Maldives adds two big resorts
Two major new Maldives entries — Rah Gili and a Bulgari property — opened onto the 2026 luxury map, expanding options for private‑island downtime and curated resort experiences this year ( ).
RAH GILI is the debut island for SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, a collection founded by hotelier Laith Pharaon, and is slated to open in February 2026 on South Malé Atoll. (rahgili.com) The resort sits on roughly 8.7 hectares and will offer 74 private pool villas with a reported maximum guest capacity of about 200 and a workforce of roughly 300 employees. (hoteliermaldives.com) Six & Six has entered the EarthCheck certification process for RAH GILI and markets the island as being located within a secluded dolphin sanctuary to support marine-focused programming and excursions. (hoteliermaldives.com) Operational build‑out included a public recruitment open day on 11 December 2025 as the resort finalised staffing, and the island emphasizes short speedboat transfers to Velana International Airport for guest arrivals. (hoteliermaldives.com) Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts’ Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi is set to be the brand’s Maldives debut on a 20‑hectare private island in Raa Atoll, accessible by approximately a 45‑minute seaplane from Velana International Airport. (bulgarihotels.com) The Ranfushi project is being positioned as an ultra‑exclusive retreat with 54 villas — including a signature Bvlgari Villa occupying its own private islet — and architectural direction by ACPV (Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel). (travelandtourworld.com) Bvlgari has named Enver Arslan general manager to oversee the 2026 launch, a move the company frames as adding its tenth hotel to the global Bulgari Hotels & Resorts portfolio. (maldives-magazine.com)
