A new wave of boutique barefoot luxury arrives in the Maldives with MGallery’s upcoming Mirihi villa retreat

(NEWS) MALDIVES, 2025-Dec-1 — /Travel PR News/ — A new chapter of boutique luxury is taking shape in the Maldives as MGallery Collection confirms plans for V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, an all-villa retreat scheduled to open in early 2026. Set on the serene island of Mirihi in South Ari Atoll, the resort will mark the brand’s first presence in the Maldives, expanding its global portfolio of story-driven hotels. The property, formerly Mirihi Island Resort, will undergo an extensive redesign led by the international award-winning Studio Gronda, with the transformation set to introduce 42 villas spanning beach, overwater, and multi-bedroom categories, each with private pools and panoramic ocean views.

The resort aims to embody a blend of quiet luxury and natural immersion, drawing inspiration from Maldivian heritage and the island’s namesake Mirihi flower. Surrounded by coral reefs and a sheltered lagoon, the development is positioned to offer guests a calm, nature-led experience — from slow-paced wellness escapes to marine encounters among manta rays and whale sharks. The project is spearheaded by VIE Maldives Pvt Ltd, under Thailand’s Major Cineplex Group, further expanding the company’s hospitality footprint following its MGallery properties in Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Phuket. Leadership at both MGallery and Major Cineplex emphasize the resort’s mission to deliver soulful travel, sustainability-minded design, and a deep connection to place.

Once complete, V Villas Maldives at Mirihi will introduce upgraded villa interiors using coral-stone finishes, along with new culinary concepts including an overwater restaurant and bar, plus a main pool and expanded spa and fitness facilities. Guests will reach the island via a brief 25-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. As part of Accor’s ESG pilot program, the resort will integrate environmental sensitivity into operations while crafting meaningful guest engagement through wellness programmes, diving experiences, and low-impact exploration. With over 120 properties globally, MGallery continues to grow in sought-after destinations — and its Maldives debut positions the brand firmly within one of the world’s most aspirational island landscapes.