Minor Hotels is preparing to unveil a new chapter in Maldivian hospitality as it reopens Reethi Beach Resort under the NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort brand in December 2025. The storied island property, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is undergoing a six-month closure and renovation beginning in April 2025, marking one of the most significant redevelopment efforts in its history.
The transformation is aimed at aligning the beloved Reethi Beach Resort with the NH Collection identity, combining the heritage of Maldivian tradition with the modern comforts expected from an international luxury brand. Industry observers note that this is more than just a cosmetic overhaul; it represents Minor Hotels’ strategy to expand NH Collection’s footprint in key leisure markets, with the Maldives serving as a flagship destination.
The decision is also linked to Minor Hotels’ wider growth ambitions across the Indian Ocean. Analysts see the Baa Atoll property as a natural extension of the group’s expanding portfolio, positioning NH Collection alongside other regional competitors targeting affluent travellers who demand curated experiences that blend local culture with luxury.
What new villa concepts and accommodation upgrades can guests expect from the renovated resort?
The redeveloped resort will offer a total of 105 beach and overwater villas designed to highlight the island’s natural beauty while providing upscale comfort. The renovation includes the addition of 16 villas with private pools, reflecting growing demand from high-spending travellers for private plunge options in the Maldives.
Guests booking the Beach Villas will have direct access to sandy shores and sweeping ocean views, ensuring an experience of uninterrupted immersion with nature. Meanwhile, the Overwater Villas perched above the turquoise lagoon on the island’s north side are expected to become one of the property’s defining features, offering panoramic vistas and unique opportunities for stargazing.
Market analysts suggest the reconfiguration of villas signals an effort to compete with the rising number of high-end Maldivian resorts offering private pool options. By modernising its villa inventory while maintaining the traditional Maldivian charm that made Reethi Beach popular with repeat visitors, Minor Hotels is balancing legacy with innovation.
How is NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort expanding food and beverage offerings for international travellers?
One of the most significant elements of the transformation is the resort’s expanded dining program. The new concept introduces seven food and beverage venues, each offering a distinctive identity designed to appeal to diverse global tastes.
The three cornerstone restaurants include Alifaan, a beachfront grill with a focus on open-flame cooking; Kaiyo, an overwater venue celebrating the fusion of Asian flavours with ocean views; and Jumla, an all-day dining restaurant showcasing international cuisine with a Maldivian twist. Supporting these are themed bars and lounges such as Madumaithri, the infinity pool bar; Aqua Bar, aimed at families; Atardecer, a sunset beach bar designed for tapas and cocktails with live music; and Handhuvaru, a rum bar that combines sophistication with intimacy.
For those seeking exclusivity, the resort is adding two premium experiences: a wine cellar with fine dining options and Adrift, a private al fresco dining concept set in curated island locations. These upgrades reflect broader industry trends in which dining is becoming central to the Maldives resort experience, often as important as accommodations and water sports.
What unique experiences and leisure activities are being developed to enhance the guest journey?
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has been designed to immerse guests in the natural and cultural richness of the Baa Atoll. Hanifaru Bay, a short boat ride away, is internationally renowned for manta ray and whale shark aggregations, providing world-class diving and snorkelling experiences.
Within the resort, guests can access a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life or participate in a wide range of water sports including jet skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. On land, wellness and leisure are being elevated with the REVIVE spa, a holistic centre drawing on natural therapies, complemented by a fully equipped activity centre offering a fitness suite, kids’ club, tennis and pickleball courts, and indoor games.
Travel analysts suggest that Minor Hotels is responding to demand for multidimensional experiences. Luxury travellers are no longer satisfied with passive resort stays; they expect wellness integration, sustainability awareness, and opportunities to connect with local biodiversity. By emphasising both active and restorative pursuits, the resort strengthens its positioning against newer entrants in the competitive Maldives market.
How will the rebranding affect pricing, guest sentiment, and Minor Hotels’ strategy in the Maldives?
Industry sentiment around the reopening suggests that Minor Hotels is likely to reposition NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort at a higher price point. While specific room rates for the December 2025 relaunch have not been disclosed, early promotional offers include discounted stays with complimentary breakfast, spa treatments, and curated excursions such as sunset cruises. This indicates an initial strategy of incentivising early bookings while preparing for long-term rate growth.
Institutional perspectives note that Minor Hotels is expanding its presence in the Maldives at a time when international arrivals are recovering strongly post-pandemic. Investors see the group’s emphasis on NH Collection as part of a broader move to diversify its brand portfolio beyond the Anantara and Avani brands. By targeting travellers looking for “upper upscale” experiences, NH Collection fills a valuable gap between boutique luxury and ultra-exclusive island resorts.
Returning guests of the former Reethi Beach Resort may experience mixed reactions, as some will welcome the upgraded offerings while others could be sensitive to higher price points. Analysts believe, however, that Minor Hotels’ commitment to preserving the island’s character while modernising its amenities should ensure a smooth transition.
What is the wider outlook for the NH Collection brand in Maldivian hospitality after this launch?
The reopening of NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is expected to solidify Minor Hotels’ status as a key international operator in the region. With Reethi joining NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, the group will operate nine properties across the Maldives under different brand identities.
Hospitality experts point out that the Maldives remains one of the most competitive luxury resort markets globally, with rapid new developments from both regional operators and global hotel chains. Against this backdrop, Minor Hotels’ ability to successfully rebrand a well-loved legacy property into a globally recognised premium brand will serve as a benchmark for its future expansion in other island destinations.
Looking ahead, the success of NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort will depend on balancing sustainability commitments, guest loyalty, and the operational efficiency of its new facilities. If executed well, the transformation could position NH Collection as a leader in eco-luxury travel in the Maldives, offering a distinct alternative to ultra-exclusive island retreats.
Discover more from Business-News-Today.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
