Featured
S Hotels celebrates ground-breaking of SO/ Maldives
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 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.”

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.
Featured
Villa Nautica’s festive glow: Yoga at sunrise, fireworks at midnight
Villa Nautica will embrace the festive spirit from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, offering guests an easy island rhythm that flows from bright mornings by the water to music-filled evenings on the sand. The season begins with illuminated beaches and relaxed barbecues, gradually building through creative afternoons and live performances. Christmas Eve will feature a gala dinner, followed by Santa’s arrival on 25 December. The celebrations will culminate in a vibrant New Year’s Eve countdown with fireworks, before settling into a calm reset on New Year’s Day and concluding with Orthodox Christmas.
The programme balances practicality with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Mornings will bring sunrise yoga, family pool activities, and interactive cooking sessions, while evenings will feature poolside soirées, wine-paired dinners, and sunset cruises. With simple yet photogenic settings, the lagoon and sky take centre stage in shaping the mood. Guests—whether couples, friends, or families—can participate freely without losing the island’s easy pace.
For younger visitors, the festivities will centre around the kids’ club, where cookie and cupcake decorating, beach games, origami and craft sessions, storytelling, and cosy movie nights will take place. Small groups and attentive care ensure that creativity and play remain the focus, allowing parents to enjoy uninterrupted moments around the island.
A highlight of the season will be the Champagne Lucky Draw & Disco. From 1 to 31 December, each bottle of champagne purchased at resort bars or restaurants will serve as an entry to the draw. Guests are advised to keep their entry stubs for the live draw, held at 01:00 during the New Year’s celebration, where the prize will be a seven-night stay in a Water Villa for two.
Throughout the festive period, private experiences will feel as memorable as the larger celebrations. Guests may enjoy candlelit dinners on the sand, floating breakfasts, or early morning snorkelling sessions to begin the year anew. Whether seeking a lively shoreline celebration or a quiet evening stroll beneath lanterns and palms, Villa Nautica offers an atmosphere where every festive moment can glow in its own way.
Featured
JOALI BEING launches global campaign ‘Joyful Journeys of Well-Living’
JOALI BEING, the world’s first well-being island, has announced the launch of its new global brand campaign titled “Joyful Journeys of Well-Living.” The campaign celebrates the art of self-discovery, inviting travellers to reconnect with their inner selves through bespoke and transformative experiences.
Building upon JOALI BEING’s core philosophy of the “Joy of Weightlessness,” the campaign embodies the essence of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. It encourages guests to explore holistic pathways designed to restore balance and inspire personal growth.
Joyful Journeys of Well-Living serves as an invitation to travellers seeking meaningful change and renewal. The campaign narrates stories of individuals discovering joy through purposeful living, mindful connection, and immersive well-being experiences at JOALI BEING.
The visuals capture the island’s tranquil landscapes and nurturing spaces — from oceanfront sanctuaries to treetop villas and transformative healing sessions led by resident experts. The campaign presents JOALI BEING as more than a destination; it is a journey towards well-being, creativity, and self-transformation.
Each guest journey at JOALI BEING is founded on the resort’s Four Pillars of Well-Being — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Through tailored programmes, guests can embark on integrative wellness experiences encompassing sound therapy, movement and fitness, hydrotherapy, nutritional guidance, and energy-healing sessions curated by specialists.
The island features a series of advanced well-being spaces, including:
- CORE: a movement and fitness zone
- AREKA: a transformative treatment centre
- KAASHI: a hydrotherapy hall
- SEDA: a sound-healing room
- Ocean Sala: an open-air meditation and relaxation deck
Each space is designed to nurture a profound connection with nature and the self.
The Joyful Journeys of Well-Living campaign has been conceptualised and produced by JOALI BEING’s in-house team in collaboration with creative partners and visual storytellers from across the globe. The multi-platform campaign integrates film, digital, and print media to convey JOALI BEING’s ethos — a celebration of joy, transformation, and harmony.
The visual narrative draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Maldives, reflecting JOALI BEING’s immersive design philosophy. The imagery captures the rhythm of the ocean, the play of light, and the flow of energy that define the spirit of the island.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026
Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.
Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.
Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.
Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.
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