Barceló Nasandhura has officially opened as the first-ever five-star city hotel in the heart of the Maldivian capital, ushering in a new chapter for urban hospitality in the country.

Located directly across from the Henveiru ferry terminal and just a 10-minute drive from Velana International Airport, the hotel offers guests both comfort and convenience in the bustling city of Malé.

Constructed on the historic site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the new 15-storey Barceló Nasandhura has already been hailed as a landmark development in the capital.

The official inauguration was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, who underscored the significance of Nasandhura in the Maldives’ tourism industry.

He noted that the original Nasandhura had long served as a gateway for tourists arriving in the capital and expressed hope that the new Barceló property would continue that legacy.

As the largest hotel in Malé, Barceló Nasandhura features 136 tastefully designed rooms, many of which provide guests with panoramic ocean views.

The property boasts a variety of dining venues and leisure facilities, including three restaurants, a snack bar, a shisha lounge, and a rooftop bar and lounge.

One of its most striking features is the first and only oceanfront swimming pool in the capital, offering a unique blend of relaxation and luxury in an urban setting.

Guests can enjoy a rich culinary experience throughout the property, from casual dining at the ground-floor Alimas Lounge Café to international buffets at Oivaru and Chinese specialities at Dons.

The rooftop lounge, BHeaven, serves signature mocktails and includes a dedicated shisha space, while the Pool Bar provides refreshments by the water’s edge.

The hotel also offers an extensive wellness centre with a spa that includes six luxurious treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre boasting stunning views of the Indian Ocean, setting the scene for a premium health and wellness experience.

Barceló Nasandhura Malé marks the Barceló Hotel Group’s second venture in the Maldives, following the successful launch of Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives in Bodufinolhu, South Ari Atoll, last year.

With this addition, the Spanish hotel group now operates 11 properties across six Asian countries, further reinforcing its growing presence in the region.