Marriott’s newest island paradise in the Maldives has private pools for everyone.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island, the second Maldives resort for the brand, is comfortably nestled in the largest lagoon in Kaafu Atoll, just a speedy 15-minute hop-and-skip from Velana International Airport by boat. Inspired by local culture and wildlife, the 80-key property bears the design touches of architect Cüneyt Bükülmez of Atölye4n, whose other projects in the Maldivian archipelago include Bijal Resort, Joali Maldives, and Joali Being. Maldives’s emblematic Maakana heron, traditional kajan thatched roofs, lacquerware art, natural materials, and tropical palette are prominent elements in the resort’s architectural blueprint.
Among the 80 villas, 47 are situated overwater, as one might come to expect when holidaying in the Maldives. Expansive terraces, soaring ceilings, modern aesthetics, views of the Indian Ocean, and private pools are all part and parcel of each villa, no matter the room category.
Most impressive among the accommodations is the Overwater Ocean Residence, a three-bedroom structure with spacious living and dining areas, two king beds, one double bed, one sofa bed, and three bathrooms with double vanities, as well as separate bathtubs and showers. Of course, the Overwater Ocean Residence comes with its own private pool, too.
From private-dining opportunities to seven different on-resort food and beverage venues, restaurants and bars at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island span a wide range of international and regional cuisines. Athiri takes South American steakhouse traditions to a dramatic two-storey, open-air structure overlooking the Indian Ocean, a site shared with upstairs bar Nikkei, where craft cocktails and Peruvian flavours are fused with Japanese and European influences. Riva reinterprets Indian, Sri Lankan, and Maldivian culinary specialities through a modern lens, while Pure focuses on farm-to-table dining using seasonal, fresh produce grown on the island at the JW Garden. Veyo plies global favourites, Tito’s offers deli bites and a collection of confectionaries and pastries, and poolside bar Wahoo takes care of light meals and drinks.
Extending out over the waters in a semi-circle, the Spa by JW, aside from being a visual attraction in and of itself, is a sanctuary for wellness and revitalisation. Its signature treatment, Ocean Bliss, was created in collaboration with skincare brand Babor—the Spa by JW also highlights Babor products in a range of other therapies—using deep-sea ingredients to nourish the skin, deeply relax the body and mind, enhance microcirculation, and boost nutrient absorption by mimicking the movements of cold and warm ocean currents.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island is also partnering with Invena, a climate technology company, to bolster its commitment to sustainability and environment stewardship. A specially designed 30-metre-long underwater coastal structure installed at the resort helps to combat beach erosion and decrease the effects of wave action, while also doubling as a reef habitat to nurture the surrounding aquatic ecosystems and attract marine life and coral growth.
“JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island embodies our dedication to blending unparalleled luxury with holistic well-being, offering guests a peaceful escape where every detail is designed to inspire balance and rejuvenation,” says Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader of JW Marriott, in an official press release. “With the Maldives’ natural beauty as a backdrop, we aim to provide an exceptional experience that deeply resonates with those seeking tranquillity, mindfulness, and world-class service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination, where they can truly disconnect and find harmony.”
All images courtesy of JW Marriott.
