Maldives Spa Resort

Location: Maldives, Baa Atoll
Client: AIMA Holdings
Cost: $55m USD
Team: BACA architects,  CarterHones M&E,  KPMEngineering

World map with a location marker on India in South Asia.
Aerial view of a tropical island with white sandy beach, turquoise water, dense green palm trees, and a small boat anchored near the shore.
Man in blue shirt and black shorts standing barefoot on a sandy beach with clear turquoise water, holding shoes and the word 'bassa' written in the sand.

Background

AIMA Construction have partnered with us to design a world-class eco-luxury resort in the Maldives, located within the breathtaking Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Known for its beautiful coral reefs, calm lagoons, and marine biodiversity, the atoll provided the perfect setting for a project that unites architecture, sustainability, and hospitality.

Working with a developer renowned for creating landmark properties for Cheval Blanc and The Ritz-Carlton, we were tasked with designing their first independently developed island resort.

Our vision was to create a sanctuary that brings the forest to your fingertips and the coral reef to your doorstep, a resort where sustainable architecture and sensory experience meet.

Every space, from the spa and kids’ club to the treetop dining pavilions, encourages guests to reconnect with nature while redefining luxury as something deeply rooted in place.

Annotated aerial map of an island showing labeled clusters A, B, C with surrounding villas, central clubhouse areas, sunset and sunrise directions, and pathways including a jetty arrival and sunpaths.
Modern overwater villa with curved wooden roof, infinity pool, and glass walls overlooking a calm ocean at sunset with a person swimming nearby.
Flat lay of natural materials including woven textures, bamboo, marble tiles, wooden bowls, and a carved wooden stingray on neutral fabrics.
Minimalist black sketch of three abstract architectural forms resembling futuristic or organic buildings.

Process

Our design approach is grounded in biophilic principles and a deep respect for the island’s ecosystem.

The Arrival Pavilion, sculpted to resemble organic landforms, sets the tone with its seamless integration into the surrounding forest.

The Overwater Villas, inspired by the graceful movement of manta rays, feature 68 sculptural lodges whose curved roofs and flowing lines echo the marine life found in the lagoon below.

Each villa opens toward private pools and uninterrupted ocean views, offering a profound sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.

At the heart of the resort, the Waterfall Spa is suspended within the treetops, surrounded by lush vegetation. Here, elevated spa pods with panoramic ocean views immerse guests in sound, light, and movement, creating a holistic sense of wellbeing.

Five distinct dining experiences extend the theme of natural immersion, from treetop walkways leading to secluded pods to open-air beachfront pavilions, each crafted with local materials and sustainable design techniques.

Close-up of a curved, layered paper sculpture with strips casting shadows on a blue background.
Watercolor sketch of a modern, wave-shaped structure over water with blue and green hues.
Modern luxury timber floating villa with curved roof and pool over clear ocean water at dusk.
Aerial view of a tropical island resort with overwater bungalows and turquoise shallow waters surrounded by deep blue ocean.

Architecture

Sustainability is the foundation of the resort’s identity. Renewable energy systems harness both solar and ocean energy to provide self-sufficient power, while a biomass energy centre and photovoltaic water treatment system ensure efficient, low-impact operation.

Coral restoration programmes are embedded within the resort’s infrastructure, helping to regenerate local reef habitats and promote long-term biodiversity.

Prefabricated and recycled materials have been carefully integrated into the design and construction process, reducing waste and protecting the fragile marine ecosystem.

The result is a resort that captures the beauty of Maldivian architecture while setting new standards in sustainable tourism and environmental design.

This project embodies the belief that true luxury lies in harmony with the land, the sea, and the people who inhabit them.

Isometric view of a tropical island with sandy beach, palm trees, and three overwater villas connected by a wooden walkway.
Modern oceanfront terrace with lounge chairs, wooden ceiling, and infinity pool overlooking clear blue sea.
Spacious lounge area with high arched ceilings, mustard yellow and maroon sofas, woven pendant lights, a round coffee table, and a large circular wall art.
Elegant lounge area with neutral-toned cushions, wicker stools, and tall illuminated stone pillars under a high thatched ceiling.
Two cushioned wooden chairs and a round wooden table overlooking a circular pool with palm trees and blue sky in the background.
Aerial view of a winding wooden boardwalk with lights and lounge chairs elevated above blue water surrounded by dense green tropical trees.
Sunset view from a spa room with a massage table overlooking palm trees and the ocean.
Outdoor wooden deck seating area with cushioned wicker sofas and chairs facing a bar labeled 'TREE TOPS' overlooking water and trees at sunset.
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