SO/ Maldives resort opens: S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, Thailand has on 1 November 2023 announced the launch of its third iconic resort at CROSSROADS Maldives.
So/ Maldives joins two existing resorts at Crossroads Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. This luxury lifestyle resort will complement the two other popular five-star retreats and world-class facilities at the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-brand, fully integrated leisure destination, ushering in an exciting new era of hospitality to the Maldives.
The diverse trio of retreats is seamlessly connected to a wealth of world-class facilities at The Marina @ Crossroads, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk lined with restaurants and bars, retail boutiques, wellness centres, water sports, diving and snorkelling, kids’ clubs, and a 30-berth yacht marina, plus the Maldives Discovery Centre cultural hub and Marine Discovery Centre, which is dedicated to underwater conservation and education.
Nestled in the Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, this diverse trio of retreats is seamlessly connected to a wealth of world-class facilities at The Marina @ Crossroads, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk lined with restaurants, bars, retail boutiques, wellness centres, water sports, diving and snorkelling, kids’ clubs, and a 30-berth yacht marina, plus the Maldives Discovery Centre cultural hub and Marine Discovery Centre, which is dedicated to underwater conservation and education. With three iconic branded resorts all connected with world-class facilities, this fully integrated luxury destination is truly unique in the Maldives, and the broader Indian Ocean region.
SO/ Maldives is a USD 60 million joint venture project developed in partnership with Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), the leading business and real estate conglomerate. The resort is operated by Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart.
CROSSROADS Maldives has already won multiple major awards and has achieved Green Globe™ Certification. The development’s focus on environmental preservation and sustainability is also reflected at SO/ Maldives, where the roofs of the over-water villas and restaurants are topped with solar panels, allowing the resort to generate its own green energy. Recycled water, electric vehicles, eco-friendly bathroom amenities, and locally-sourced products are used throughout the property, and the resort has eliminated all single-use plastics.
SO/ Maldives on-water villa
Part of the ultra-fashionable SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand, which is making its debut in the Maldives, SO/ Maldives is set to become one of the world’s most sought-after places to stay, play and party.
Nestled on a pristine private island, surrounded by the turquoise Emboodhoo Lagoon, So/ Maldives is a sartorially-rooted retreat “Where Castaway Meets Runway.” Discerning travellers are welcomed into a glistening glass pavilion with 360-degree views and will be invited to take a walk across the Runway, a conceptualised open-to-sky catwalk which immerses every visitor in their own fashion show.
The retreat’s setting provides a luxurious island getaway experience. Having arrived by speedboat – just 15 minutes from Malé’s Velana International Airport – guests are welcomed into a glamorous glass pavilion with 360-degree views. A conceptualised runway experience gives the impression that visitors are starring in their own fashion show. Discerning travellers can choose to stay in a collection of beachfront and over-water pool villas, which range from 120 to 330 square metres and are all crafted by renowned designers in a contemporary style, inspired by nature and local culture. Every villa feature solar panels, as part of a commitment to sustainable operations. Family Beach Pool Villas with Capsules also include private capsules for kids. The Dream Family Beach Villas feature private capsules for kids and the stunning two-level, three-bedroom Ocean Water Pool Villa Atelier sets the stage for life’s most memorable moments. The villas are crafted by renowned designers and envelop guests in style and sophistication.
The resort features three main dining and social venues: Lazuli Beach Club will host the Maldives’ most sophisticated parties, with international DJs and eclectic entertainment programmes, while Hadaba will blend fine-dining with the authentic ambience of a Middle Eastern restaurant, and The Citronelle Club is an all-day dining restaurant inspired by the flavours of Asia.
The resort’s speciality restaurant serves up colourful Levantine cuisine, celebrating the atmosphere and aromatic flavours of an Arabian night, to be savoured against panoramic ocean views. Poolside, guests can lounge by the Art-Deco inspired beach club and indulge in seasonal plant-based dishes. The vivid colour scheme and secret lawn is set to make it one of the most stylish places to be seen in the Maldives archipelago.
The traditional all-day-buffet concept has been replaced to give guests more bespoke culinary concepts. A chef’s table offers a more interactive dining experience, whilst perfectly framed open-air spaces with neutral terracotta palettes and rattan furniture allow guests to enjoy unforgettable evenings under the Maldivan skies.
Mr. Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our third world-class lifestyle resort at CROSSROADS Maldives. With its focus on art, design and fashion, SO/ Maldives will perfectly complement our two internationally branded resorts and extensive facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS and enable us to attract a new generation of global explorers. We would like to thank our esteemed partners for their vision and skill in creating this stunning resort.”
Mr. Zaw Win Maung, Managing Director, WEWD, commented: “It is a wonderful moment to see this beautiful project come to life. SO/ Maldives is a trend-setting luxury resort that will attract a new generation of lifestyle-conscious guests, enhancing the Maldives’ tourism sector. We are delighted to collaborate with our esteemed partners at S Hotels & Resorts to create a lasting legacy for the entire country.”
“SO/ Hotels are located in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and we are thrilled to put down roots on this paradisiacal private island in the Maldives,” shared GM Mr. Jesper Sorensen. “In keeping with the SO/ DNA, we’re eager to welcome global travellers looking for a different island experience where art and fashion meet luxury hospitality.”
SO/ Maldives comes as the brand’s 5th address in Asia, with other locations in vibrant destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore. SO/ is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore has 87 operating properties globally, with a further 141 hotels in the pipeline.
Part of the ultra-fashionable SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand, which is making its debut the Maldives, SO/ Maldives is set to become one of the world’s most sought-after places to stay, play and party. With opening rates starting from USD 950+++ per night, this opening is expected to drive more revenue to CROSSROADS Maldives during the upcoming high season.
