Eri Maldives debuts in North Malé atoll: Eco-chic island sanctuary opens 45 minutes from Malé

By Rachel Miller / January 20, 2026

For UAE residents already mapping out the 2026 public holiday calendar or looking ahead to the spring school break, a new destination has entered the mix. Eri Maldives, an eco-chic lifestyle resort, has officially opened its doors in the North Malé Atoll. With a location just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, it offers an immediate transition from the city to the sand, making it ideal for those looking to maximise a four-day break without lengthy layovers or seaplane wait times.

The resort is set on a natural island, a detail that sets it apart from reclaimed land projects, and it features dense greenery alongside a thriving house reef accessible directly from the shore. The guest experience is built around “The Island of Becoming,” which is a philosophy that integrates Maldivian heritage into the daily rhythm. By moving away from standard hospitality scripts, Eri Maldives encourages guests to slow down and engage with the local culture, arts, and traditional cuisine.

Accommodation at Eri is categorised into four styles, and each is designed to foster a connection with the surrounding environment. Beach Pool Villas offer private pools tucked into tropical greenery, while Beach Villas provide sunset views and direct shore access. For families planning a school break getaway, the Beach Studios are situated on the ground floor near the sand, and the Sky Studios feature private balconies with elevated views of the lagoon.

The culinary scene focuses on ease and flexibility, with Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive plans available. Guests can choose from three distinct venues, including global dining at Soul Kitchen, barefoot bites by the water at the Beach Shack, and sunset refreshments at Sip & Dip.

Beyond the villas, the resort offers a balance of active exploration and recovery. A 5-star PADI dive centre, managed by Euro-Divers, provides guided access to more than 30 renowned dive sites nearby. For restoration, the Eskape Spa is located within the island’s canopy, and it offers rituals grounded in local traditions.

Haroon Mohamed, General Manager of Eri Maldives, notes that the resort is a philosophy of living simply and well, and it aims to create moments where guests feel cared for and transformed. Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, adds that Eri embodies a vision of sustainable island living, where design, community, and well-being come together in harmony.

To celebrate its launch, Eri Maldives has released an opening offer featuring specific savings and inclusions for early visitors, and it is timed perfectly for those looking to secure travel plans for the upcoming Eid or summer holidays.