InterContinental Maldives 

Discover an architectural masterpiece crafted by Eco-id Architects Pte Ltd, where the island’s natural beauty is seamlessly integrated with innovative design elements. This tropical paradise embraces sustainability by using logs as simple columns and mangrove sticks as screens, harmonizing with the resort’s lush greenery.

The architects drew inspiration from the wanderlust concept, beautifully captured in the Arabic word “Musafir.” This inspiration is vividly reflected in the resort’s interior, where discreet calming touches harmoniously complement the contemporary Maldivian design and showcase unique art pieces. Vibrant colors dance through the finishing touches, with Maldivian Lacquer boxes adorning the space and vivid tapestries gracing the walls.

Patina Maldives 

Patina, created by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan and his Studio MK27, combines tropical modernist influences with a modest aesthetic. The architecture embraces sustainable ethos with earthy colors and natural materials like wood, linen, rattan, and stone, blending seamlessly with meticulously designed interiors. 

The open-air structures feature swirling fans and perforated screens, creating mesmerizing light and shadow effects. Patina boasts custom-made furniture, triangular sunshades suspended between palm trees, and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows offering breathtaking views. Notably, the resort includes the awe-inspiring Skyspace light installation by James Turrell, providing a serene and contemplative atmosphere with warm tones and a moonlit glow.

St. Regis Vommuli 

Created by WOW Architects, Vommuli is designed to promote sustainability and honor local craftsmanship. The overwater villas resemble manta rays, extending their parts onto the water, and the beach villas offer a contemporary interpretation of traditional fishing huts. 

Both villas showcase interior designs inspired by the island’s patterns and textures with features like coral chandeliers, headboards crafted from recycled glass beads, and fabric miming the tranquil water ripple. 

The resort features a whale shark-shaped bar adorned with a wooden ceiling mural crafted using the Pyrography technique, a lobster-inspired spa, and a spiral shell-shaped library. 

Finolhu Maldives 

Finolhu is exclusively solar-powered, designed by Yuji Yamazaki in partnership with local firm Design 2000. The resort’s design integrates its solar panels into all aspects of the development, most notably the long walkway that connects the villas on the water to the beach, making them visible to guests as an architectural embellishment.

The curved gables, wooden decks, facades, and roof elements complement the beach’s green vegetation and the clear blue on the water. 

And from above, Finolhu looks like a comet shooting across the heavens, its tail formed by a 1.2-mile sandbank. 

Alila Kothaifaru 

Studiogoto took inspiration from the island’s flat terrain to create a modern minimalist architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding nature. 

The architectural design combines bold lines with natural materials, cultural motifs, and organic shapes, balancing intimate and open-air spaces. This design approach fosters a peaceful atmosphere, promoting relaxation and harnessing the healing properties of nature. 

A calming and contemporary color palette is achieved through light timber and sand tones, complemented by touches of black. Sustainable practices are also embraced, with rooftop landscaping providing insulation against heat and sun and locally sourced fabrics incorporated into the interior design.