Thailand-based Dusit International has announced an opening date for its first resort in the Maldives - on Mudhdhii Island on the Baa Atoll.

Launching on 6 February, the US$80m (€61m, £51m) Dusit Thani Maldives resort will feature 46 Beach Villas, two Beach Houses, 30 Water Villas, 20 Ocean Villas and two Ocean Houses.

Facilities will include a Devarana-branded tree-top spa, over-water and grill restaurants, tennis courts and dive centre.

The resort's centrepiece will be a 750sq m (8,000sq ft) infinity swimming pool, said to be the largest in the Maldives, which has been designed around an ancient banyan tree.

Dusit International will also use the resort to run a number of hospitality training programmes under its Dusit College subsidiary. The courses will be designed for Maldivians hoping to enter the tourism and hospitality sector.

Dusit acquired the Baa Atoll resort in 2011 and has undertaken significant redevelopment work on the property.

Chanin Donavanik, CEO of Dusit International, said: "This property represents a milestone in our strategic expansion plans. As we gain momentum in the region, we look forward to advancing the guest experience throughout our group of hotels and resorts"

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