Dubai’s Samana Developers unveiled its first branded resort project in partnership with luxury fashion house Elie Saab, marking a new chapter in ultra-luxury development in the Maldives.
The SAMANA Ocean Views project will feature 190 keys, including coveted water villas and pool apartments, with interiors designed by the Lebanese fashion house known for dressing royalty and celebrities.
Set against the backdrop of pristine Maldivian waters, the resort will include beachfront villas starting from $3 million and pool apartments from $2.3 million. For those seeking a holiday experience, nightly rates will range from $1,000 to $8,000.
“Every piece is designed with a deep understanding of the Maldivian environment,” said Massimiliano Ferrari, CEO of Corporate Brand Maison, who oversees the ELIE SAAB Maison collection. The interiors will feature furniture crafted in Italy’s prestigious Brianza region, incorporating warm, earthy tones that complement the natural landscape.
The development will house three signature restaurants, including Japanese and Arabic specialty venues, alongside an 18,000-square-foot daycare facility. A spa and wellness center, multiple pools, and water sports amenities round out the luxury offerings.
Environmental considerations take center stage in the project’s design, with coral restoration initiatives planned alongside specialized engineering solutions to protect the marine ecosystem.
“Before we can move a brick, we need to make the wave current become friendly,” explained Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers, describing the 120-day environmental engineering work that will precede construction.
The project, scheduled for completion in early 2029, marks Elie Saab’s first venture into resort properties. “We receive more than 100 requests annually to do branded projects, and we only choose two or three maximum,” revealed Elie Saab Jr., emphasising the exclusivity of their partnerships.
Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport, the development is positioned to benefit from the Maldives’ expanding tourism infrastructure, including a new airport terminal set to double visitor capacity to 4 million annually.
Sales for the pool apartments begin immediately, while the ultra-exclusive beach and water villas will be offered by invitation only after Ramadan in April 2024.
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