Luxury boutique hospitality brand Aman has unveiled plans to open its first resort and wellness sanctuary in the Maldives, expanding its global portfolio of 35 resorts and residences.

Set on a private island in the Vaavu Atoll, Aman Maldives will feature 52 luxury pool villas and 16 branded residences.

True to the brand's dedication to wellness, the resort’s 2,638sq m spa will be located on its own private island. “Aman means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and offers a sanctuary for refined respite,” explained Yuki Kiyono, Aman's global head of health and wellness development, in an interview with Spa Business.

The spa promises to introduce new health and rejuvenation experiences to the Maldives, including two private Spa Houses, a signature feature of Aman’s wellness offerings.

Situated in one of the most secluded regions of the Maldives, famed for its pristine diving spots, the resort is being designed by longtime Aman collaborator Kerry Hill Architects. The design will draw inspiration from the island’s white coralline beaches and turquoise waters, emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty.

In addition to the spa, the resort will feature a variety of dining options, a beach club, private dining areas, a dive center, and watersports activities for exploring the region's vibrant reefs.

Construction is currently underway, with further details and an official opening date to be announced soon.

Speaking on this new venture, Vlad Doronin, chair and CEO of Aman Group, said: "The introduction of Aman Maldives is a significant milestone for our brand as we bring Aman's ethos of timeless elegance, unparallelled service and ultimate privacy to the destination for the first time.

“Responding to the request from Aman guests, for our presence in the Maldives, has long been part of our growth strategy and reinforces the brand's dedication to providing unique and transformative experiences in the world's most exceptional locations. Having secured a site in the most exclusive and secluded parts of the country, I'm delighted to bring Aman's renowned lifestyle and ultra-luxury way of living to the destination."

Aman Maldives has joined the operator's robust development pipeline, which also includes ongoing projects in the US, Japan, Mexico and Thailand.

Introducing Janu: Aman’s all-new sister-brand:
Building on its wellness-centric legacy, Aman launched its much-anticipated sister brand Janu in Tokyo last March, which includes a sprawling 4,000sq m urban wellness retreat.

All-star partnerships
Further strengthening its wellness credentials, Aman recently named tennis icon Novak Djokovic as its first global wellness advisor. The multi-year partnership will see Djokovic curating bespoke wellness programmes and exclusive events based on his extensive experience in mental and physical wellbeing.

Djokovic will also play a key advisory role in shaping Aman’s future wellness offerings, including new product development and brand extensions.

“Over the years, I’ve developed a comprehensive wellness routine focused on mental health, nutrition, and fitness,” Djokovic said. “I’m excited to share these insights with Aman’s guests.”

This follows the appointment of tennis star Maria Sharapova as Aman’s global wellness ambassador in 2023.