Soneva Gili Resort & Spa in the Maldives will remain closed until 1 May due to continuing refurbishment work to repair the damage caused by the Boxing Day tsunami.

The resort was originally due to open during February, but Six Senses, which operates the resort, said the facility “could not be compromised” and that it must be able to offer the standards expected by Soneva guests.

Six Senses also said that it intends to take the opportunity to further enhance the resort and carry out building work on facilities which were unaffected by the tidal wave.

A spokesperson said: “During the repairs, we will also complete the private reserve, which at 1,400sq, m will be one of the largest over-water presidential suites.”

A new general manager, Peter Nilsson, has also been appointed.

Nilsson joins Soneva Gili from the company’s Evason Hua resort in Thailand, where he held the position of resort manager for eight months.

The Soneva Gili spa has five treatment rooms and offers accommodation in 29 villa suites, eight residences and seven stand-alone Crusoe villas.