The Regent Maldives to open at Maalefushi Island in 2008

Regent Hotels & Resorts  will open a new luxury resort in the Maldives in 2008. The Regent Maldives will be a 50-villa luxury resort (23 beach villas and 27 over-water villas,  including two Presidential villas)  on the unspoiled Maalefushi Island, just 50 minutes by seaplane from the capital city of Male.  All the villas  will be  designed with private plunge pools and expansive timber decks offering breathtaking views across the turquoise lagoon. This secluded coral  island  is  at the heart of the Thaa Atoll, a natural wonderland of crystal clear waters, coral reefs, brilliant white beaches and spectacular sunsets. The resort will also have an 850 square-metre spa  with the eight private treatment pavilions open to the ocean breezes.