Nilaa Coral Island Resort opens in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Nilaa Coral Island, a 20-room resort developed on Kodegalaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, has officially opened, adding a fourth operating resort to the atoll.

The resort was developed through investment by Itaca Home Maldives, which is listed by the Tourism Ministry as the lessee of Kodegalaa for resort development. The company is registered in the hospitality and tourism sector, with envisaged investment of USD 10 million.

The Tourism Ministry said the opening is expected to create employment opportunities in the region and support local businesses, while extending more of the economic benefits of tourism to the southern atolls.

Kodegalaa is a 3.4-hectare island located northwest of Gadhdhoo and around 15 minutes by speedboat from Maavarulu Airport. The island was designated for tourism development under a cross-subsidy arrangement during the previous administration.

Itaca Home Maldives is backed by Maldivian shareholder Mohamed Hassan and Italian company Carisma, according to information reported on the project.

With Nilaa Coral Island now operational, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll has four resorts in operation, alongside NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort and Ayada Maldives.