The Maldives are one of the most luxurious places to holiday and the super-rich see this paradise as a home away from home.
The wealthiest travellers may soon have an even more exclusive option to choose from when visiting the South Asian country, amid speculation that stays at a private island may be put up for auction.
Mohamed Ali Janah, group chairman of Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives Group (HARIM Group) and a special advisor to UN Tourism, is planning the idea for Kudahithi Sands.
Attending the UN’s World Tourism Day event in Tbilisi, Georgia, last week, he said: “I am building the most exclusive private island in the world.”
The island is located a 30-minute boat ride away from the international airport in Malé and people will have to go to auction for a stay there.
While developing Kudahithi, it occurred to Mr Janah that this jewel of a 14,000-square-metre island presented a new opportunity, Euronews reports.
The holiday destination will be in high demand for the ultimate luxury it offers – plans include building six villas and making it a location for private meetings or family time.
The auction concept has not yet been fully developed as there isn’t anything that already exists in this way, but it is likely only a limited number of nights will be available each year, making the islands even more exclusive and accessible to only a lucky few.
Mr Janah believes prices will be driven past record levels. He told Euronews Travel: “In the Maldives, there are islands that are selling for $120,000 (£91,000) a night, for a private island, so I believe that we will be able to beat that kind of price.”
Kudahithi Sands is set to open in 2025, with dates to be announced soon. He said a big selling point is that it is a totally isolated island where guests will not see anyone there other than people who are meant to be with them on the trip. He said the exclusivity of the island is what makes it worth the price.
Wealthy travellers can bring their own butlers and staff to cook out of the island restaurant, Mr Janah suggested.
The reef affords brilliant snorkelling opportunities, with a private yacht parked up to explore the surrounding seas at your leisure.
Areas of the Maldives have already been successfully sold to wealthy and famous people who wish to rent a whole island so Mr Janah’s vision for the plans will tap into this market.