A new boutique island retreat emerges in the Maldives as IHG unveils Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection

(NEWS) MALDIVES, 2025-Dec-10 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts is preparing to introduce a new chapter of boutique luxury in the Maldives with the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection, a 52-villa hideaway set within the South Malé Atoll and scheduled to welcome guests in late 2026. The project, as outlined in the company’s press release, developed with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd — a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd — will transform a privately cherished family island into a thoughtfully curated retreat, inviting travellers to experience Maldivian heritage through design, nature, and a deep sense of place.

Located in the South Malé Atoll and accessible by a 30-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, the resort will offer both land and overwater villas, blending contemporary comfort with cultural heritage and a focus on environmental responsibility. The property joins Vignette Collection’s growing portfolio and will become IHG’s sixth opening in the Maldives, alongside Six Senses, InterContinental and Noku Maldives.

The owners describe Vaagali as a place rooted in memory and family connection, reflecting decades of stewardship by founders Hussain Shareef and Fathimath Naseema, whose approach to Maldivian hospitality continues to guide the island’s future. The resort aims to honour that legacy through nature-led guest experiences, wellbeing programming, and design elements shaped by local craft traditions.

A distinctive highlight of Vaagali is its naturally formed underwater caves, a rare geological feature offering a unique marine exploration opportunity. Alongside diving and ocean encounters, the resort will incorporate coral restoration and reef-health monitoring, reduced single-use plastics, native vegetation protection and responsible energy and waste systems — aligning with sustainability expectations within the Maldivian luxury market.

Accommodation will span one- to three-bedroom pool villas, each equipped with a private yoga pavilion, while wellness will take centre stage through a 3,000 sqm spa with aqua therapy, a natural freshwater pool, and movement-focused facilities that include paddle courts, a sports complex and a kids club. Five dining venues will showcase fresh regional flavours and global culinary influences.

The signing comes as Maldives tourism continues to perform strongly, recording 1.7 million international arrivals between January and October 2025, maintaining momentum toward its projected 2.3 million visitor target.

With Vaagali Maldives joining the pipeline, Vignette Collection — launched in 2021 — expands to 68 open and pipeline hotels worldwide, reinforcing IHG’s strategy of pairing global scale with the individuality of independent properties.