JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is a luxury retreat located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll. This newly opened resort features 80 private pool villas, including 47 overwater accommodations, designed by renowned architect Cuneyt Bukulmez to blend traditional Maldivian heritage with modern elegance. The resort offers exclusive BABOR spa treatments, seven distinct dining venues, and pioneering marine conservation experiences.
New Luxury Island Resort in Kaafu Atoll
Modern Maldivian architecture meets world-class luxury just 15 minutes from Malé Airport, featuring private pool villas and the country's first BABOR spa treatments.
Location & Access
Situated in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches.
Quick 15-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, making it one of the most accessible luxury resorts.
Designed by acclaimed Turkish architect Cuneyt Bukulmez, inspired by the graceful flight of the Maakana heron.
Traditional Maldivian Gedhoru hut design with modern amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows for ocean views.
Resort Highlights
JW Marriott's second resort in the Maldives, opened in 2025 with cutting-edge eco-conscious design.
80 private pool villas including 47 overwater accommodations with direct lagoon access.
Exclusive Spa by JW featuring BABOR precision skincare treatments, the first in the Maldives.
Seven distinct dining venues showcasing global cuisines from Indian Ocean to Peruvian-Japanese fusion.
Beach Pool Villa: Spacious accommodations with private pools and direct beach access from your terrace.
Family Beach Pool Villa: 209 sqm villa with master bedroom and cozy bunk bed enclave for children.
Premium Beach Accommodations: Enhanced villas with expanded outdoor living spaces and garden courtyards.
Traditional kajan roofs with vibrant turquoise doors reflecting authentic Maldivian architecture and craftsmanship.
Overwater Pool Villas
Overwater Pool Villa: 47 stunning villas suspended over the lagoon with private pools and glass floor panels.
One-Bedroom Overwater Villa: Expanded layout with separate living areas and panoramic ocean views.
Premium Overwater Suites: Top-tier accommodations with enhanced amenities and spacious outdoor decks.
Direct lagoon access via private stairs, overwater hammocks, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
Signature Accommodations
Three-Bedroom Ocean Residence: Ultimate luxury accommodation designed for families and groups seeking privacy.
Premium Villa Categories: Enhanced amenities including butler service and exclusive resort privileges.
Spacious Living Areas: Indoor-outdoor design with seamless integration to natural surroundings and ocean views.
Largest bathrooms in the Maldives with high ceilings, indoor and outdoor shower experiences.
Villa Amenities
Private pools in every villa, air conditioning, Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and premium entertainment systems.
Spacious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, premium toiletries, and luxury Aromatherapy Associates products.
Mini-bar, coffee and tea facilities, in-room safe, and 24-hour room service for ultimate convenience.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces with sunloungers, and direct beach or lagoon access.
Design & Features
Traditional Maldivian Gedhoru hut inspiration with modern luxury finishes and authentic lacquerware accents.
Kajan roofs made from bound plant stocks, neutral color palettes, and handcrafted local artisanal elements.
Indoor-outdoor living concept with seamless transitions between interior comfort and tropical nature.
King or twin bed configurations available, with daybed seating areas and panoramic ocean views.
All villas feature private pools and either beach or overwater access. Family-friendly accommodations available with children's amenities and interconnecting room options.
Signature Restaurants
Athiri: Two-story signature steakhouse with premium cuts, fresh seafood, and South American-inspired dishes.
Riva: Sophisticated Indian Ocean cuisine blending Indian, Sri Lankan, and Maldivian flavors in contemporary setting.
Veyo: Vibrant international restaurant offering panoramic ocean views with diverse global menu selections.
Pure: Farm-to-table dining experience featuring fresh ingredients harvested directly from the JW Garden.
Bars & Casual Dining
Nikkei: Stylish rooftop bar blending Peruvian, Japanese, and European flavors with craft cocktails.
Wahoo: Relaxed infinity pool bar serving refreshing beverages and aromatic light dishes.
Beach Volleyball: Court facilities with equipment and organized tournaments for guests.
Photography Tours: Professional guidance for underwater photography and scenic landscape sessions.
Activities are subject to weather conditions and seasonal availability. Many excursions can be arranged as private charters with advance booking.
The resort is accessible via a quick 15-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. Both shared and private speedboat transfers are available. Guests receive transfer coordination assistance, and the resort is located in Kaafu Atoll's largest lagoon for easy access.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll features the only overwater Spa by JW in the Maldives offering exclusive BABOR precision skincare treatments. The signature Ocean Bliss treatment uses deep-sea active ingredients, and sunrise yoga sessions are available on ocean-view pavilions.
Absolutely. The resort features the Family by JW program with dedicated kids' club and teen club activities, family pool areas, cooking classes using JW Garden ingredients, and spacious Family Beach Pool Villas with bunk bed enclaves for children.
The resort features seven distinct dining venues including Athiri steakhouse, Riva Indian Ocean cuisine, Veyo international restaurant, Nikkei Peruvian-Japanese bar, Wahoo pool bar, Pure farm-to-table dining, and Tito's patisserie. 24-hour room service is also available.
Complimentary activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling gear, windsurfing, fitness center access, swimming pools, and yoga sessions. Motorized water sports, diving, spa treatments, and guided excursions are available for additional charges.
Yes, the resort offers high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. Marriott Bonvoy members receive complimentary internet access when booking direct. Mobile Key technology and contactless services are available for enhanced convenience.
The resort partners with INVENA and MIT Self-Assembly Lab on a pioneering 30-meter underwater coastal structure for marine biodiversity enhancement and wave erosion reduction. Guests can participate in coral restoration activities and marine conservation education programs.
Cultural & Urban Attractions
Malé Capital City - Historic mosques, local markets, and Maldivian cultural sites (15 minutes by speedboat).
Maldives Islamic Centre - Grand mosque with golden dome and contemporary Islamic architecture.
National Museum - Maldivian history, artifacts, and cultural exhibitions in Sultan Park.
Malé Fish Market - Authentic local experience with daily fresh catch displays and traditional trading.
Transportation Hubs
Velana International Airport (MLE) - Main gateway for international arrivals, just 15 minutes away.
Seaplane Terminal - Access point for scenic flights and transfers to other resort destinations.
Malé Harbor - Ferry connections to local islands and regional transportation networks.
Private Jet Terminal - VIP services for private aircraft arrivals and exclusive transfer arrangements.
Marine Protected Areas
Kaafu Atoll Marine Reserve - Protected coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the resort.
Banana Reef - Famous diving site with caves, overhangs, and abundant marine life (diving excursions available).
Manta Point - Seasonal manta ray cleaning station accessible by guided diving expeditions.
Local Island Tours - Cultural visits to traditional Maldivian communities and fishing villages.
Sandbank Excursions - Private picnics on uninhabited sandbanks with pristine beaches.
Dolphin Watching Areas - Regular dolphin pods sightings during sunrise and sunset cruises.
Traditional Fishing Spots - Authentic Maldivian fishing experiences with local crew and techniques.
Check-in & Reservations
Standard check-in time 3:00 PM, check-out by 12:00 PM with early/late options subject to availability.
Advanced arrival notification required for speedboat transfer coordination and seamless arrival experience.
Photo ID and credit card required at check-in for verification and resort services.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type and season - check booking conditions.
Private check-in and check-out services available with dedicated guest relations assistance.
Transfer & Transportation
Shared speedboat transfers operate on scheduled basis with 15-minute journey to resort.
Private speedboat transfers available on request for enhanced privacy and flexible timing.
Airport assistance and fast-track immigration services can be arranged for seamless arrivals.
Weather-dependent transfers may experience delays - flexibility recommended for tight flight connections.
Luggage storage and changing facilities available for early arrivals or late departures.
Family & Age Policies
Children of all ages welcome with children 12 and above charged as adults for accommodation.
Family Beach Pool Villas available with bunk bed enclaves specifically designed for younger guests.
Kids' club and teen club programs with supervised activities and age-appropriate entertainment.
Family-friendly dining options with children's menus and high chairs available at all restaurants.
Interconnecting rooms and family accommodations available subject to advance booking and availability.
Environmental & Safety
Resort participates in marine conservation efforts through INVENA reef project and sustainability programs.
Reef-safe sunscreen encouraged to protect marine ecosystems and coral conservation efforts.
24-hour front desk, medical assistance on call, and comprehensive emergency procedures in place.
Photography guidelines in place to respect guest privacy and protect marine wildlife.
Environmental stewardship programs with guest participation opportunities in conservation activities.
All policies subject to change based on local regulations and operational requirements. Full terms and conditions provided at booking confirmation and arrival.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season with calm seas, perfect for families and first-time visitors to the Maldives.
May-Oct: Wet season with occasional rain but fewer crowds and potentially better rates for value-seekers.
Year-round: Constant 26-30°C temperatures with gentle trade winds and warm lagoon waters ideal for swimming.
Peak Season: December to March offers the most reliable weather conditions for outdoor activities.
Ideal Duration
3-4 nights: Perfect for couples seeking relaxation, spa experiences, and romantic dining opportunities.
5-7 nights: Ideal for families to enjoy all activities, water sports, cultural excursions, and marine conservation programs.
7-10 nights: Comprehensive experience including diving activities, multiple dining venues, and wellness retreats.
Extended stays: Perfect for those seeking complete disconnection with multiple villa categories and seasonal experiences.
Marine Conservation Events: Educational programs at INVENA reef project with expert marine biologists.
Culinary Experiences: Chef collaborations, JW Garden harvest dinners, and specialty tasting events.
Family Programs: Multi-generational activities, cooking classes, cultural learning, and adventure experiences.
Event Planning Services
Dedicated JW Marriott event managers with comprehensive planning and luxury service coordination.
Custom menu creation, wine pairing, beverage service, and dietary accommodation for all group sizes.
Professional photography, videography services, and drone footage with underwater session options.
Transportation coordination for group arrivals, activity planning, and departure logistics management.
All events require advance planning and coordination through resort event management. Seasonal availability may affect certain activities and experiences. Additional costs apply for special services and external vendors.
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