What happens when you take one of the most iconic resorts in the world, Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal, and take it to the most iconic resort destination on Earth, the Maldives? That’s what we’ll discover in 2029!
The brand’s owner, Kerzner International (UAE), is teaming up with the Assets Group (a Qatar-based company) to deliver an experience unlike any other in the island nation.
On November 11, 2025, the project was officially announced, alongside concept art that you can see above. This is set to be an ultra-luxury experience, with two separate islands split by a smaller version of the Aquaventure Waterpark found in Dubai. That’s right, a waterpark in the Maldives!
What will Atlantis The Royal Maldives be like?
In Dubai, the Atlantis experience is broken up into two distinct experiences. There’s Atlantis The Palm, which is a more family-oriented luxury resort hotel. Then Atlantis The Royal, which is more ultra-luxury. The Atlantis Maldives experience will take the latter’s name, but will follow a similar line of thinking. A Family Island and a Luxury Island, joined by a large bridge and split by the Aquaventure Waterpark Maldives.
Atlantis The Royal Maldives will feature 5.8km of shoreline and cover 1,368,890 square metres, with construction occurring on an island that doesn’t exist yet. Indeed, Vaaredhdhoo Faru, which is in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives, will be man-made. Much to the disgruntlement of environmentalists, Kerzner International has got around a recent ban on sand-dredging to enable the build.
In better news, its position, just a 25-minute boat ride from the Velana International Airport in Malé, will nullify the need for seaplanes. This will make it more affordable to access for families.
Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer of Kerzner, had some telling remarks alongside the announcement.
“The debut of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai redefined the boundaries of ultra-luxury hospitality on a global scale. With Atlantis The Royal, Maldives, we are not simply expanding that legacy, we are reinventing it. Here, Atlantis The Royal will be reimagined through the lens of the Maldives; architecturally, conceptually, and experientially to exist in perfect harmony with its surroundings.”
“Designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, it will celebrate the rhythm of the ocean and the beauty of the islands, brought to life through an eco-conscious and sustainable vision. This is where visionary design meets nature’s masterpiece, delivering extraordinary experiences, a thrilling waterpark, and the legendary spirit of Atlantis on the shores of one of the world’s most pristine paradises.”
Atlantis The Royal Maldives facilities and features
We know that Atlantis The Royal Maldives will open in 2029, but there’s quite a lot to be done before then. Some of the key features and facilities include:
- A total of 493 rooms: 270 hotel rooms, and 223 villas and mansions.
- 20 dining venues, including signature Atlantis restaurants: Gastronomy, The Royal Tearoom and Ossiano, and celebrity-chef restaurants. Plus, social dining concepts.
- Two beach clubs.
- The Aquaventure Waterpark Maldives covers 70,000 m² and offers 15 iconic rides between the Neptune and Poseidon Towers.
- A Lost Chambers Aquarium featuring native marine life.
- Sports academies and entertainment zones.
- Botanical alchemy zone.
- World-class spa with longevity treatments.
- Overwater yoga and breathwork platform.
- Recovery studio, beauty salon and indoor-outdoor fitness centre.
- Luxury retail avenues.
- Event spaces for large and small gatherings.
What is being pitched here is well beyond anything already available in the Maldives and will rewrite what is possible from a man-made island resort.
We’ll be following its development, but if you’re already interested, you’d better start saving. The Atlantis The Royal Maldives prices will not be cheap.
