Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa $20 Million Renovation Programme Commences

Under the slogan "one name . . . two islands . . . three luxury resorts", the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa has announced its $20 million renovation plans as it undergoes construction between April and December 2004.

The renovation involves the closure of one of the twin-islands that the hotel operates in the South Ari Atoll while the existing Beach Villas, pool, gym, lobby and restaurants are demolished and rebuilt. The sister island, Rangali, which is half a kilometre away and linked by a wooden bridge to Rangalifinolhu, will continue to operate as a stand-alone resort during the renovation programme.

Promising to offer some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Maldives, the hotel will introduce three distinct resort experiences across the two islands when fully open again later this year: the Water Villas on Rangali island; Beach villas on Rangalifinolhu island and the Spa Village.

“We already offer the finest over-water villas in the Maldives,” says hotel General Manager, Carsten Schieck, “and we want to match that by introducing beach villas that will take people’s breath away. This is why we are building the largest, most luxurious beach villas in the country. Added to that, we are also creating an over-water Spa Village, which we believe will be a destination of its own offering holistic signature treatments designed for mind, body and soul. The Spa Village will feature a luxurious over-water spa and 20 over-water villas. This is taking luxury into another dimension.”

Already renowned for its existing 50 stunning water villas set on stilts over the Indian Ocean on Rangali island, the hotel is adding an over-water Spa Village and 80 spacious Beach Villas to sister island, Rangalifinolhu. The Spa Village, the first of its kind in the Maldives, will offer a complete range of holistic, pampering and therapeutic treatments and comprises: the Spa; a restaurant and juice bar; and 20 over-water Spa Villas, each with a private treatment room. On the same island, the hotel is also constructing 80 luxurious beach villas, with up to 300 square metres of living space; an outdoor bathing pavilion, courtyard garden, beach-facing terrace and a private pool.

It is envisaged that guests will spend their holiday at the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa on both islands, exploring the different villas and experiences available.

Rangalifinolhu island will see the greatest changes when 80 Beach Villas 42 Deluxe and 38 standard); 30m outdoor infinity-edge pool; two-storey gym pavilion; shopping arcade; a wine bar; and restaurants including one over the lagoon and one underwater are complete. The Beach Villas are a bright and airy contemporary Maldivian design with floor-to ceiling windows; thatched roof; beach front and a private outdoor area which includes open-air showers and a bathing pavilion. Being between 150 and 300 square metres in size, they will be among the largest of their kind in the country.

Dining options on Rangalifinolhu Island include the Atoll Market place, a spacious indoor/outdoor restaurant near the beach with live cooking stations offering cuisine from around the world including a sushi bar, pizza parlour, Indian food and fresh salad bar. The Sunset Restaurant & Grill – specializing in seafood - will reopen in December in its existing location 50m over the lagoon. It is complemented by the country’s first underwater restaurant which will entrance diners with exciting glimpses of the nearby coral reefs and marine life. There will also be two bars: the Atoll bar and a separate wine bar offering the pick of over 3,000 bottles of wine.

For ultimate relaxation and invigoration there will be a two-storey gym pavilion with inspiring sea views; state-of-the-art machines and a relaxation area designed by international life-coach Peter Crone. Bathers will love the huge, new infinity-edge pool that blends seamlessly into the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Spa Village is a destination in itself and the hotel anticipates that a number of visitors will stay there simply to experience the Spa Village without exploring the rest of the island. Guests staying in the Spa Village have the option of indulging in a huge range of treatments in one of the Spa’s many luxurious treatment rooms or in the comfort of their own villa. The Spa is open as a day spa for all other guests at the hotel. 20 Spa Villas, also on stilts above the ocean, surround the Village Spa and are provide a welcoming refuge from the outside world, enabling guests to relax and revitalise in splendour.

Rangali Island, which houses 50 stunning Water Villas in their beautiful setting on stilts above the lagoon, is an exclusive island with its own over-water Spa as well as restaurants and bars, and will remain unaffected by the renovations on sister-island Rangalifinolhu.