Singapore's Raffles opens a luxury resort in the Maldives

In a destination where there are many private island resorts with amazing views, white sand beaches and impossibly turquoise water lapping at their foundations, how to set yourself apart? Up the exclusivity ante.

The new Raffles Maldives Meradhoo lies in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, where only five others are situated.

With upwards of 130 resorts across the archipelago, 20 opening in 2019 alone, the Maldives attracted 1.4 million visitors in 2018 and almost half a million in the first quarter of this year (an increase of 15 per cent year on year).

Against that backdrop, Raffles' location and the fact that the resort offers only 38 villas and residences will appeal to those wanting that special something more. That it is Raffles, a brand synonymous with luxury and class, amplifies that appeal.

The resort's main island is home to the already opened 21 Beach Villas and Beach Residences featuring private pools, generous living spaces and glass flooring panels, sunken tubs and outdoor showers. The Raffles Royal Residence and a secluded collection of Overwater Villas and Residences, only accessible by boat, are opening this year.

For such a small guest offering, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo goes all out with dining options, offering the Thari all-day diner, Yuzu, a Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant, and The Firepit, where various flame-grilled chef specialty dishes are served under the stars. Private dining options include caviar breakfasts on a sandbank reached by jet ski, sunset champagne cruises and a remarkable wine and champagne list at Long Bar.

The Raffles Spa has a menu of treatments by Biologique Recherche, Aromatherapy Associates and Magaret Dabbs London.

Villas from $2737 ($US1895) a night including breakfast. Meal supplement $217 ($US150) half- or $318 ($US220) full board a day. See rafflesmaldives.com/meradhoo