Featured
CROSSROADS Maldives honoured at Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-22
CROSSROADS Maldives, the spectacular multi-island tourist destination developed by S Hotels and Resorts, the global hospitality arm of Singha Estate, has achieved yet another major international honour, after it was named as the “Best Leisure Development Maldives (Five-Star)” in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-2022.
A world-renowned recognition of excellence, the Asia Pacific Property Awards were designed to celebrate the highest levels of achievement in all sectors of the property and real estate industry.
Judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts, they focus on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability.
These criteria certainly apply to CROSSROADS Maldives, which became the Maldives’ first fully-integrated resort and a new national icon when it opened its doors in 2019.
Nestled in the idyllic Kaafu Atoll and the Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport, this breath-taking destination is centred around The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk that features a wealth of world-class facilities, including diverse dining options, retail stores, wellness centres, water sports, diving, kids’ clubs, an oceanfront wedding venue and a 30-berth yacht marina.
This makes CROSSROADS Maldives a truly inspiring and immersive setting for leisure breaks, vacations and special occasions.

Two exceptional resorts, including SAii Lagoon Maldives, a tropical lifestyle retreat for millennially-minded guests, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the iconic music-themed brand’s first Maldivian property, offer outstanding accommodation options for all types of traveller, including experience-seeking couples, honeymooners, families and groups of friends.

What truly sets CROSSROADS Maldives apart however, is its focus on sustainability. During construction, specialist equipment was used to monitor the underwater environment and minimise its impact.
A dedicated Marine Discovery Centre leads conservation initiatives such as coral propagation and breeding programmes, while also serving as an educational hub for Maldivians and visitors alike.
These ecological efforts appear to be succeeding; Olive Ridley sea turtles have been seen nesting at SAii Lagoon Maldives’ beach, and pods of dolphin have been spotted near the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
The Maldives Discovery Centre, meanwhile, creates a deep connection with the archipelago’s culture, allowing local people to interact with visitors and generate income by selling authentic arts and crafts.
“We are delighted to have won the ‘Best Leisure Development Maldives (Five-Star)’ title at the Asia Pacific Property Awards. This is a wonderful recognition that reflects our tireless efforts to raise the quality of hospitality and tourism in the Maldives, while also actively preserving and promoting its pristine environment,” Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, said.
“The last 12 months have been a challenging time for everyone, but the Maldives is leading the recovery. Since it reopened to international visitors last year, this captivating country has shown how tourism can be managed safely and responsibly. We look forward to welcoming even more guests back to CROSSROADS Maldives in 2021 and beyond.”
This year’s Asia Pacific Property Awards were celebrated virtually on 28th May 2021, with an online gala red carpet event. For more information, please visit propertyawards.net.
To learn more about CROSSROADS Maldives, please visit crossroadsmaldives.com. Alternatively, for more information about S Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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