The first Marriott-branded resort in the Maldives is set to open in 2009. The five-star, 100-villa Renaissance Maldives Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa on Gaakoshibee Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, will be located about a 55-minute flight by seaplane from Male, the capital city of the Maldives. The resort will offer a mix of beach and over-water villas. The beach villas will have a private garden, an outdoor shower and direct access to the beach. The over-water villas will have large private sundecks and direct access to the pristine lagoon.