Travelution Media
The evening of 21 May 2025 lit the capital city of Male with more than its everyday city lights. Against the backdrop of the sea and skyline, Maldives dignitaries, developers, and hospitality professionals gathered for the official inauguration of Barceló Nasandhura Malé. The long-awaited milestone marks the city’s entry into true five-star territory.
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The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, cut the ribbon, officially opening Barceló Nasandhura Malé in a ceremony honoring the site’s historic legacy while ushering in a new era of urban luxury. The location, which housed the iconic Nasandhura Palace Hotel, has been reimagined as the soaring 16-storey landmark in a marriage of tradition and transformation right at the heart of the bustling capital city.
The hotel, now the tallest and most prominent structure in Malé, offers 136 rooms (95 of which boast ocean views), 116 serviced apartments, and the city's first oceanfront swimming pool. Its presence signals a leap in accommodation standards and a statement about Malé’s readiness for urban tourism and international business.
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Step inside, and the pulse of the city softens. There’s Alimas Lounge Café for casual gatherings, Oivaru for all-day buffet dining, and Dons, a restaurant specialising in Chinese cuisine. On the rooftop, BHeaven offers skyline cocktails and shisha with a sea breeze, while the pool bar serves a quieter luxury. For wellness seekers, the hotel also hosts a spa with six treatment rooms and a gym that overlooks the beautiful Indian Ocean. But Barceló Nasandhura is not only about leisure; it is equipped to handle serious business, too. With over 1,000 square meters of meeting and event space, the hotel is poised to become a central venue for MICE tourism in the capital.
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The strategic location just opposite Henveiru Ferry Terminal and a 10-minute drive from Velana International Airport makes it easily accessible to domestic and international travelers alike. For Barceló Hotel Group, this is their second Maldivian venture, following the launch of Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll. The two properties anchor the brand’s growing presence in the Maldives.
As speeches were delivered and lights dimmed on the night of the inauguration, it became clear that this was not just the opening of a hotel. It unveiled a new standard for Malé, symbolizing how far the city has come and how high it is willing to reach.
Featured Images: Barceló Nasandhura Malé
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