Editorial note: The story has been updated with the latest information.
The Maldives are at or near the top of many travelers' lists -- and the good news is that it's even easier now to stay on points.
While originally slated to open later this year, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives is now scheduled to begin operations in May 2021. And in the midst of a global pandemic, the hotel has now begun accepting bookings.
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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives will be a Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy property (the highest award tier), and with Marriott's award chart, that means it'll cost the following:
- 70,000 points per night during off-peak season
- 85,000 points per night during standard season
- 100,000 points per night during peak season
Keep in mind you'll get a fifth night free on points redemptions.
Related: What's the best Marriott credit card for you?
The property will join two other properties on the newly developed Fari Islands. The 100-villa resort will be located in the North Malé Atoll and will offer a combination of land and overwater villas.
"The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island are expected to range in size from one to three bedrooms, featuring the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand. The property is also expected to offer a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities, including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa," reports the Economic Times.
Marriott International is developing the resort with CPRC (Maldives), which is part of the Pontiac Land Group (Pontiac Land), based out of Singapore. Currently, there are two other properties on the archipelago being developed as well: the Capella Maldives, set to open in 2021, and the Patina Maldives.
The nice part about this location is it's proximity to Malè, the city most tourists fly into when staying in the Maldives. Marriott says that guests will have the option of taking a quick 50-minute speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight to get to the resort.
This is considerably closer compared to the journey to more remote resorts like the Conrad Maldives or the St. Regis Maldives. To get to the St. Regis Maldives, for example, you have no choice but to take a seaplane and it doesn't come cheap — we're talking $745 per person. Meanwhile, a speedboat transfer to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will set you back $862 per person, so make sure you do your homework before choosing between plane or boat.
Related: Where to stay in the Maldives on points and miles
Either way, this is an exciting new addition to the Maldives for award travelers. Now it's time to work on building your Bonvoy points balance so you can escape to the Maldives when the property opens to guests in May 2021.
Additional reporting by Liz Hund.
