The 16-storey luxury hotel is a flagship development by Spain’s Barceló Group, reflecting a bold USD 100 million investment in the Maldives’ hospitality sector. The grand opening ceremony was held with much fanfare, attended by key figures including Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, members of the cabinet, foreign diplomats, and leading stakeholders from the tourism industry.
Barceló Nasandhura offers 136 elegant guest rooms—95 of which boast sweeping views of the Indian Ocean—along with 116 high-end serviced apartments. With a focus on both luxury and functionality, the hotel features a full suite of modern amenities, including state-of-the-art conference facilities designed to cater to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market.
A Nod to the Past, a Step into the Future
This opening also breathes new life into a location steeped in Maldivian history. The new hotel stands on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, an iconic landmark that played a formative role in the early development of tourism in Malé. The original hotel was closed over a decade ago, and its revival under the Barceló brand is seen by many as a symbolic return to Malé’s roots in hospitality—with a renewed vision for the future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq highlighted the historical significance of the site, noting, “The Nasandhura Hotel has long been associated with pioneering change in Malé’s tourism sector. With Barceló’s investment, we see not just a revival, but a redefinition of what tourism can become in our capital.”
He emphasized that the opening of a high-end international hotel in the heart of Malé would uplift the city’s hospitality standards and introduce a new chapter for urban tourism in the Maldives.
Catalyst for MICE and Sustainable Tourism
The Minister underscored the potential of Barceló Nasandhura to enhance the Maldives’ capabilities in hosting international events and conferences, pointing to the hotel’s comprehensive conference facilities.
“This hotel introduces high-calibre MICE infrastructure to the city, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange and global networking right here in Malé,” he said.
As the Maldives continues to expand its tourism offerings, the government remains focused on fostering sustainability in the sector. Minister Thoriq reaffirmed this commitment during his address, calling for deeper integration of sustainable practices across the hospitality industry. “We are particularly focused on advancing sustainability in areas such as energy efficiency, environmental management, waste reduction, and water conservation. We trust that Barceló will be a partner and a leader in this endeavor,” he added.
A Vision of Excellence
Representing the Barceló Group, the hotel’s General Manager, Enrique Reina Canitrot, shared the group’s enthusiasm for entering the Maldivian market. “We are incredibly proud to introduce the Barceló brand to Malé,” he said. “Our mission is to offer not only outstanding service, but meaningful experiences that resonate with both local guests and international travelers.”
Canitrot expressed confidence that the hotel’s opening would set new benchmarks for urban hospitality in the Maldives, blending world-class service with a commitment to sustainability and local heritage.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Barceló Nasandhura represents more than the arrival of a luxury hotel; it signals a shift in the capital’s tourism identity. As Malé grows beyond its traditional role as a transit hub into a destination in its own right, developments like this are poised to redefine the city’s global image.
With Barceló Nasandhura now open to guests, Malé’s skyline—and its tourism sector—has gained a striking new symbol of progress.
