Nobu’s Maldives debut pairs overwater villas with standalone island estates

Set in Laamu Atoll, the brand’s first Maldives project will combine a boutique-scale Nobu hotel, a restaurant on its own island and a limited collection of standalone private island estates

Nobu Hospitality is set to enter the Maldives for the first time, with plans for a hotel, restaurant and ultra-limited collection of private island residences in Laamu Atoll.

Located on the private island of Munyafushi in the country’s south, the project reflects a continued shift in the Maldives towards smaller-scale, design-led resorts paired with branded residential offerings. While private island buy-outs are common across the archipelago, individual private island ownership remains rare.

The resort is planned to include 26 one- and two-bedroom beach villas and 30 one- and two-bedroom overwater villas. The relatively restrained key count places it at the more intimate end of the Maldivian luxury spectrum, where privacy and space are central to the experience.

Design

Architecture and interiors are expected to draw on Nobu’s Japanese heritage, expressed through clean lines, natural materials and a muted palette designed to sit quietly within the atoll’s lagoon and vegetation. Open-plan layouts and pavilion-style elements will prioritise flow between interior and exterior spaces – a defining characteristic of high-end island design.

Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, said the destination has long been a strategic priority for the brand. “The Maldives is a highly sought-after tourist destination that has long been on our radar for a unique resort concept,” he said. “Our priority is to create a superior island experience rather than follow a formulaic approach – one where design, world-class dining, and the natural environment harmoniously coexist.”

Dining

At the centre of the development will be a Nobu restaurant set on a separate private island, complete with bar and lounge. The concept will showcase the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine created by Nobu Matsuhisa, whose restaurants have become a fixture in global luxury destinations.

Beyond dining, the resort is expected to include a full-service spa, fitness facilities, a diving centre, tennis courts, event spaces and a main swimming pool, positioning the property as both a leisure retreat and a potential full-island buy-out venue.

Residences

Defining the project is a collection of just 10 Nobu Island Estate Residences, each situated on its own private island. In a destination known for exclusivity, the opportunity for standalone island ownership – combined with access to a global hospitality brand’s services and amenities – remains uncommon.

Each estate is planned to feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, pavilion-style living and dining areas, private beachfront access and panoramic Indian Ocean views. Owners will also have access to a private yacht for exploring surrounding waters, while remaining a short boat ride from the hotel’s restaurants, spa and experiences.

As branded residences continue to expand across the Maldives, Nobu’s entry signals the brand’s intent to compete at the highest end of the market. An opening timeline has not yet been confirmed.

nobuhotels.com