Pulse Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Aura Maldives, a new 5-star luxury island sanctuary set to open in Q4 2026 within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, easily accessible via a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male', or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute yacht or speedboat transfer. 

Conceived as an island resort where mindfulness, sustainability, wellness and elevated island living come together, Aura is designed for today's luxury traveller seeking meaningful experiences in one of the world's most extraordinary natural settings. 

Aura will feature 71 expansive private villas across beach and overwater categories with one- to three-bedroom layouts ranging from 246sqm to 710sqm. Each villa is designed as a spacious suite with private pool, expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, making Aura well suited to couples, families and multi-generational travellers alike.  

“Aura Maldives represents a bold evolution of our portfolio,” said Frederic Brohez, COO of Pulse Hotels & Resorts. “It is an island resort shaped by a unique operating system that embeds mindfulness across every touchpoint, with thoughtful curation in all its facets. With deep respect for nature, local culture and the rhythms of island life, Aura delivers a refined, future-facing luxury experience for today's conscious traveller.” 

A sanctuary rooted in nature and sustainability 
Set within one of the Maldives' most ecologically significant regions and just moments from Hanifaru Bay, renowned for its seasonal manta ray and whale shark encounters, Aura places environmental stewardship at the heart of the island experience. Sustainability will be at the forefront of every aspect of Aura's operations, from plastic-free initiatives and ethical sourcing to a holistic lighting philosophy encompassing dark-sky and wildlife-friendly lighting, alongside meaningful community engagement. 

Holistic wellness woven into island life 
Wellness at Aura is designed as a core rhythm of island living.  At the heart of the island, Solasta Spa will offer treatments inspired by Maldivian traditions and global wellness practices. Facilities will include hammam experiences, hot and cold plunge pools, a lagoon-facing sauna, and a hyperbaric chamber. A thoughtfully curated programme of yoga, mindfulness sessions and ocean-sound meditations invite guests to slow down and reconnect—naturally and intuitively. 

Bold, experience-led culinary journeys 
Aura will introduce a diverse dining portfolio, including: 

• a beachfront grill celebrating elemental cooking 

• an overwater Asian-Fusion fine-dining restaurant 

• teppanyaki 

• a wood-fired pizzeria 

• a nomadic pop-up kitchen 

• a Beach Club & Pool Bar offering craft cocktails and premium zero-proof alternatives 

• and an all-day dining restaurant 

Across all venues, menus will champion locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, with flavour-forward, wellness-conscious cuisine. 

Experiences shaped by place and purpose 
Guests will be invited to engage deeply with the destination through curated experiences ranging from marine conservation initiatives and snorkelling with manta rays, and cultural exchanges with local artisans. Families can look forward to dedicated spaces and programs, including a children's club and multi-generational activities, reinforcing Aura's position as an inclusive island resort for every stage of life.  

Aura will join Pulse Hotels & Resorts' growing collection of distinctive properties, strengthening the group's presence in the upper-upscale and luxury segments while responding to the rising demand for sustainable, meaningful travel experiences. 

For further information, please visit aura-maldives.com. 
High-resolution renderings are available here.