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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: New Luxury Resort Wins Design Award

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. aldives-new-luxury-resort-wins-design-award.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 3:14 GMT by Travel Daily Media

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A Luxurious New Resort Already Making Waves – A Comprehensive Summary

The recently opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has quickly established itself as a significant player in the luxury Maldivian resort market, and not just through its stunning aesthetics. The resort has already garnered recognition with an award for “Best New Hotel Construction and Design” at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, signalling its immediate impact on the industry. This article summarizes the details surrounding the resort, its features, the vision behind its creation, and its potential impact on the Maldivian tourism landscape.

A Focus on Island Life & Lagoon Access

The Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, situated on the South Malé Atoll, distinguishes itself through its unique emphasis on lagoon access. Unlike many Maldivian resorts built on small, isolated islands, Centara strategically chose a larger island – Machchafushi – to facilitate a more expansive and naturally integrated experience. The resort boasts a 3.5 km long lagoon, and every villa is directly accessible to it, a key design element championed by architect and designer, Mr. Wichai Poolkhawamdee, of WP Creative. This allows guests direct immersion in the turquoise waters, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and simply enjoying the marine life from their private decks.

The resort features 172 villas, including overwater villas, beach villas, and three-bedroom lagoon villas – catering to a wide range of travellers from couples to families. A unique offering is the “Island Club” with dedicated facilities and services including a private pool and lounge, enhancing the exclusivity for certain guests. The design philosophy prioritizes a seamless blend of contemporary luxury with natural materials and Maldivian aesthetics, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Culinary Experiences & Wellbeing

Beyond the accommodation, the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers a diverse culinary landscape. The resort boasts several restaurants and bars, including:

• Reef Restaurant: All-day dining with international cuisine.
• Azuri Mare: Italian restaurant offering fresh seafood and pasta.
• The Coast: Specializing in beachside dining with an emphasis on grilled delicacies.
• Suan Bua: A signature Thai restaurant known for its authentic flavours. (This restaurant is a hallmark of Centara hotels, and brings a popular culinary experience to the Maldives.)
• Aqua Bar & Lounge: Offering cocktails and light bites in a relaxed setting.

Furthermore, the resort prioritizes wellness with its SPA Cenvaree, a renowned brand within the Centara group. The spa provides a holistic range of treatments inspired by ancient traditions, focusing on rejuvenation and relaxation, all within a tranquil and picturesque environment.

Sustainable Practices & Family-Focused Amenities

Centara Hotels & Resorts has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable tourism and the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is no exception. While specific details aren’t extensively detailed in the provided source, Centara generally emphasizes responsible practices like waste management, water conservation, and supporting local communities. The large island space allows for more effective implementation of these initiatives.

The resort actively caters to families with a dedicated kids’ club – Camp Safari, providing supervised activities and entertainment for younger guests. This allows parents to enjoy their own leisure time knowing their children are well-cared for. The variety of villa types, including the spacious three-bedroom lagoon villas, further enhances the appeal to families traveling with larger groups. The lagoon’s calm waters are also conducive to safe water activities for children.

Centara's Expansion & Maldives' Competitive Landscape

The opening of the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives represents a strategic expansion for Centara Hotels & Resorts. Centara currently operates several resorts in Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia, and this new Maldivian property strengthens its footprint in the high-end leisure travel market. The Maldives continues to be a fiercely competitive destination with numerous luxury resorts vying for travellers’ attention. The resort hopes to differentiate itself through its unique lagoon access, family-friendly amenities, and the quality of service consistently associated with the Centara brand.

According to the Centara website ([ https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgl/about/ ]), the resort aims to provide "immersive experiences, offering a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and tranquility." This ambition is backed by a substantial investment, reflecting confidence in the long-term potential of the Maldivian tourism market.

In Conclusion:

The Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is not simply another luxury resort in the Maldives. Its design prioritizing lagoon access, diverse dining options, family-friendly facilities, and commitment to sustainability, coupled with the backing of a reputable hotel group, positions it for success. The early award recognition is a testament to the quality of its construction and design, and suggests the resort is poised to become a leading destination for discerning travellers seeking an unforgettable Maldivian experience. The resort is likely to further contribute to the growth and diversification of the Maldivian tourism sector, offering a compelling alternative to the established players in the market.