A solar-powered private island in the Maldives with 15 overwater bungalows is the best new luxury hotel to visit in 2019

Kudadoo

The resort opened on December 26.

• Kudadoo Maldives Private Island has been named the best new luxury hotel of 2019 by the team at Luxury Travel Intelligence.
• The adults-only resort has 15 private residences and is situated in a lagoon.
• Guests have access to a 24-hour butler, a spa, and a swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
• The resort is part of the growing movement of eco-friendly tourism: It's entirely solar-powered.

A tiny resort in the Maldives has been dubbed the best new luxury resort of 2019.

Kudadoo Maldives is home to 15 one- or two-bedroom overwater residences and, in case the unobstructed ocean views aren't sufficient, also has an infinity pool that looks out over the water. It opened on December 26, but is already attracting high-profile guests.

The hotel is part of the growing trend of eco-friendly tourism: The resort's sloped roof generates enough energy to serve 50 guests and 100 staff at any given moment.

Read more: The top 14 boutique hotels in the world that should be on every luxury traveler's list

Kudadoo now numbers as one of many luxury hotel offerings in the Maldives, including the world's first underwater hotel villa, where a single night's stay costs $50,000, and a resort that's home to an underwater sculpture museum.

It also joins the ranks of a seven-bedroom Swiss chalet that's been named the world's best ski lodge and a resort in Bali with "the world's best views" as must-see stops for wealthy travelers who are seeking the lap of luxury around the world.

Keep reading for a look at the island retreat.