JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the luxury brand’s second property in the Maldives, is now open.

Located 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, the property has 80 private pool villas, seven dining venues and bars, and a spa.

“JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island embodies our dedication to blending unparalleled luxury with holistic well-being, offering guests a peaceful escape where every detail is designed to inspire balance and rejuvenation,” says Bruce Rohr, vice-president and global brand leader, JW Marriott. “With the Maldives’ natural beauty as a backdrop, we aim to provide an exceptional experience that deeply resonates with those seeking tranquility, mindfulness, and world-class service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination, where they can truly disconnect and find harmony.”

Architect Cuneyt Bukulmez of Turkey-based Atolye4N led the design of the resort’s villas, which feature Maldivian touches blended with sleek, modern elements. Echoing traditional Maldivian “Gedhoru” huts, with kajan roofs and turquoise doors, they are crafted from natural materials such as timber and stone and feature the island’s lacquerware crafts alongside floor-to-ceiling glass doors, open-air showers and private pools.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll’s seven distinct drink and dine venues are:

• Veyo, a restaurant serving an international menu;
• Wahoo, the resort’s infinity pool bar;
• Athiri, a signature steakhouse;
• Nikkei, a bar experience offering craft cocktails and light bites inspires by the fusion of Peruvian cuisine and global influences;
• Riva, a fine dining destination that elevates traditional Indian dishes, Sri Lankan elements, and local Maldivian flavors;
• Pure, a dining experiences showcasing locally-sourced ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes;
• and Tito’s, a deli and patisserie.

The resort also offers bespoke private dining options.

Wellness facilities at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll include the overwater Spa by JW, which offers exclusive treatments featuring Babor’s precison skincare products; sunrise yoga; a state-0f-the-art fitness center with ocean views, and a lap pool.

Other amenities include a JW Garden, a dedicated Kids’ and Teens’ Club, and a child-friendly swimming pool.

Embodying its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll is part of a groundbreaking collaboration with INVENA. Motivated by shifting tides and global warming challenges faced by island nations, this initiative introduces a pioneering 30-meter-long underwater coastal structure, designed in collaboration with the Self-Assembly Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to attenuate wave action and combat beach erosion. The installation will also foster marine ecosystems by creating a reef habitat that attracts diverse fish and coral. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with this project, contributing to scientific efforts addressing climate challenges.