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S Hotels celebrates ground-breaking of SO/ Maldives

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Created in partnership with Accor and Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), this exclusive 80-villa beach resort will become the third property at CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle and leisure complex

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, has celebrated the official launch of SO/ Maldives, with a ground-breaking ceremony for this vibrant new beachfront resort on the third island of CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first fully-integrated leisure and lifestyle destination.

This important milestone was marked with an event attended by senior representatives from S Hotels & Resorts.

Set to be opened in 2023, this exciting new project is being created by S Hotels & Resorts, Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), the leading business and real estate conglomerate in Myanmar, in partnership with Accor, whose luxurious and rebellious SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand will be introduced to the Maldives for the very first time.

“This is a momentous day as we officially launch SO/ Maldives, the latest jewel in the Maldivian tourism crown. With SO/ Hotels & Resorts, Accor has created one of the hotel industry’s most expressive and individual luxury brands, catering to style-conscious travellers in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“This makes it a great fit for CROSSROADS Maldives, our game-changing multi-island leisure complex. SO/ Maldives will complement our two other five-star resorts and further raise the standard of hospitality in this idyllic archipelago.”

SO/ Maldives will offer a unique collection of beachfront and over-water villas crafted by renowned designers, as well as an audacious array of dining and entertainment offerings.

Nestled on its own island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, the resort is set to become a hotspot for adventurous and free-spirited socialisers who can easily jet in from regional centres for a weekend or longer, thanks to its convenient location close to Malé’s Velana International Airport.

The colourful beach club is set to become one of the coolest places to hang out in the Maldives.

The private island of SO/ Maldives will become a playground for those seeking unconventional yet stylish spaces to eat, drink, work or kick back and relax.

The speciality restaurant will serve up Levantine cuisine exuding the aromatic fragrances and flavours of an Arabian night, with panoramic views across the ocean from its location above the arrival pavilion.

Over at the poolside, guests will discover an art deco-inspired beach club with serious Miami South Beach vibes and an innovative plant-based menu.

The vivid colour scheme is set to make it one of the coolest places to hang out in the archipelago, and is sure to impress those attending the brand’s pool parties – a popular event at SO/ addresses across the world.

The resort has ousted the traditional all-day buffet concept and will introduce a central cooking suite with various culinary theatre concepts.

A chef’s table will be discreetly tucked away for those seeking an exclusive dining experience, while outdoor areas will be blessed with warm and fresh Maldivian air.

The pan-Asian design will feature neutral terracotta palettes, elevated with accents of polished brass and rattan.

Unforgettable events can be brought to life at the oceanfront wedding venue and meeting spaces.

The globe-trotting guests at SO/ Maldives will also be able to take advantage of the world-class facilities at CROSSROADS Maldives.

The Marina @ CROSSROADS is an 800-metre beach walk lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants, a chilled-out beach club, upmarket boutiques, a spa, the Marine Discovery Centre and a 30-berth yacht marina. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from the international airport, this breath-taking integrated resort has redefined tourism and hospitality in the Maldives since it launched in 2019.

“It gives us great pleasure to join hands with S Hotels & Resorts and Accor as we break ground on such a prestigious project. CROSSROADS Maldives is one of the most significant developments in the history of the country – and the entire Indian Ocean region – so we are honoured to have been tasked with the wonderful transformation of its third island,” said Zaw Win Maung, Managing Director, WEWD.

“SO/ Maldives will attract trend-setters from all around the world and I look forward to bringing this remarkable resort to life in the coming months.”

Scheduled to open in 2023, SO/ Maldives will appear to float above the turquoise lagoon.

Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer at Ennismore, said: “We are delighted to see development kick-off for the audacious SO/ Maldives, a resort which will be the place to see and be seen for travellers that live vibrant lives and are seeking something truly avant-garde on their journeys around the world. We look forward to seeing this high-energy resort come to life and working alongside S Hotels & Resorts and WEWD.”

SO/ Maldives will become the third accommodation option at CROSSROADS Maldives, joining SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, both of which were recently named as the “Best Luxury Beachfront Resorts” in the Maldives at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021.

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The Nautilus Maldives unveils ‘An Easter Canvas’ of colour and creativity

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This Easter, The Nautilus Maldives is inviting guests to step into “An Easter Canvas”, a celebration where colour, creativity, and island freedom come together in a week of joyful expression. At this ultra-luxury bohemian hideaway, Easter unfolds like a living artwork, with days washed in colour, moments shaped by imagination, and time flowing as gently as the tides.

At the centre of An Easter Canvas is a collection of immersive artistic experiences inspired by the island’s radiant spectrum of colours. From family art sessions hosted by a visiting Maldivian artist to a collaborative beach canvas that evolves with each guest’s contribution, the Easter programme becomes a tapestry of renewal and joy—crafted by the hands and hearts of those who take part.

Solasta Spa embraces Easter with a curated palette of healing and renewal.

  • Radiant Awakening draws from sunshine hues with a rejuvenating body polish and signature massage.
  • Harmony Within reflects tranquil greens through aloe-based treatments, crystal sound healing, and grounding techniques.
  • Ocean Stillness mirrors the calm blues of the sea, beginning with a salt exfoliation followed by a meditative Shirodhara ritual.
  • Tender Renewal and Soulful Reflection explore soft pink and violet tones through rose quartz, aromatherapy, and gentle facial therapies.

Each ritual offers a sensory immersion designed to awaken, soothe, and restore—one colour at a time.

Dining at The Nautilus is treated as an art form. As the island shifts through its Easter-inspired palette, culinary experiences transform with it—from colour-changing cocktails at Naiboli’s Shades of the Horizon sunset pop-up to vibrant beach dinners and lively Easter brunches at Thyme. Without menus or fixed hours, each meal becomes a spontaneous creation shaped by guest preferences and the island’s creative spirit.

This Easter season will also feature a special appearance by Chef Gregor Zimmermann, Swiss State Chef and Executive Chef of the iconic Bellevue Palace in Bern. A distinguished member of Le Club des Chefs des Chefs, he will present two exclusive five-course dinners and a chocolate masterclass. His creations will form a dialogue between the refined flavours of the Swiss Alps and the treasures of the Maldivian seas, expressed through authenticity, emotion, and technical mastery.

Easter at The Nautilus promises a world of discovery for younger guests. Activities include the lively “Bunny Kickoff” party, ocean-inspired crafts, pastel tie-dye sessions, treasure hunts, and the island’s signature event—the “Every Bunny Wins Easter Egg Hunt”.

Children may also explore purposeful creativity through ecoBirdy Ocean Lab workshops, which introduce young minds to the beauty and fragility of marine environments. Each session guides children in transforming recycled plastics into small functional artworks. Through storytelling and hands-on making, young guests learn about sustainability while creating keepsakes inspired by the ocean around them.

At The Nautilus, Easter is more than a seasonal holiday—it is a celebration of renewal, artistry, and the simple joy of creation. Whether crafting upcycled treasures during ecoBirdy workshops, contributing to the island’s living art installation, enjoying spontaneous feasts shaped by personal tastes, or sharing sunlit moments on white sands, every guest becomes part of a story painted in freedom, colour, and flow.

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Sweet traditions: Canareef Resort hosts festive cake mixing ceremony

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On the morning of 26 November, as the Maldives embraced the gentle warmth of the festive season, Canareef Resort Maldives once again lit up the island with its much-loved Christmas tradition – the annual Cake Mixing Ceremony. Held at the lively Dhoaraa Bar at 10:30am, the event brought together guests, team members, and island friends in a joyous celebration of tradition, community, and holiday spirit.

This year’s ceremony unfolded as a vibrant gathering filled with cheerful faces, aromatic spices, and rich festive ingredients. Guests from across the world joined in, eagerly blending dried fruits and a touch of local warmth into a fragrant mixture. As the rhythm of stirring released notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum into the air, participants bonded over this cherished ritual, symbolising unity, generosity, and the joy of the season. The ocean breeze mingling with the sweet aroma created an atmosphere that beautifully captured the magic of island festivities.

More than a seasonal event, the Cake Mixing Ceremony at Canareef is a celebration of togetherness. It is an opportunity to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and embrace the true essence of the holidays. Guests and the resort’s team take delight in the simple act of stirring the mixture side by side, adding a special sparkle to Canareef’s festive calendar.

Long recognised as a hallmark of holiday cheer, the ceremony reflects Canareef Resort Maldives’ warm, welcoming, and family-like spirit. For those seeking a tropical escape or a memorable festive experience, the resort continues to offer a sanctuary where traditions are honoured and celebrations become unforgettable.

This festive season, Canareef invites guests to join in for a celebration brimming with flavour, joy, and island magic—an opportunity to discover why the Maldives remains a truly special place to celebrate and to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

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‘Threading Time’: Stitched photo stories debut at Oaga Art Resort

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Oaga Art Resort, a homegrown Maldivian brand where creativity thrives and stories unfold, has announced Threading Time, a captivating solo exhibition by Maldivian artist Hajja Nazwa. The exhibition will open on 5 December 2025 at Moo Gé Gallery by Suvāsthi, the art brand of Oaga Resorts, and will run until 6 January 2026, giving guests the chance to experience Hajja’s stitched photographic narratives throughout the festive season.

Threading Time explores memory, everyday life, and the subtle beauty of island living. Through a fusion of photography and embroidery, Hajja Nazwa transforms ordinary moments into enduring visual stories. Each stitched detail reflects scenes of Maldivian daily life—street corners, bursts of colour, the quiet rhythm of the city, and the serenity of the islands.

Reflecting on her work, Hajja said: “Photo embroidery gives me a gentle place to return to… a space where I can slow down, look closely, and connect with myself. The act of stitching feels like a conversation between my hands and my memories. It reminds me to notice the small things, to honour them, and to hold on to the parts of life that quietly shape me.”

The exhibition features 55 works from Hajja’s stitched-story collection, many based on her own photographs celebrating Maldivian culture, heritage, and everyday moments. The pieces encourage viewers to engage with the interplay of thread, colour, and light, creating a space where art, memory, and island life intersect.

The exhibition is curated by Ahmed Sobah, whose long-standing involvement in the Maldivian arts scene ensures a presentation that highlights the vibrancy, intimacy, and contemplative depth of Hajja’s work.

The exhibition will open with a ticketed event on 5 December, offering guests:

  • A guided tour with the artist
  • A curated dinner at Kaa Kada, Oaga’s signature restaurant
  • Evening entertainment at Raa Baa bar

Date & Time: 5 December 2025, 16:00 – 22:30
Ticket Price: MVR 1,542 (USD 100)
Includes: Roundtrip speedboat transfer from Malé International Airport, exhibition access with guided tour, dinner, and entertainment.

From 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the exhibition will be open to all resort guests, allowing visitors to explore Hajja’s work at their own pace in an intimate island gallery setting.

Moo Gé is the transformative creative space of Oaga Art Resort—a hybrid venue that functions as a movement studio, performance arena, and exhibition platform. Its fluid design allows it to adapt to the needs of artists and audiences alike. For Threading Time, Moo Gé becomes a dedicated gallery, enabling guests to experience Hajja Nazwa’s embroidered photographic works up close.

As part of Suvāsthi, Oaga’s artistic ecosystem centred on joy and creative expression, Moo Gé reflects the resort’s commitment to nurturing local and visiting talent. It is a place where culture, creativity, and island spirit come together, offering an experience rooted not only in observation but also in participation.

Oaga Art Resort continues to champion Maldivian artistry, giving guests the rare opportunity to engage with local talent in meaningful ways. Threading Time is more than an exhibition— it is an ongoing dialogue between artist, audience, and island life, where each thread and photograph tells a story of home, memory, and culture.

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