The award-winning, multimedia news brand, The Daily Telegraph has rounded up the best hotel openings in the Maldives for 2018, from a big-brand party paradise to an artsy family-friendly hideaway with plenty of overwater villas in between. 

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll - pening in Opening April 2018:

Sirru Fen Fushi, which means secret water island, is a fitting moniker for the Fairmonts addition the the Maldivian hotel scene. Villas, overlooking the dappled turquoise ocean, are of a bohemian bent, all rattan furniture, bathtubs reminiscent of coconut husks and plunge pools just steps away from the white-dressed beds. 

Accommodation is suitable for both couples and families; tented villas, set in a star-lit grove, are also available. The island will also house the Maldives first underwater sculpture museum, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor

Kudadoo Private Island by Hurawalhi, Lhaviyani Atoll- Opening early 2018:

Japanese architect Yuji Yamasaki has introduced elements of his home country into his design of Kudadoo Private Island think an abundance of bleached wood and walls, fences and features inspired by shōji doors. 

The adults-only hotel is boutique in every sense just 15 over-water villas (all waited on by butlers), and little else to do but sit back and enjoy the panoramic view from terraces. For fun, guests can use the facilities at sister property Hurawalhi Isand Resort, just a five-minute boat transfer away, including a PADI training centre, jet skis, a fishing boat and unforgettably dinner at 5.8, the glass-encased underwater restaurant.  

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, Emboodhoo Lagoon- Opening October 2018:

Rock n roll heads to paradise. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will be one of three hotels in the development currently being built in Emboodhoo Falhu, one of the largest lagoons in the country. It aims to cater to more than just newlyweds, and follows hot on the heels of other non-honeymoon-focused properties on the island, such as super-family-friendly Kandima, which opened last year.

The style will fuse tropical architecture with the musical memorabilia which has become synonymous with the brand as with their other outposts, the use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players will be available.

JOALI, Muravandhoo Island, Raas Atoll-Opening late 2018:

This chic family option will offer a stellar selection of child-friendly amenities and activities, such as a treehouse, spa for kids, junior cookery school and ice-cream shop, plus treasure hunts and native storytelling sessions around a campfire. 

The smallest accommodation option sleeps three; some villas come with two pools and theress one four-bedroom beach duplex. Adults will appreciate the four restaurants (including one serving freshly caught Japanese-Peruvian fare), a whisky lounge, ESPA spa, flower garden and artists studio and gallery. Activities include dhoni excursions, waterskiing, snorkelling and diving.

Baglioni Resort Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll-Opening summer 2018:

Italian hotel group Baglioni are bringing a slice of la dolce vita to the Maldives, marking their first property outside of Europe. 

The 96 villas feature garden, beach, overwater or family options; there's also a three-bedroom Presidential Water Villa. The three restaurants international, Japanese and, of course, Italian include many ingredients sourced directly from the hotels own vegetable garden. The resort will be family-friendly, with ample activities, including watersports, plus a kids club for children aged three to 12 and even child-friendly scuba-diving. 

LUX* North Male Atoll-Opening mid 2018:

Following their property in the South Ari Atoll, LUX* will open its second Maldivian getaway on Olhahali. Penthouse residences will replace the ubiquitous thatch-roofed overwater villas that have become synonymous with Indian Ocean accommodation. 

It is self-styled as superyacht-meets-South Beach expect white villas, flashes of neon pink, marble bathrooms and a general city-with-a-beach vibe. Every villa has its own roof terrace, elevated five metres above the house lagoon, while facilities include a cinema, yoga plinth, outdoor games, spa and kids club. The design wont be for everyone, but it certainly breaks the mould.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru, Noonu Atoll-Opening September 2018:

Movenpick will open a hotel in the first quarter of the year, located in the less-developed northern part of the island nation, close to the Marine National Park Edu Faru, as well as the Christmas Tree Rock and Orimas Thila dive sites. 

32 beach villas and 70 over-water villas will make up the accommodation, while facilities, which include an on-site dive centre and spa, will appeal to everyone from honeymooners to recreational families. There will also be a small-scale marine research centre and a private marina for up to 12 catamarans.

listed above is an article the island chief has derived from The Daily Telegraph highlighting the major new hotels and resorts that are set to open this year. 

Tourism in the Maldives which is popular among tourists for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs has been steadily growing. In order to accommodate the rising number of holidaymakers an impressive 20 resorts have opened since 2013, 20 new resorts have already opened.

While the most recent opening of Fushifaru Maldives, Reethi Faru and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort have been well received but hotly anticipated, the next year or so is going to be a busy time for the hospitality trade in The Maldives. An array of new hotels will fling open their doors throughout 2018 and into early 2019, expanding its already well-established portfolio of luxury resorts.