Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is now open, reports Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts and Singaporean developer Chiu Teng Enterprises.

The 141-villa resort is the Paris-born brand’s first property in the Maldives. Located on Thilamaafushi, it is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, Malé.

“We are thrilled to introduce the iconic Le Méridien brand to the Maldives, strengthening our presence in this captivating destination,” says Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “The opening of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa marks the second Marriott International property that opened in the Maldives this summer and the seventh brand entry in the destination. We look forward to expanding our portfolio further in the Maldives in order to offer distinctive and personalized experiences for travellers.”

The resort’s design nods to the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1960s (mid-century modern and Bauhaus aesthetics) and the natural environment of the Maldives Archipelago (reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as “Thilas”).

Accommodation options include one, two and three-bedroom villas. Visitors can also relax and rejuvenate at the Explore Spa by Le Méridien and the resort’s two infinity pools.

F&B requirements are covered by six restaurants and bars. Tabemasu, the resort’s signature restaurant, is inspired by Japanese fishing villages and water lanterns. Riviera is an adults-only bar framed by an oceanfront infinity pool and private beach. Waves Cafe is a mindful eating space focused on organic farm-to-table ingredients. Velaa Bar + Grill, situated poolside, features crafted cocktails, light dishes and grilled seafood. The Le Méridien Hub is a social gathering place serving custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee beverages as part of the brand’s collaboration with illy coffee. And Turquoise is a beachside marketplace offering an array of global tastes and local dishes from breakfast to dinner.

The resort also features a boutique lifestyle space—Waves Lifestyle Hub. It includes an ocean-facing fitness studio and yoga pavilion positioned high in the jungle, as well as Waves Cafe, a creative arts studio focused on local contemporary art.

In addition, the resort’s Marine Hub offers a range of conservation programs including mangrove and seagrass protection and turtle identification and snorkeling with the on-site marine biologist.

Ensuring minimal environmental impact was and continues to be paramount throughout the build and resort operations. A low carbon footprint is realized through leading-edge practices that focus on renewable energy, waste reduction and usage of renewable resources.

Standout sustainability initiatives include the widespread use of solar panels and lighting and one of the Maldives’ largest state-of-the-art hydroponic farms that has been purposely designed to promote hydroponic farming and consumption.

The Le Méridien brand is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.