Dusit International, one of Asia's leading hotel groups, announced plans to open their first resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives, Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll.

Located on the breathtaking Mudhdhoo Island, Northwest of Malé, this exquisite resort, scheduled to open in mid December this year, will feature 46 Beach Villas; two Beach Houses; 30 Water Villas; 20 Ocean Villas and two Ocean Houses, with extensive facilities including a 50-metre swimming pool, (the largest in the Maldives), and pool bar; over-water and grill restaurants; tree top spa; tennis courts; dive centre and extensive water activities in and around the resort. It is within 40 minutes travelling time via sea plane from Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from the new domestic airport.

Mr Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International said, "This new project is our first foray into the Maldives, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. This is a very exciting addition to our growing portfolio and represents a great milestone for the Dusit brand. Dusit Thani will combine the rich flavour of Thai hospitality with the stunning tropical beauty of the Maldives."

Mr Ahmed Umar Maniku, Chairman and Managing Director of Coastline Hotels & Resorts Pte. Ltd., Maldives and developer of Mudhdhoo Island Resort announced, "Coastline is extremely pleased with the sale of Mudhdhoo Island Resort, to such a highly respected and established brand such as Dusit International. We believe Dusit will bring not only a sizeable financial investment into the Maldives but will add significant value to the training and development of Maldivians through its outstanding hospitality training schools and colleges."

The sale of the island was transacted by Maldives Resort Island Investments Pte. Ltd., whose core business is Resort Island Sales and Investments in the Maldives. Headed by Tom McLoughlin and Michael Flynn, they commented on the remarkable speed and efficency in finalizing this deal. " We are very proud and excited to be working with both Coastline and Dusit International on this project. The Island attracted an immense amount of interest, from a wide range of prospective investors, but ultimately Dusit International was carefully selected due to their established brand within the hospitality sector".

A total investment of some US$77,000,000 has been committed to this project with Dusit International as the majority shareholder. The signing ceremony was held at the Group's flagship property, Dusit Thani Bangkok.

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit dusit.com

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

For more information, please visit dusit-international.com

Chutimaporn Kasemsuk
Corporate International PR Manager
+66 (0) 2200 9999
Dusit