SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has unveiled plans to open six luxury and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives over the next six years. The first two properties, located in the South Malé Atoll, are set to open in 2025 and 2026, promising to deliver uniquely personalized experiences for guests.

Founded by Laith Pharaon, an experienced hotelier with a history of transformative hospitality ventures, SIX & SIX aims to revolutionize the guest experience through intuitive service, artistic design, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The resorts will focus on providing customizable stays, allowing guests to tailor every aspect of their visit—from wellness programs to cultural explorations.

The first resort, RAH GILI MALDIVES, is scheduled to open in late 2025. This property will feature 74 pool villas, including overwater options, and will emphasize fine dining, cultural events, and exclusive access to a nearby dolphin sanctuary. Following in 2026, DHON MAAGA MALDIVES will elevate luxury with colossal villas, private-jet transfers, a state-of-the-art spa, and unique design elements like bathtubs inlaid with semi-precious gems.

“Our service culture will ensure guests enjoy the ultimate luxuries: time, space, and the freedom to be themselves,” said Laith Pharaon.

The company is equally committed to sustainability. Its ambitious environmental and social governance (ESG) goals include solar power usage, zero-waste initiatives, reef rehabilitation, and community-focused programs. These efforts aim to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Maldives.

Director of Operations Marc Gussing emphasized the company’s focus on personalization, stating, “Our ambition is to be the go-to resort operator for bon vivants who demand customization so they can create their own, ideal story.”

SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, headquartered in Malé, is set to be a transformative force in Maldivian hospitality, combining luxury with sustainable practices to create unparalleled experiences.

The Corinthian, developed in collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, is designed to be the world’s largest sailing yacht. Measuring 220 meters and equipped with 4,500 square meters of sails on three inclinable masts, the vessel will achieve speeds of up to 17 knots using wind power alone.

Accor Group Chairman & CEO Sébastien Bazin described the project as a blend of heritage and innovation:

“Harnessing its boundless imagination, Orient Express has conjured up a dreamworld of discoveries, meetings, motion and emotions. With Orient Express Corinthian, the Orient Express legend is now preparing to sail the world’s finest seas offering an unprecedented experience of travel and adventure. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of luxury cruises, the yacht reinvents movement and comfort on the water and is designed to meet the sustainability challenges of the future. It’s a great source of pride for all of us.”

Maxime d’Angeac, the Artistic Director of Orient Express, spearheaded the yacht's design, which reflects the elegance of the brand’s legacy. "All the suites and the entire design of the yacht have been conceived as unique spaces that break the boundaries of Orient Express’s classic decorative grammar while remaining true to its very particular codes. A contemporary vision of Orient Express, that of an era in which high quality is synonymous with excellence and calls for a real aesthetic revolution," d’Angeac noted.

The yacht includes 54 suites ranging from 45 to 230 square meters, with panoramic bay windows providing breathtaking ocean views. These spaces serve as tranquil retreats for guests, offering privacy and comfort while embracing the sea’s beauty.

The Orient Express Corinthian offers an array of amenities, including five restaurants, eight bars, and a Parisian-style cabaret with art deco influences. Other features include a recording studio, a cinema, a spa, and a marina for waterfront dining and activities.

For those seeking relaxation, a 16.6-meter swimming pool on Deck 6 provides the perfect space to unwind. The yacht’s design ensures a unique and memorable travel experience, with opportunities to explore iconic destinations from a fresh perspective.

The Corinthian combines luxury with cutting-edge technology. Its sails, designed using SolidSail technology, offer wind-powered propulsion, while an advanced LNG-powered engine stands ready to transition to green hydrogen as the technology evolves.

With its roots in luxury rail travel dating back to 1883, Orient Express continues to expand its offerings. Following the launch of its first hotels and the La Dolce Vita train, the Corinthian marks another milestone in the brand’s history. 

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s premier hotel and property development firms, has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF). This agreement, formalized at the 2024 World Travel Market in London, aims to set the groundwork for new hospitality projects across Saudi Arabia, enhancing the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure and expanding Dusit’s reach into a key growth market.

This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes expanding the tourism sector to attract international visitors. According to recent figures, the Kingdom achieved 8.2% growth in visitor spending in early 2024, totaling around SAR 92.6 billion, alongside a notable surplus in the travel account. Additionally, international tourist arrivals in Saudi Arabia surged by 73% in 2024 compared to 2019, with tourism receipts climbing by 207%, leading the G20 countries in tourism growth metrics. With this growing appeal, Saudi Arabia aims to support sustainable, high-impact projects that will diversify the tourism sector and support infrastructure enhancements.

Under the MoU, Dusit and TDF will collaborate to identify and develop strategic hotel projects across the Kingdom, leveraging Dusit’s extensive hospitality experience and brand portfolio. Dusit’s CEO, Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting, “This marks a significant milestone for us as we seek to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to one of the world’s most dynamic tourism landscapes.” She highlighted that Saudi Arabia represents a key growth market for Dusit and welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy.

Dusit currently operates 301 properties in 18 countries, including eight hotels in the Middle East, under a range of brands, such as Dusit Thani, dusitD2, and Dusit Princess, among others. Recently, the company introduced the Devarana – Dusit Retreats brand, specializing in luxury wellness, and Dusit Collection, which focuses on bespoke luxury. The company’s diversified expertise also includes hospitality education through Dusit Thani College and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, property development through Dusit Estate, and hospitality-related services.

The Mansard in Saudi Arabia is Dusit’s latest project, adding to its footprint in the region. Through this partnership, Dusit and TDF aim to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences that provide long-term value for guests, investors, and the community, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a leading tourism destination.