Whale Lagoon Maldives Transitions From Barceló to Meliá Hotels International After Ownership Change

Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives has transitioned to management by Meliá Hotels International following a change in ownership, ending the resort’s association with Barceló Hotel Group.

The resort, located in South Ari Atoll, was previously owned by Browns Investments PLC through its Maldives-based subsidiary and operated under the Barceló brand. In September 2025, Browns Investments announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell the property to ASB Hotel Properties Maldives Private Limited, a local subsidiary of Dubai-based Albwardy Investment, for USD 57.5 million. The transaction was subject to regulatory and third-party approvals.

Subsequent disclosures by Browns Investments indicate that the sale has now been concluded, transferring ownership of the resort to the Albwardy-linked entity. Following the completion of the transaction, management of the property has shifted to Meliá Hotels International.

Industry transaction advisories associated with the sale state that the resort will be operated by Meliá under the new ownership. Reflecting this change, the property has been listed within Meliá’s global portfolio as “Hotel Whale Lagoon Maldives,” indicating a move away from the Barceló brand.

Barceló branding continues to appear on some booking and promotional platforms, though the inclusion of the resort on Meliá’s official channels suggests that operational control has transitioned to the Spanish hotel group as part of the post-sale process.

No official announcement has been made on the timeline for a full rebranding or on the specific Meliá brand category under which the resort will ultimately operate. Operations at the resort are understood to be continuing during the management handover.