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Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Agon Capital unveils glamorous Villivaru Island Resort - A bold foray into the Maldives' ultra-luxury landscape
Dubai United Arab Emirates: Agon Capital, the dynamic investment firm behind some of the region's most exciting lifestyle ventures, has announced its most ambitious hospitality project yet: the development of the Villivaru Island Resort in the Maldives, a breathtaking, design-led escape set to redefine barefoot luxury in the Indian Ocean. In collaboration with Janah International Holding (JIH), Agon Capital has formed Villivaru Holdings to develop this visionary new private island resort. Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé's Velana International Airport, Villivaru will offer an intimate collection of 61 villas and 11 private island estates, fusing bold architecture with ecological harmony. Set within the jewel-like waters of the South Malé Atoll, the resort is a private sanctuary framed by powder-white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It offers exceptional privacy, refined elegance, and curated experiences for the most discerning travellers. 'Villivaru is more than a destination, it's a legacy in the making,' said Ryan Hattigh, CEO of Agon Capital. 'Our vision is to craft places that transcend trend, to shape iconic retreats that inspire, endure, and elevate the very concept of hospitality. With Villivaru, we are not simply building a resort; we are creating a living, breathing experience where architecture, nature, and service converge in perfect harmony. This project embodies everything Agon Capital stands for: a bold design ethos, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a belief in hospitality as a force for emotional and cultural connection.' The project builds on the proven expertise of Agon Capital's Hospitality division, which operates standout UAE venues such as Gitano, BCH:CLB, and The Coterie, and is known for delivering exceptional service and innovative experiences. This vision is further reflected in strategic partnerships like Agon's investment with H&H in Eden House - a premium hospitality-led residential project that underscores the brand's commitment to design, service, and lifestyle excellence. These ventures highlight Agon's ability to execute at the highest level, ensuring Villivaru exceeds expectations on a global stage. From its spectacular overwater villas and beachfront retreats to a lavish Four-Bedroom Owner's Residence, every accommodation is a symphony of privacy, design excellence, and sensory immersion. The resort's 11 branded residences, each with their own private arrival pavilion, spa, and sunset bar, blur the line between home and haute hospitality. Adding to the island's allure are ten exquisite dining venues, including four signature restaurants and two world-renowned culinary brands. Whether dining under the stars at an open-fire grill, or indulging in modern Maldivian fare at an overwater fine dining venue, every bite is curated for connoisseurs. Speaking on behalf of the joint venture, Mr Mohamed Ali Janah, Chairman of Janah International Holding, commented, 'Villivaru Island Resort is more than a hospitality project, it's a rare canvas for creating the Maldives' next flagship experience. This partnership draws on global investment strength and generations of Maldivian know-how.' Poised to open in early 2027, Villivaru Island Resort symbolizes Agon Capital's confident entry into one of the world's most desirable, and competitive, luxury markets. As the Maldives embraces global investment and infrastructure evolution, this bold venture positions Agon as a leading voice in next-generation hospitality. About Villivaru Holdings Villivaru Holdings Pvt Ltd is a strategic joint venture between Janah International Holdings (JIH) and Agon Capital, dedicated to developing transformational hospitality and residential projects in the Maldives. Its vision is rooted in regional expertise, bold design, and a commitment to redefining island luxury. About JIH Janah International Holdings (JIH) is a global consulting and investment firm with a legacy of delivering high-end developments in some of the world's most complex environments. With strong foundations in luxury hospitality, real estate, and public-private collaboration, JIH partners with renowned global brands to deliver value, excellence, and innovation. About Agon Capital Agon Capital is a family-owned investment group based in the UAE, focused on real estate, hospitality, sports, and digital innovation. Its real estate portfolio includes premium developments across Dubai, including Eden House Za'abeel, a landmark project in partnership with H&H Developments. In hospitality, Agon Capital is known for its fast-growing F&B brands such as Gitano, Sailor's, and Coterie Social & Kitchen. In sports, its Precision Football platform is redefining elite football training and development. Driven by agility, ambition, and purpose, Agon Capital creates lasting impact through creativity and speed to market. For media inquiries, please contact: Meghan Lane Empyre Communications E: meghan@
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
OZEN Reserve Bolifushi: Maldives glamour reaches new heights
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The OZEN Collection opened Reserve Bolifushi in 2020, after the success of its first property, OZEN Life Maadhoo. But if Maadhoo is the indulgent kaftan, Bolifushi is the sparkling tuxedo. Plonked in a cerulean lagoon in South Malé Atoll, this private resort pushes the boundaries of luxury. It's buzzy and built-up, oozing sultry glamour and is dazzlingly lit up at night. You're still on a lush tropical resort, surrounded by the pristine beaches and turquoise waters you'd expect – but the vibe is less off-grid escape than happening destination: a place to see and be seen. This hotel was named the world's best all-inclusive in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, and second in the overall 'Best of the Best Hotels' category. The rankings were compiled using data from more than 1.5 million reviews of the most upmarket hotels imaginable – and the award is wholeheartedly deserved. The OZEN Collection has its own private lounge at Malé's Velana International Airport, so the luxury begins the moment you're through passport control. The resort is only a 25-minute catamaran from the island, where you're greeted with your own private butler, or hiyani. But in no way is it stuffy: this is a surprisingly family-friendly resort with one of the Maldives' biggest kids' clubs and, believe it or not, its first ice-skating rink. In no way could the accommodation be described as "rooms": these are luxury apartments. They divide into 'Earth' villas on the beachfront, and overwater 'Ocean Pool' suites on stilts, just a walk (or jump) down into the lagoon. They vary between one and two bedrooms but all boast private pools. The smallest villa is a two-storey, 88 square-metre behemoth with a huge L-shaped pool and a thatched gazebo to bask in the shade. The dark timber interiors are brightened with floor-to-ceiling windows and pale upholstery, and furnished with all the mod-cons you could imagine. The villas go all the way up to the elite of the elite: the Reserve versions of both 'Earth' and 'Ocean Pool' villas. The overwater ones have slides, down which you can catapult into the Indian Ocean. There's even one 'Royal' Reserve, with a main villa and two guest versions. It has a spa pavilion, gym, six-person Jacuzzi, overwater bar, its own restaurant and a fully stocked kitchen with a wine cellar. To put it bluntly: the accommodation is ludicrous. There are seven – yes, seven – restaurants and bars, including three specialty restaurants, all served by a chef's garden and the Maldives' first indoor hydroponic farm over on neighbouring Maadhoo. Vista del Mar is the all-day dining option that offers "world cuisine" (translation: just about anything you could imagine) from Spain, Italy, Mexico, Japan, the US and even Russia. SOYI is the ubiquitous pan-Asian – but with a fun, child-friendly twist, like the sweet'n'sour pork ribs or the shokupan honey toast dessert. Saffron, the traditional Indian restaurant, offers guests a Thali experience: a selection of multiple (mostly plant-based) dishes on a platter, like charred sweet potato chat, sprouted lentil curry and crispy-fried okra. Each meal begins with a rose-water hand ritual and a tamarind-infused gin martini. Sangu offers Moroccan and Levant mezze or tagines, and a sensuous beach bar where you can bury your feet in the sand to watch the belly dancers. Ozar, the bar next to the main pool, is where you dangle your feet over the water to watch the sunset, enjoying a shisha pipe and the live DJ. But Origine is the standout specialty restaurant. It offers modern European elegance – extraordinarily fresh – via a meat, seafood or vegetarian set menu with wine pairings. It could win awards in any major city. It shouldn't surprise you to learn that Bolifushi has a world-class spa, where you can organise a traditional Ayurvedic wellness consultation. The practitioner looks at you and feels your pulse to assess the balance of the three doshas (humours) in your body, vada, kapha and pitta, and what imbalance of each might be responsible for any skin, digestion or inflammation issues. Best not to try after a night of indulgence. There's all the customary stuff like windsurfing, canoeing and paddleboarding, surpassed by the option to charter a private yacht. Bolifushi is also one of the only islands in the Maldives that's fully surrounded by coral reef, so you can snorkel to your heart's content if you don't fancy scuba diving around nearby shipwreck sites. You can explore the island by bike, charmingly decorated with your name on the number plate. The in-villa "floating breakfast" is a wonderful idea. But in practice, tackling cooked eggs and coffee from a tray determined to drift away is trickier than it sounds. My butler is probably still fishing croissant crumbs out of the pool. But there's one experience that stands out. Before the sun sets, guests gather on the wooden jetty, cocktail in hand. As if an alarm clock sounds in the water, enormous stingrays swoop out of nowhere and steam towards the shallows, begging to be fed. The hotel staff dole out handfuls of sashimi to the puppy-like rays, while reef sharks and jack fish dart here and there for bloody scraps. It's mesmerising, oddly moving and utterly unique. Bolifushi is perhaps more suited to families and glamorous young professionals than it is to digital detoxxers after a deserted-island escape. But if there is a better all-inclusive hotel in the world, I can't imagine it. Yes, it's opulent, and everything is of the highest quality and spec imaginable. Yes, there's a wealth of activities and restaurants to keep you entertained. But what makes it special is its warmth, its whimsy and its sense of fun. Harriet was a guest at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, with flights by Inspiring Travel, a luxury travel operator that specialises in personalised experiences. Inspiring Travel offers a seven-night stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from £5,782 per person, based on two sharing the all-inclusive 'Reserve Plan', including return flights from London Heathrow and catamaran transfers.
