Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group with more than 550 hotels in 56 countries, has announced the arrival of the first NH Hotels & Resorts-branded property in the Indian Ocean, with the NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort set to open its doors on September 1, 2024.
Located in South Ari Atoll, approximately 25 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé, NH Maldives Kuda Rah will offer marine enthusiasts unparalleled access to some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkelling sites. Right in their backyard, holidaymakers will find the legendary Kuda Rah Thila, an underwater pinnacle teeming with vibrantly coloured soft corals and frequented by majestic marine life like blue-striped snappers, turtles, napoleons, and even the occasional white-tip or grey reef shark.
The atoll is also a well-known hotspot for some of the Maldives’ largest marine wildlife, meaning whale shark and manta ray spotting adventures, along with more than 50 established dive sites only a short boat ride from the resort.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort is an intimate hideaway, with just 51 generously sized modern deluxe suites and villas, each boasting an inner courtyard or beach-facing pool. The interiors of the villas are a calming blend of solid wood floors, a palette of chalky whites and creams with ocean-blue accents, and charming pitched roofs that create a restful space that celebrates Maldivian topography.
The NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort offers a varied range of culinary experiences for its guests. Sea Spray features an international buffet-style menu that zigzags from breakfast favourites to inventive vegetarian dishes. At speciality restaurant Ocean, fresh-caught seafood delicacies are served a la carte, with guests handpicking their favourite catch of the day, from succulent lobsters to delicate prawns, and customising their dishes to perfection with interactive dining options.
Glow, a lounge overlooking the resort’s central infinity pool, offers thirst-quenching beverages and delectable snacks, while at Malaa, a captivating open-air show kitchen, guests can explore seafood-driven Maldivian cuisine through cooking classes accompanied by captivating music performances.
The spa features traditional Balinese and Thai massages alongside therapeutic options infused with local touches. Three tranquil treatment rooms, each equipped with a private steam room and Jacuzzi, offer a haven of relaxation, complemented by a dedicated manicure and pedicure room. A state-of-the-art gym caters to fitness enthusiasts, ensuring their healthy routine is seamlessly maintained. Young guests will be entertained at the dedicated indoor kids’ club, and babysitting services provide peace of mind for parents.
Christophe Adam, General Manager of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, said, “We are proud to introduce NH Kuda Rah Resort Maldives as the first NH-branded property in the Indian Ocean. Our resort is designed to provide guests with an intimate experience that is deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Maldives. Whether it’s diving at the renowned Kuda Rah Thila, enjoying the serene surroundings from their private villas, or embarking on watersport adventures like parasailing, we are dedicated to ensuring that every moment spent here is unforgettable.”
The resort caters to a wide range of interests, making it easy for guests to pause their busy lives and fall into a relaxed routine. Honeymooners can explore the beauty of the Maldivian archipelago through island-hopping excursions, while families can delve deeper into the underwater world with exceptional diving and snorkelling experiences, as well as participate in coral planting initiatives, contributing to the restoration of the vibrant local ecosystem. Meanwhile, whale shark excursions and big game fishing expeditions promise unforgettable adventures infused with adrenaline.
“Minor Hotels has long been one of the largest global hospitality operators in the Maldives, a destination of immense strategic importance for our group,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International. “Adding to our luxury portfolio, the introduction of NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort marks our first upscale property in the archipelago, as we expand our reach and deliver a stunning Maldives experience to guests seeking the perfect blend of indulgence and accessibility. This property represents our commitment to diversifying our portfolio while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our guests have come to expect from Minor Hotels.”
The opening of NH Kuda Rah brings Minor Hotels’ portfolio of properties in the Maldives to eight and follows the debut of NH Collection in the archipelago last year. It also marks the third resort property globally under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand, following NH Marina Portimao Resort in Portugal and the opening last year of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort in Thailand.
