A bold new era at W Maldives: Passport Partnership

An architectural masterpiece

It all begins with a seaplane descent onto an endless horizon of turquoise blue. The Arrival Jetty – a dramatic archway echoing the bold design ethos of the resort – creates a striking contrast against the Indian Ocean, complete with a hidden bar for an instant taste of island life. Beyond the jetty, the Living Room, W’s signature reimagining of a hotel lobby, welcomes guests into a breezy, open-air retreat. Framed by uninterrupted ocean views, with soaring ceilings and colour-pop furnishings, this vibrant social hub is the place to settle in and soak up the scene.

Inspired by the Maldives’ thriving marine world, each of the 77 villas has been transformed into a stylish private sanctuary – from overwater hideaways, designed to mirror the sleek patterns of whale sharks, to beachside villas channelling the intricate textures of mangrove forests. The all-new Supreme Overwater and Oasis Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas offer expansive living spaces designed for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Meanwhile, the Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas add a playful twist, featuring exhilarating water slides that sweep guests straight into their private pools.

Adventures in taste and sound

At W Maldives, dining is a multi-sensory experience. Set on the water, FISH, the resort’s ocean-to-table fine dining concept, serves up bold, contemporary flavours. Beachside smokehouse FIRE ignites the senses with expertly-grilled dishes such as whiskey-wood-smoked steaks, while all-day dining spot KITCHEN offers indulgent breakfast spreads and international favourites. Throughout the year, an exclusive lineup of culinary pop-ups invites world-renowned chefs to put their own creative spin on the resort’s lively dining scene.

Golden hour belongs to SIP, the resort’s overwater Latin American-inspired bar. Guests can savour tantalising Nikkei flavours and expertly-crafted signature cocktails, all while soaking in the most spectacular ocean views. WET Deck pulses with high-energy beats from day into night, as live DJ sets and a state-of-the-art lighting system moves in sync with every rhythm. At the heart of W Maldives, the sculptural Splinterworks Vertex water slide – an eye-catching creation in mirror-polished steel – redefines poolside lounging, inviting guests to embrace adventure and take the plunge.

Your invitation to unwind

Continuing the theme of playful indulgence, AWAY Spa rethinks wellness with treatments designed to balance tranquility and social connection. Suspended over the lagoon, its four couples’ treatment rooms feature steam facilities and breathtaking ocean views. Signature therapies blend locally-inspired ingredients with cutting-edge techniques, offering a distinctive, deeply rejuvenating take on traditional spa rituals.

Just beyond the shore, W Maldives’ award-winning house reef is a must for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. For those seeking total seclusion, Gaathafushi – the resort’s own private island – offers an intimate castaway-style retreat. Meanwhile, adrenaline-seekers can dive into the Maldives’ most thrilling water sports or embark on a curated island-hopping adventure, designed to uncover the soul of the archipelago.

Every moment at W Maldives beckons you to escape, explore and embrace the unexpected – a one-of-a-kind experience for your bucket list and an essential highlight of any Maldivian itinerary.

SDP tip: “My top tip is to book an overwater villa facing the sunset. It offers privacy, stunning natural beauty above and below the water, and a spectacular view to end each day.” – Sabastian Gittany, Scott Dunn Private