Next month, SIX & SIX Private Islands will open Rah Gili Maldives, the first of six private island resorts planned under the brand’s long-term vision in the Maldives.
SIX & SIX, which was founded in 2024 by hotelier Laith Pharaon, introduces a design-forward approach to island hospitality grounded in cultural authenticity.
Located on South Malé Atoll beside a protected marine sanctuary, Rah Gili Maldives comprises 74 villas, including 37 overwater accommodations. The resort marks the first full expression of the brand’s cultural foundation, Rayyithun—meaning “People of the Islands” in Dhivehi—which informs the resort’s design language, storytelling, service philosophy, and community engagement.
Drawing from the Maldives fishing heritage
Designed by Bali-based firm SHL Asia, the resort draws inspiration from traditional Maldivian fishing villages, preserving and reinterpreting elements of the island’s former resort rather than erasing its history.
A palette of lagoon blues, ocean tones, sand and coral neutrals, and earthy hues sourced from vegetation and timber creates a cohesive yet varied atmosphere across guestrooms, dining venues, and public spaces.
Guest accommodations are differentiated by experiential narratives. Beach Villas feature warm, grounded interiors with tactile fabrics, earthy tones, and artwork inspired by Maldivian daily life. Overwater Villas shift to cooler palettes and fluid forms, with artwork referencing the lagoon, horizon, and marine life to emphasize the transition from land to sea.
Each of the seven culinary venues carry an international sensibility rooted in a Maldivian context, expressing its distinct cuisines through materiality and spatial composition while maintaining the island’s original architectural framework.
Local materials and sustainability at Rah Gili Maldives
Throughout the resort, locally sourced materials—such as coconut palm leaf (kajan), bamboo, coconut fiber, and timber—are paired with traditional Maldivian craftsmanship for cultural continuity and durability.
Sustainability is also embedded into the resort’s architecture and operations, including a hybrid solar-battery system, reverse-osmosis water plants, LED lighting, and enhanced insulation, putting the resort on track for an EarthCheck Certification.
More from HD:
The 50 Best Hotel Openings of 2025
The Top Trends in Luxury Travel, According to Olivia Ferney
Trendspotting: Museum-Style Retail Stores
