Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review. I recently enjoyed a phenomenal holiday in the Maldives, where I stayed at the archipelago's four most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts. You can read my reviews here: Review: B…
I recently enjoyed a phenomenal holiday in the Maldives, where I stayed at the archipelago's four most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts. You can read my reviews here:
Located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé's Velana International Airport, SO/ Maldives harmoniously blends rare accessibility with exquisite privacy, with each of the 80 individually designed villas nestled directly on its own slice of white-sand beach or on stilts above the lagoon. Innovative restaurant and bar concepts are designed to offer a refreshing counterpart to the ubiquitous resort all-day dining buffet, while the cultural programming brings together the best of music, fashion, design and art. With diverse dining, a playful beach club and serene spa all set in a private lagoon enclave, SO/ Maldives offers moments to escape, explore and play.
Have you ever stayed at SO/ Maldives? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.
I made a YouTube video with full tour of SO/ Maldives, which you can watch here:
In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):
SO/ Maldives is set in the Emboodhoo Lagoon within the multi-island destination of Crossroads Maldives, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé's Velana International Airport (making transfers from/to the airport easy). Crossoards is an artificial island complex located in the Emboodhoo lagoon at the northern tip of the South Male Atoll. Going beyond the traditional 'one island, one resort' concept that typifies the region, Crossroads Maldives offers a new integrated experience, offering its guests access to over 14 restaurants, a night-club, a marine discovery centre, large-scale event venues and much more. The project houses several hotels: SAii Lagoon Maldives (Curio Collection by Hilton), Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives.
In a break with the traditional tropical architecture which is omni-present in the Maldives, SO/ Maldives features a bold design, drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and theatricality of contemporary couture, and appealing to a younger clientele. Upon arrival, guests are met by a modern glass over-water pavilion, which sets the aesthetic tone of the hotel with clean lines, cool neutrals, and natural wood, juxtaposed against vibrant accents and a sculptural, red-latticed central staircase. The hotel's distinctive walkways are framed by billowing fabrics or architectural timber canopies, making a striking counterpart to the island's lush natural flora, and referencing the dramatic styling of high fashion presentations.
Created in collaboration with leading artists and fashion designers, SO/ Maldives has curated a stylish collection of 80 beachfront and overwater villasthat epitomize modern luxury and command attention with their avant-garde design. Spanning one to three bedrooms and eight categories, the villas are designed for open plan living, each with a private pool and deck from which guests can enjoy ocean views. From the 120 sqm. Lagoon Water Pool Villa Collection and the 410sqm. Three-Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier, to the 238 sqm Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule, which features adjoining "sleep pods" for younger travelers and multi-generational groups, each villa is a cocoon of modern luxury that comes with Maison CODAGE toiletries, which employ sustainably-sourced vegan ingredients; plush robes and slippers; and individualized concierge service
A complete antithesis of the staid all-day dining buffet, SO/ Maldives offers three distinct dining options, each with its own unique food-driven concept.
The Citronelle Club is an all-day dining destination where flavors are woven into a menu of Pan-Asian cuisine.
The French, Riviera-inspired Lazuli Beach Club is a sophisticated day-to-night beach bar where guests can enjoy sunbathing around the multicolored mosaic pool.The menu features creative and healthy Mediterranean fare, including a Prosciutto di Parm pizza with olives, wild arugula, parmigiano Reggiano and stracciatella, while vibrant cocktails are waiting to be sipped alongside tunes by visiting DJs in the evenings.
Located in the hotel's modern arrival pavilion, Hadaba celebrates the atmosphere and flavors of Arabian nights with Levantine slow-cooked dishes and smoked delicacies, such as Saltbush Lamb Cutletswith glazed eggplant, za'atar and toum and Maldivian Lobster with Aleppo pepper, garlic butter and finger lime.
The property's small spa facility - called Wellness Camp - is an East-meets-West concept that offers unlimited access to fitness and relaxation in an unparalleled setting. A restorative spa menu curated alongside Salon C. Stellar, featuringMaison CODAGE, Comfort Zone and Odacité products to name a few,offers a nutritive approach to wellness with tailor-made care. This includes LED and quartz beds for cutting-edge relaxation, ancient wisdom, and maximum personalization to meet guests' every need. Each treatment employs carefully selected ingredients, advanced technology and is exquisitely crafted to meet the guests' desired result. The facilities also include steam and sauna rooms, a Vichy Rainforest Shower, and a revitalizing vitality pool. The state-of-the-art gym showcases the latest Technogym and Alo equipment, offering sweeping views of the cyanic waters.
An array of paid and complimentary water-based adventures including kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, jet ski, stand-up paddleboarding, and offsite excursions are available to further enhance travelers' experience of the island. Guests can learn how to scuba dive, or for experienced divers, there is a wide selection of curated dives that can be arranged daily including turtle expeditions, outer reef explorations and traditional Maldivian fishing excursions. Other lessons available for purchase are windsurfing, kitesurfing, catamaran courses, parasailing, surfing, hydro flight rentals and more. Private boats and yachts are also available for guests to charter for private exploration by the hour or the day.
Younger guests at SO/ Maldives can enjoy a wide selection of activities and areas customized to their ages and needs – whether it's making new friends at The Zone (Teen's Club for ages 12-16) or The Nest (Kids Club for ages 4-11), which are both fully equipped with toys, games and activities, or enjoying the myriad of family-forward programming such as beach volleyball, bocce ball, soccer, watersports and more. Babysitting for children under 4 years of age is available at an extra cost.
Vivid, vivacious and full of personality, SO/ Hotels & Resorts are only found in socially vibrant destinations such as Berlin, Bangkok and Singapore. One of the fastest-growing brands in Accor's lifestyle portfolio, it is designed for savvy travellers who have a passion for fashion and like to keep their finger on the pulse. Every stay is underpinned by the brand's signature 'Just Say SO' service, to craft truly unforgettable experiences. SO/ Maldives will join Accor's collection of five resorts in the Maldives which include the midscale Mercure brand, premium Pullman and Mövenpick brands, and the luxury Raffles and Fairmont brands.
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