Ocean with a hotel management contract to operate Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa.

The property is designed as a picturesque beachfront resort set in a private island in the Indian Ocean, only 20 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport.

The expansion to the Indian Ocean archipelago underlines the international growth plans of Emaar Hospitality Group, which now has 29 upcoming hotel projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and now, Maldives.

The group currently has 11 operational hotels and three serviced residences in Dubai, its home-market.

Scheduled to be operational in 2020, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will be the first-of-its-kind island hotel project by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand of Emaar Hospitality Group.

A part of the 2.42 sq km Ethere Madivaru Private Island, owned by Adam Abdul Gafoor, chairman of Finolhu Investment, Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa spans a total area of 75,000 sq m, with its design and contours defined by the vast coastline.

Billed to be a spectacular vacation destination, the hotel project includes 80 beach and over-water villas including selected units for sale.

Gafoor said: “We are delighted to welcome Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address brand to Maldives to manage our exceptional property that will complement our nation’s focus on tourism growth.

“Maldives has been the cornerstone of Indian Ocean tourism, and the government has announced visionary initiatives to drive the role of the private sector, including the long-term lease of islands for resort development.”

Among the stand-out features of Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa include a dedicated Spa Island and Water Sports Island offering diving, surfing and a host of leisure pursuits, as well as water villas and presidential suites that redefine the standards of ultra-luxury hospitality.

Amenities such as floating restaurants and lounges, over-water fitness facilities, swimming pools, and children’s play areas are all thoughtfully designed to maximise the oceanfront location.

Olivier Harnisch, chief executive, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “One of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, Maldives is an ideal fit to our expansion plans to take our proven competencies in hospitality to newer geographies.

“It is our privilege to have been chosen by Finolhu Investment to manage this iconic property in the Indian Ocean.

“We will work closely in the design and development of the hotel project, with a focus on maximising its oceanfront location. Address Madivaru Maldives Resort + Spa will not only enhance our reputation as a global hospitality provider but also add value to the local economy through its role in promoting premium tourism and holiday home investments.”