Nobu Hotel Maldives has been announced for Ethereereu Island, with Nobu Hospitality and Ethereereu Investments planning a hotel, Nobu Restaurant and private island residences.
Summary: Nobu Hotel Maldives is coming to Ethereereu Island — Nobu Hospitality and Ethereereu Investments Pvt Ltd will develop a hotel, Nobu Restaurant and branded private island residences on North Malé Atoll.
Nobu Hospitality has confirmed plans to open Nobu Hotel Maldives on Ethereereu Island, partnering with Ethereereu Investments Pvt Ltd to deliver a mixed development that includes a Nobu Hotel, a Nobu Restaurant and a limited collection of private island residences. The project introduces the brand’s contemporary Japanese-minimalist aesthetic to the North Malé Atoll while prioritizing environmental sensitivity.
A strategic partnership and brand vision
The development is being driven through a collaboration with Ethereereu Investments Pvt Ltd and forms part of Nobu Hospitality’s wider expansion. Leadership figures associated with the brand — Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper — support the move into the Maldives as a way to bring Nobu’s signature hospitality to a highly sought-after island destination.
The project is guided by the philosophy of Kokoro, an approach that seeks to connect heart, mind and spirit. Through this lens, the resort aims to create a tranquil sanctuary where guests and residents feel a sense of belonging, blending minimal Japanese design with the island’s natural character.
Design approach and environmental stewardship
Plans call for architecture that respects Ethereereu Island’s topography, integrating built elements with the surrounding lagoons and tropical foliage. The design emphasizes privacy for each villa and residence, with unobstructed Indian Ocean sunset views. Sustainable building materials and systems are being prioritised to limit the development’s ecological footprint.
- Location: Ethereereu Island, North Malé Atoll, near world-class diving and surf breaks
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, water conservation and reef protection initiatives
- Private ownership: Branded residences with access to hotel amenities including spa and concierge
Culinary offering and resort amenities
A central feature of the development will be the Nobu Restaurant, where dishes created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be presented alongside locally sourced seafood and Maldivian flavours. The beachfront restaurant is intended to act as a social hub for both hotel guests and residence owners, combining refined dining with the island setting.
Beyond dining, owners of the private residences will receive access to the hotel’s facilities, such as the spa, fitness centre and concierge services. Each branded residence is designed as a private retreat, with generous outdoor living areas and personal infinity pools, catering to buyers seeking a permanent connection to the Nobu lifestyle.
Access and on-site experiences
Ethereereu Island’s placement in the North Malé Atoll was chosen for both its appeal and accessibility. Guests can reach the island from Velana International Airport via speedboat or seaplane, enjoying a scenic transfer. The location also offers diving, surfing and other marine activities that complement the resort’s leisure programme.
What this expansion signals for global hospitality
The Maldives addition underscores Nobu Hospitality’s continued growth into ultra-luxury markets. From its origins as a single restaurant in New York City, the brand has expanded into hotels and residences worldwide; the Ethereereu project represents a logical step into one of the most exclusive island addresses.
For the Maldivian market, the arrival of a Nobu Hotel and branded residences could attract high-end leisure buyers and travellers seeking a blend of curated Japanese-inspired design and island living. The development also highlights the ongoing demand for luxury real estate in the Maldives.
Why this matters: travellers and industry stakeholders should watch the project for its potential to raise standards in sustainable luxury and to influence demand for branded residences in the Maldives. So what? Prospective guests and buyers can expect a new option that combines Nobu’s culinary and design credentials with private-island living, while the market may see increased interest from affluent travellers and real-estate investors.
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