Raffles to Plant Flag in Maldives

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will manage a 49-villa luxury resort scheduled to open in spring 2008. The Raffles Resort Konotta is being developed on Gaafu Alifu, an atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. Each of the 49 duplex villas will measure 1,250 to 3,700 square feet and have its own plunge pool; 22 of them will be overwater villas. The new resort also will be home to a RafflesAmrita Spa and several food-and-beverage venues. Water sports will be another draw, with guests able to snorkel, take catamaran sails and go deep-sea fishing.