Manhattan Grand Hotel has opened in Hulhumalé on 7 November 2026, introducing a five-star hospitality property with 162 rooms and suites, multiple dining concepts, extensive meetings and events facilities, and an international wellness offering to the Greater Malé region.

The hotel was inaugurated by His Excellency Hassan Zareer, Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, during a ceremony attended by government officials, investors, hospitality industry representatives and distinguished guests.

Developed and operated by World of Business Pvt Ltd, with investment participation from UAE-based Deep Seafood Company, the project transforms the long-unfinished former STO City Hotel development into an operational hospitality landmark, supporting the expansion of Hulhumalé's tourism and business infrastructure.

The property features 162 contemporary rooms and suites across eight accommodation categories, including city-view and sea-view options. Facilities include a 20-metre outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and dedicated wellness spaces, catering to business and leisure travellers, transit passengers, airline crews and event organisers.

Inspired by the architectural heritage of the historic Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), the hotel follows its brand philosophy, "Live the Heritage". Its design incorporates traditional Maldivian craftsmanship, cultural elements and a collection of heritage-inspired artworks.

Located approximately 10 minutes from Velana International Airport, the property offers convenient access to the capital region and surrounding islands.

Expanding Business and MICE Tourism

A key feature of Manhattan Grand Hotel is its integrated Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities, designed to accommodate major corporate events, conferences and gatherings.

The property offers three principal event halls: Mā Ashi, covering 700 square metres; Maalan, spanning 400 square metres; and Holhuashi, covering 390 square metres.

These are complemented by the Ras Ain Meeting and Conference Facilities, which include the Ras Giri Conference Room, Ras Faruma Training Room, Ras Vani Meeting Room and Ras Pod working spaces.

With dedicated audiovisual infrastructure, banquet operations, event services and separate guest flows, the hotel is designed to host up to three major events simultaneously without disrupting individual proceedings.

The facilities position the property to serve corporate organisations, conference organisers and event planners seeking venues in the Greater Malé area.

Four Dining Concepts and International Wellness Partnership

The hotel's food and beverage offering comprises four distinct concepts catering to different dining preferences.

Hen Na serves as the all-day breakfast venue, while World of Seafood focuses on seafood dining. Café Barbera introduces an established Italian coffeehouse concept, and Vilu offers a specialised dining experience.

The hotel has also partnered with Mandara Spa, an internationally recognised wellness brand within the OneSpaWorld portfolio, to operate its planned spa facilities. The wellness offering will complement the hotel's swimming pool and fitness centre.

Community and Public-Service Facilities

Beyond its hospitality operations, the development incorporates a corporate social responsibility component, allocating approximately three and a half floors for community and public-service initiatives.

The dedicated spaces accommodate a Media Village, health and educational functions, and youth-focused facilities. The Health Protection Agency has already commenced operations from offices within the building.

Ali Nahiz, Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan Grand Hotel, said: “Our vision has always been to establish more than a hotel. Manhattan Grand Hotel brings together Maldivian heritage, modern hospitality and the infrastructure needed to support business, tourism and major events in the Greater Malé region. We are proud to see this landmark development welcomed into the community and look forward to the opportunities it will create,”

The opening celebrations also featured a fireworks display and traditional Maldivian Bondibaiy shared with the public, reflecting the hotel's emphasis on local culture and community engagement.

With its accommodation, dining, wellness and event facilities, Manhattan Grand Hotel aims to strengthen Hulhumalé's position as a hospitality and business destination while supporting the continued development of tourism infrastructure across the Greater Malé region. -TradeArabia News Service