Starwood Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the signing of an agreement with Residency Resorts Malé to debut the renowned St. Regis brand in the Maldives.

Residency Resorts is part of the Chennai-based property developer, Appaswamy Group.

Set to open in 2016, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives will bring the brand’s hallmark luxury services to one of the world’s most magnificent destinations, ideally situated on the private Vommuli Island in the Dhaalu Atoll.

“We are pleased to partner with Starwood to bring this hotel to life: marrying the bespoke service of the St. Regis brand with the ‘barefoot luxury’ mentality of the Maldives,” said Ravi Appasamy managing director of Residency Resorts Malé.

“The brand’s allure, coupled with Starwood’s powerful loyalty programme, is sure to entice affluent travellers to visit this enchanting destination.”

A 40-minute seaplane ride southwest from the Republic’s capital city Malé, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort will be located on a private atoll spanning more than 20 acres, surrounded by unspoiled beaches and a secluded lagoon with sparkling turquoise waters.

The resort will feature 77 luxuriously appointed private villas, all with a distinct contemporary design scheme inspired by the island’s natural materials and colour palette.

“This signing further fuels Starwood’s strong growth momentum in South Asia, where we continue to see strong demand for high-end hotel accommodations,” added Sudeep Jain, vice president acquisitions and development, south Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 

“The upcoming arrival of the St. Regis brand in the Maldives underpins our commitment to Starwood’s luxury portfolio in this dynamic market.”