The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has signed an agreement with Xanadu Holdings to manage Jumeirah Meradhoo, a new five star deluxe resort in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, south of the Malé Atoll in the Maldives. This is the second phase of the group’s expansion strategy in an area which is recognized as the world’s top luxury resort destination.

The 36-villa resort is on an uninhabited island of 45,000m², with 16 of the villas forming a unique ‘water village’ separated from the main island by 1km of coral reef, providing guests with an exclusive ‘two resort’ island. Each of the ‘water village’ villas will measure a spacious 240m², while the 20 luxury beach villas on the main island will be approximately 300m² in size.

Jumeirah Meradhoo will also feature a dive centre, offering guests access to one of the best reefs in the Maldives, three restaurants and a bar, and a Talise spa.

The resort will complement Jumeirah Maldives, the group’s other development in the Maldives, which also offers a selection of water and beach villas, three restaurants and a bar, a Talise spa, and a dive centre. With these two distinctive properties, Jumeirah will be able to cater to guests looking for an exclusive retreat over two islands.

Jumeirah Meradhoo is the second management agreement signed by the group in the Maldives and brings the total number of properties under development or in operation by Jumeirah globally to 42.