News
SO/ Maldives to open November 2023
This November will mark the opening of SO/ Maldives, a sartorially-rooted retreat set on a pristine private island and surrounded by the Emboodhoo Lagoon.
Located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport, the hotel 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 will bring together the best of music, fashion, design and art. Throw in an oh-so-chic spa and you have the ultimate exotic-island experience that will never go out of style.
The design of SO/ Maldives is bold and structural, drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and theatricality of contemporary couture. Upon arrival, guests are met by a spectacular, 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, the 80 over-water and beachfront villas are a lesson in inclusive luxury, perfectly suited to everyone from young families and couples to groups of friends seeking sartorial experiences in this covetable pocket of seclusion. Set across eight categories, the collection ranges from the 120 sqm Lagoon Water Pool Villa Collection to the spectacular 330 sqm Three-Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier, while the 238 sqm Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule come complete with fun adjoining sleep pods for younger guests. Private pools come as standard, as does an invaluable personalised concierge service courtesy of the hotel’s guest experience hosts.
A complete antithesis of the staid all-day dining buffet, the hotel offers three distinct dining options, each with its own unique food-driven concept. The Citronelle Club is inspired by the flavours of Asia, serving up spice-filled dishes family style, while the menu at destination restaurant Hadaba will feature slow-cooked dishes and smoked delicacies, using both local produce and the finest Levantine ingredients and spices. Guests looking for a more laid-back vibe can head to Lazuli, a hybrid beach bar and lounge oozing Cote D’Azur charm and elegance, which will play host to DJs and live music programming as the nights draw in.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the Wellness Camp features specialist treatment rooms alongside hammam, steam rooms and a full-fitted gym, while those looking for a more organic workout can head to the watersports centre located on the beach. For families, The Nest kids club is fully equipped with toys, games, and activities, while teens have their own dedicated space, The Zone, complete with games room and outdoor deck.
For more information and/or bookings, visit www.so-maldives.com or contact the reservations team via SO.Maldives.Reservations@so-hotels.com.
News
NH Maldives Kuda Rah celebrates World Ocean Day through hands-on marine conservation
In celebration of World Ocean Day on June 8th, NH Maldives Kuda Rah hosted a series of impactful environmental activities to protect and restore the surrounding marine ecosystems. The initiatives brought together guests, team members, and expert partners to actively preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings.
The day began with a collaborative Lagoon Cleaning Activity. Guests and resort teamed up with the resort’s dive centre, Dive & Sail Maldives to carefully clear the surrounding waters of debris. This joint effort ensures that the local house reef and lagoon remain a pristine and thriving habitat for marine life.

Following the clean-up, participants gathered at the Watersports beach for an interactive Coral Planting event. Earlier that morning, the marine team safely collected viable coral fragments from a nearby reef. During the event, guests had the unique opportunity to attach these rescued corals to metal pyramid frames. Once completed, the coral frames were submerged and placed into the resort’s expanding coral regeneration garden, creating a living legacy that will help to sustain a vibrant local ecosystem and enhance the liveliness of our house reef.

“We want to extend a huge thank you to Dive and Sail Maldives, our passionate staff , and the wonderful guests who participated in these events,” says the resort management. “Together, we are making a meaningful difference in preserving the underwater paradise of the Maldives for future generations.”
Through the “Live Local” initiative with Minor DISCOVERY, NH Hotels & Resorts brings authentic local experiences to every stay.
News
Four Seasons Maldives brings sporting legends and explorers together for summer programme
This summer, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives introduces an extraordinary new chapter in family travel: Learn with Legends. Running from July 20 to August 31, 2026, this next-generation summer camp brings together families and world-class mentors in a complimentary program of workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures.
At the heart of the experience is a growing line-up of celebrated figures from sport, adventure and environmental science, each bringing their expertise, stories and energy to the islands.
The program unfolds across the distinct yet complementary islands of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Here, expert coaching across football, surfing, mixed martial arts and conservation blends with immersive island living, offering a balance of activity, discovery and relaxed evening gatherings.
Designed to nurture confidence, curiosity and a sense of global connection, the summer camp creates an environment where learning feels natural and joyfully unforced; passions are sparked, perspectives broadened, and memories created to last far beyond the summer.
Where Legends Lead
The first wave of confirmed mentors includes former German captain Arne Friedrich, former England captain Casey Stoney, England centurion Jill Scott and championship-winning English midfielder Steve Sidwell, who will lead football sessions at Landaa Giraavaru. At Kuda Huraa, former elite professional surfer and world-class coach Ross Williams will be joined by South African former Championship Tour surfer Travis Logie, bringing technical insight and ocean energy to the waves.
Across martial arts and movement, Angela Lee Pucci, former six-time world champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, joins at Landaa Giraavaru alongside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and coach Bruno Pucci. Leo Vieira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer and multiple-time world champion, leads sessions at Kuda Huraa, while Indian Shaolin monk and Kung Fu master Hurssh Verma and national Kungfu champion Guo Jing bring discipline, philosophy and movement to both islands.
Award-winning filmmaker and ocean storyteller Craig Foster, best known for My Octopus Teacher, and world-record explorer Ash Dykes will join both resorts, sharing rare perspectives on the natural world through storytelling and field-based exploration. At Landaa Giraavaru, oceanographer Dr Phil Hosegood will bring added scientific depth through marine research and ocean-focused discovery.
With just a few more legends due to be announced, stay tuned for further updates or visit the website for more information.

Two Islands, Infinite Possibilities
The program comprises a complimentary schedule of workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures, with select experiences offered in limited numbers and subject to availability. Young guests can gain pro-level insights from an ex-England football captain, ride waves with an elite former Championship Tour surfer, master techniques with a multiple-time Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and join field trips with an award-winning ocean storyteller.
For those seeking a more tailored experience, private one-to-one coaching sessions are also available, subject to availability and additional charge.
Inspiration at the Highest Level
“Learn with Legends offers a fresh perspective in luxury family travel, where world-class talent, meaningful experiences and exceptional surroundings come together to create something truly transformative,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. “What makes this program so powerful is the human connection: guests aren’t simply learning skills and participating in activities. They are engaging with some of the world’s leading figures in their fields and accessing high-level inspiration that will resonate well beyond their stay.”
Stay Longer Offer
Families can make the most of the summer with the Stay Longer offer at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru. Guests receive a complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights, daily breakfast for two, one dinner for two at a choice of restaurants, and a shared island adventure, choosing between a Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Fishing. For stays during the Maldives Summer Camp, the offer adds even more reason to linger, with access to a complimentary daily program of coaching sessions, workshops and guided activities led by global figures across sport, movement and conservation, subject to availability.
For more information, please visit the official website.
News
Riteish Deshmukh and family discover the best of island life at Centara Maldives
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh and his family recently swapped the rush of city life for sun drenched days and turquoise waters in the Maldives, enjoying a vibrant escape across Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the two resorts offered a contrasting yet perfectly balanced experience. One delivered refined island luxury and calm elegance, while the other brought vibrant energy, family fun and an imaginative underwater inspired setting. Together, they created a seamless journey of relaxation and adventure.

From thrilling marine encounters to relaxed island moments, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, their children and family immersed themselves in it all. Their days were filled with snorkelling across vibrant reefs, glass kayaking over crystal clear waters, seabob rides, jet ski adventures, and semi submarine explorations. Evenings brought a different rhythm with cinema under the stars, hands on Thai cooking experiences, and scuba diving moments that added to the sense of discovery.

The culinary experiences added another layer to the journey, with floating breakfasts, teppanyaki dining and a variety of flavours across Thai, Mediterranean, Italian and international cuisines, turning every meal into a memorable part of the stay.

Sharing his experience, Riteish Deshmukh said, “The Maldives gave us the most incredible family experience and Centara made it even better. This was a break we had been planning for a while and it turned into something truly special. The kids were constantly engaged with all the activities and there was never a dull moment in the best way possible. It had everything from fun and adventure to relaxation and quality family time. We cannot wait to return to Centara Grand Lagoon and Centara Mirage Lagoon soon.”

A celebration of laughter, discovery and togetherness, the Deshmukh family’s Maldivian escape reflects a simple truth that the best journeys are the ones that become lasting memories.
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