Bulgari Maldives: Another Delay

Just as we all know the sun will rise each morning, we also know a hotel will never open on time.   It is one of life’s few remaining certainties.  And now we have fresh confirmation, with one of my most anticipated launches of the year pushed back yet again – this time to “early 2027”.  Sad times.  It was originally due in 2025.

Bulgari Maldives is taking shape in Raa Atoll, around 45 minutes by seaplane from Male.  The project spans 20 hectares across three islands within a lagoon.  One island will house staff, while the other two are for guests.  The resort is expected to feature 54 keys in total, including a standalone Bvlgari Villa on its own private island, 33 beach villas with private pools, and 20 overwater villas.

My interest here is that the top tier of the Maldives has felt rather stagnant for years.  Velaa Private Island and Cheval Blanc Randheli have dominated the ultra-luxury conversation for well over a decade.  Real competition at that level has been limited.  Bulgari don’t aim for anything other than greatness; when they open somewhere, they’re aiming straight for the top.  Sure, I could moan about their older properties like Milan, London and Bali, but I’m a busy man.  Let’s just close our eyes, stick our fingers in our ears and assume everything is going to be great.  

And let’s also assume/hope it too for when Aman comes to the Maldives.  They are currently suggesting an opening next year, which deserves to be filed under comedy.  This is a company even more notorious for missing timelines, with Amanvari sitting a mere seven years behind schedule and counting.