Lebanese couturier Elie Saab has just revealed plans to open a five-star resort in the Maldives. In partnership with Dubai-based real estate developers SAMANA, the luxury label is set to design, decorate, and curate every aspect of the luxury retreat. Most of the furniture will be sourced from the Maison’s own home collections—unless they’re custom-made exclusively for the resort, which seems likely given the brand’s signature attention to detail.
This isn’t Saab’s first foray into luxury hospitality. The designer has previously lent his signature aesthetic to high-end residential projects, including Elie Saab Residences in London, Dubai, Beirut, and Cairo, among others. However, this marks his most ambitious hospitality venture to date—a full-scale luxury resort under his name.
“Every piece is designed with a deep understanding of the Maldivian environment, ensuring that the elegance and quality of the collection harmonize perfectly with the unique beauty of the location,” said Massimiliano Ferrari, CEO of Corporate Brand Maison, which produces The Elie Saab Maison Collection.
Spanning 47,100 square meters on a private archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the 190-key project is valued at a staggering $600 million. Guests can expect a selection of beachfront villas, over-water bungalows, and poolside apartments, blending opulence with tropical serenity. The resort will also feature a spa and wellness center, Arabic and Japanese dining experiences, a state-of-the-art dive center, and an array of coral restoration activities to support marine conservation efforts.
For those planning their arrival, the resort will be accessible via a 20-minute speedboat ride from Hanimaadhoo Airport or a 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé.
Construction is set to commence after a 120-day environmental assessment aimed at protecting the island’s delicate ecosystem. If all goes according to plan, doors will officially open in 2029, marking Elie Saab’s grand entry into the world of ultra-luxury hospitality.
Now, the real question is: how soon can we check in?
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