SAii Lagoon Maldives, the first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in the Maldives, has opened.

The resort, part of the first phase of the highly anticipated Crossroads Maldives project by leading Thai developer Singha Estate, welcomed its first guests on Sunday.

A free-spirited tropical escape in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport by boat, SAii Lagoon Maldives is an irreverent and playful escape for couples, families and friends in search of a casual and captivating destination getaway.

Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, who has conceptualised some of the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts and spas such as The Royal Istana, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, St. Regis Resort, Bali and the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, SAii Lagoon Maldives is stylish, eclectic and full of art and seafaring motifs to create fascinating and comfortable spaces where guests can relax.

The resort’s playful design ethos are on show at Miss Olive Oyl, the poolside Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, and Mr Tomyam, a Thai fusion eatery with open kitchen and alfresco dining areas. Guests can also enjoy a range of water sports and wellness offerings, whilst discovering Maldivian cultural activities.

This is all part of a personal journey that can be further tailored by creating your own bathroom amenities using natural ingredients from the resort’s Aroma Lab and custom-made kids pyjamas in rooms and creature comfort pillows.

Operated by Singha Estate’s hospitality arm S Hotels & Resort, SAii Lagoon Maldives is closely linked to The Marina @ Crossroads, a 30-berth marina with a wide variety of lifestyle offerings. This vibrant district houses many facilities, including the Junior Beach Club and Camp, the Crossroads Event Hall and the Marine Discovery Centre, where marine biologists teach guests about the resort’s conservation activities, including a Junior Coral Curator programme and clownfish release initiatives.

This eco hub reflects SAii Lagoon Maldives’ strong environmental ethos, which is also demonstrated in its design. The room and villa interiors balance organic materials with natural textiles, tropical colours and an abundance of daylight to create a low-impact, high-comfort sanctuaries. Each room features beautiful ocean views, a bathroom with a rain shower and a deck or balcony, whilst the beach and overwater villas promise truly exclusive experiences for families or friends.

SAii Lagoon Maldives has been created as a destination not only for international holidaymakers, but also as a place for transit travellers and local Maldivians to spend time with friends and families during the day.

Crossroads, a deeply sustainable development owned by Singha Estate, encompasses nine idyllic islands fringing the Emboodhoo Lagoon in the South Male Atoll. Three of the islands have been used as the first phase of the project, encompassing two resorts, as well as The Marina @ Crossroads — an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk which features retail, entertainment and dining outlets.