1508 London and HKS Reveal A Closer Look Inside Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives

23 March, London, UK - Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, the ultra-luxury, island development in the South Malé Atoll reveals new architectural and design details of its 62 private residences presented by award-winning architects HKS and world-renowned design firm 1508 London. Legendary service and an incredible complement of amenities are provided by hospitality management and operator Starwood Hotels.

Nestled across five interconnected islands in the stunning South Malé Atoll, this unprecedented project unveils a tapestry of design, craft and crystal legacy, promising to redefine luxury and sophistication in one of the world's most coveted destinations. Representing the first branded-residence by the illustrious French Maison, Baccarat, the design collaborators seamlessly balance the opulence of the 162-year heritage of the brand with an elevated vision of contemporary island sophistication.

Each residence is designed around its own parcel of land, either on a lagoon or beach plot, with architectural forms inspired by the natural contours and serenity of the surrounding tropical landscape.  HKS blends the timeless French artistry of Baccarat with organic rhythms to form the understated elegance of the residences and villas. Hand-cut crystal inspired columns offer artisanal, experiential moments that play with light and shadow, bringing the Baccarat brand to life in a natural and subtle way. Design elements from the Maldivian archipelago and surrounding countries, such as pitched roofs and regional pattern details, add an element of warmth that dually provide a "sense of place" comfort while blending into the exquisite environment.

Inside the residences, every room meticulously captures the essence of chic décontracté: a relaxed French elegance that blends classic sophistication with contemporary finesse. In tribute to refined craftsmanship and luxurious comfort, the living spaces feature relaxed seating, tactile upholstery, and exquisite soft furnishings that invite residents into a world of understated design.

The design palette draws from nature’s own artistry - organic shapes echo the rhythm of waves and sand, while soft sunset hues and the shimmering refractions of water inform the materials and finishes. The result is a serene, immersive environment that flows seamlessly between interior and exterior. Signature features include unobstructed ocean views from the living areas, curated gallery moments in transitional spaces, a showcase kitchen that merges effortlessly with the living room,

expansive outdoor showers, and consistent floor finishes throughout, ensuring a harmonious and elevated living experience.

“In its essence, Baccarat Residences Maldives is designed to be intentionally intimate, immersive, and authentic,” shares Luis Zapiain, Global Practice Leader, Hospitality at HKS. “The architecture of the resort plays on the striking dichotomy between the timeless elegance of the Baccarat brand and the warm luxury that defines the Maldives. It will awaken emotion in residents and elicit an inspired, tranquil connection to nature.”

Commenting on the interior design vision, Hamish Brown, Partner at 1508 London, said: “Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives marks a bold new chapter in the brand’s illustrious legacy, bringing its hallmark craftsmanship and artistry to one of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations. These meticulously designed spaces embody the spirit of Baccarat - where comfort meets sophistication - and offer both guests and residents the opportunity to experience a new standard of timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury living.”

The 55-hectare (approximately 136-acre) prestigious development is being developed by global leader in residential and hospitality placemaking, MDC Investments LLC. With a current focus on the residential sales and commercial strategy, the 62 private villas are designed to suit different preferences and needs. There are 22 two-bedroom residences located across beach and overwater settings; 16 three-bedroom properties positioned on beach and lagoon plots; and 24 four-bedroom homes set across premium beach and overwater locations. 

Zayan Salih, CEO, MDC Investments LLC, commented: “In a place where nature is already extraordinary, our vision is to build with equal intention. Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives is more than a resort, it is a living expression of timeless elegance and modern craftsmanship, created for those who anchor their lives in beauty and meaning and we’re thrilled to be working with 1508 London and HKS to bring our ambitions to life. Here, people don’t simply stay for a season, they begin a new chapter. This is our legacy, where the art of living meets the soul of the islands.”

For more information, please visit baccaratmaldivesresidences.com.

-ENDS- 

For media enquiries, please contact PURPLE: baccaratmaldives@purplepr.com

ABOUT 1508 

1508 London is an international design firm known for creating bespoke, luxury interiors and architecture. With studios across the globe, 1508 London delivers exceptional spaces for private clients, property developers, and hoteliers. Their projects, spanning elite locations worldwide, reflect a timeless and innovative design approach rooted in culture, history and architectural principles, making them a top choice for high-end residential and hospitality developments.

ABOUT HKS

HKS is an interdisciplinary global design firm. Our team of 1,800 architects, designers, planners and advisors across 29 offices partner with clients to design and develop elegant solutions to complex challenges. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs enhance experiences and elevate outcomes for all stakeholders. Our work is inspired by curiosity, driven by research and technology and informed by a deep understanding of human and environmental needs. We’re proud to be a carbon neutral firm since 2023

ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS

Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City); West Hollywood (Los Angeles); Toronto; San Francisco; Nashville; the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property; the brand’s first European property in Mayfair (London); Seattle, Melbourne (Australia), and Copenhagen in 2025; and Tokyo in 2026 with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) and Hudson Valley (New York).

Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York City, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and the Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Miami Beach. Leveraging its marketing, design, operational, and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at starwoodhotels.com.

ABOUT BACCARAT HOTEL & RESIDENCES MALDIVES

Spanning five interconnected islands across more than 125 acres in the South Malé Atoll, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives redefines island luxury just 40 minutes from Velana International Airport. The development features 50 hotel villas and 62 branded private residences, including exclusive private islands.

As the first Baccarat-branded residences in the Indian Ocean, the project carries over 260 years of the Maison’s heritage and artistry. Designed by world-renowned partners including 1508 London, HKS, L’Observatoire International, and Marcel Wanders, it embodies timeless sophistication and contemporary craftsmanship.

Managed by Starwood Hotels, the property offers a curated lifestyle of culinary excellence and holistic wellbeing, with seven specialty restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center, and an array of sports and leisure facilities. Every detail reflects Baccarat’s enduring commitment to the art of living beautifully.