News
S Hotels & Resorts opens SO/ Maldives, its third iconic resort at CROSSROADS Maldives
S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has announced the opening of SO/ Maldives, which becomes the third iconic resort at CROSSROADS Maldives, on November 1.
This luxury lifestyle resort complements the two popular five-star retreats and world-class facilities at the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-brand, fully integrated leisure destination, ushering in an exciting new era of hospitality to the Maldives.
SO/ Maldives is a USD 60 million joint venture project developed in partnership with Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), the leading business and real estate conglomerate. The resort is operated by Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart.
SO/ Maldives joins two existing resorts at CROSSROADS Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
Nestled in the Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, this diverse trio of retreats is seamlessly connected to a wealth of world-class facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk lined with restaurants, bars, retail boutiques, wellness centres, water sports, diving and snorkelling, kids’ clubs, and a 30-berth yacht marina, plus the Maldives Discovery Centre cultural hub and Marine Discovery Centre, which is dedicated to underwater conservation and education.
With three iconic branded resorts all connected with world-class facilities, this fully integrated luxury destination is truly unique in the Maldives, and the broader Indian Ocean region. CROSSROADS Maldives has already won multiple major awards and has achieved Green Globe Certification.
The development’s focus on environmental preservation and sustainability is also reflected at SO/ Maldives, where the roofs of the over-water villas and restaurants are topped with solar panels, allowing the resort to generate its own green energy. Recycled water, electric vehicles, eco-friendly bathroom amenities, and locally-sourced products are used throughout the property, and the resort has eliminated all single-use plastics.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of our third world-class lifestyle resort at CROSSROADS Maldives. With its focus on art, design and fashion, SO/ Maldives will perfectly complement our two internationally branded resorts and extensive facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS and enable us to attract a new generation of global explorers. We would like to thank our esteemed partners for their vision and skill in creating this stunning resort,” Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts, said.
“It is a wonderful moment to see this beautiful project come to life. SO/ Maldives is a trend-setting luxury resort that will attract a new generation of lifestyle-conscious guests, enhancing the Maldives’ tourism sector. We are delighted to collaborate with our esteemed partners at S Hotels & Resorts to create a lasting legacy for the entire country,” Zaw Win Maung, Managing Director, WEWD, commented.
“SO/ Hotels are located in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and we are thrilled to put down roots on this paradisiacal private island in the Maldives. In keeping with the SO/ DNA, we’re eager to welcome global travellers looking for a different island experience where art and fashion meet luxury hospitality,” Jesper Sorensen, General Manager, SO/ Maldives, said.
Part of the ultra-fashionable SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand, which is making its debut the Maldives, SO/ Maldives is set to become one of the world’s most sought-after places to stay, play and party. With opening rates starting from USD 950+++ per night, this opening is expected to drive more revenue to CROSSROADS Maldives during the upcoming high season.
Nestled on a pristine private island, surrounded by the turquoise Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives is a sartorially-rooted retreat “Where Castaway Meets Runway.” Discerning travellers are welcomed into a glistening glass pavilion with 360-degree views and will be invited to take a walk across the Runway, a conceptualised open-to-sky catwalk which immerses every visitor in their own fashion show. A collection of beachfront and over-water pool villas, ranging from 120 to 330 square metres, are crafted by renowned designers and envelop guests in style and sophistication. The Dream Family Beach Villas feature private capsules for kids and the stunning two-level, three-bedroom Ocean Water Pool Villa Atelier sets the stage for life’s most memorable moments.
To learn more about SO/ Maldives, please visit so-maldives.com and to discover how CROSSROADS Maldives is elevating hospitality in the Indian Ocean, please visit crossroadsmaldives.com.
Culture
Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu unveil Eid holiday offers
Coco Collection, a truly Maldivian-owned resort brand celebrated for its personalised hospitality and soulful island settings, has unveiled a special Coco Eid Escape at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, valid for stays from 21 May to 31 May 2026.
Designed to celebrate Eid through authentic Maldivian warmth and tradition-inspired experiences, the exclusive offer invites guests to enjoy a memorable island getaway complemented by generous holiday perks, immersive cultural touches, and signature hospitality that resonates deeply with Coco Collection’s philosophy.
Recognised as the Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to indulge an elegant pocket of peace. Bringing families together in a peaceful island setting to celebrate the blessings of Eid al-Adha, the island offers a vibrant line-up of experiences that allows guests to embrace a slower pace while enjoying thoughtfully curated festivities.
On Eid Day, guests can enjoy a selection of international and local cuisine alongside Maldivian cultural experiences such as Liyela Jehun and intricate Henna Art. Wellness experiences include a complimentary sunset yoga session and 20% savings on selected spa treatments, available throughout the day upon advance reservation. Highlights of the evening include the captivating Bodumas show, followed by a traditional Boduberu performance beneath the night sky.
Guests can enjoy up to 50% savings on villa stays and shared return speedboat transfers, complemented by a complimentary meal plan upgrade for a memorable island escape. To further elevate the stay, guests can also enjoy an additional 20% saving on food and beverages. Families are warmly welcomed, with up to two children under 12 years of age invited to stay, dine, and enjoy complimentary return transfers when travelling with their parents.
Meanwhile, at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, guests are offered thoughtfully curated experiences alongside a special 50% saving on the Half Board meal plan, with no minimum stay required. Completed with a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive, the invitation allows guests to gently immerse themselves in the secluded, unique rhythm of the island. To complement their stay, a further 20% saving on spa treatments provides a quiet opportunity to relax and unwind in true island serenity.
To mark this blessed occasion, the island presents an exquisite selection of traditional Maldivian delicacies at the Cowrie restaurant, served during both lunch and dinner. A variety of experiences will take place throughout the day, including the Bodumas performance crafted from palm leaves and accompanied by spirited dancers, followed by traditional games and a lively colour party. The celebration concludes with Eid Sai Fodhu, a special Maldivian high tea featuring a selection of local flavours and delicacies.
Beyond relaxation, guests can engage in unique and heartfelt experiences by volunteering at the resort’s Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, the first fully equipped, veterinary-run facility of its kind in the Maldives, in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Since opening in 2017, the centre has become a sanctuary of healing and hope, caring primarily for injured olive ridley turtles.
Guests are also invited to engage with the island’s conservation efforts through weekly marine talks, educational sessions led by the Marine Educator, and the unforgettable opportunity to witness rehabilitated sea turtles being released back into the ocean.
Celebrated for its genuine Maldivian heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to long-term sustainability practices, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu was recently named Sustainability Champion of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026. This recognition further strengthens their dedication to preserving the delicate beauty of Baa Atoll for generations to come. From serene beaches and crystal-clear waters to thoughtful, eco-friendly exploration, the island invites guests to discover the ‘Seven Wonders’ of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
To discover more about Coco Collection and their award-winning offerings, please visit www.cococollection.com. Coco Collection invites to enjoy a special saving on your next island retreat, valid across their spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve an unforgettable stay, please contact reservations@cococollection.com to secure this memorable getaway.
News
Meyyafushi Maldives expands renewable energy use with solar installation
Set against the turquoise waters of the Maldives, BeKind Hospitality’s newest luxury resort, Meyyafushi Maldives, is taking a bold step toward a more sustainable future with the installation of a large-scale solar energy system across the island.
The solar initiative includes the installation of a 1-megawatt solar panel system supported by an advanced backup battery storage system, allowing Meyyafushi Maldives to significantly increase its use of renewable energy while improving long-term energy efficiency and resilience across the island.
Spanning across key operational areas, the solar installation project is designed to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and increase the use of renewable energy throughout the island. This project represents a powerful statement about the future of hospitality in the Maldives – one where innovation, sustainability and guest experience exist hand in hand.
“From the very beginning, Meyyafushi was envisioned as a resort that embraces the future while respecting the natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager at Meyyafushi Maldives. “This solar initiative is one of the most meaningful investments we have made, not only for our operations, but for the generations that will experience these islands after us.”
The solar project forms part of the wider sustainability philosophy of BeKind Hospitality, whose core pillars centre around kindness to the environment, community, guests and residents. The group’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond Meyyafushi Maldives, with sister property Fushifaru Maldives also utilising solar energy as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts across the atoll.
Alongside renewable energy investments, Meyyafushi Maldives continues to champion coral restoration projects, reduced single-use plastics, marine conservation, locally inspired experiences and conscious operational practices across the resort.
As the Maldives continues to evolve as a global luxury destination, Meyyafushi hopes the project will inspire a new generation of hospitality developments rooted in long-term environmental responsibility.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi earns nomination in Condé Nast Traveller 2026 awards
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has been nominated for the Condé Nast Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades.
The nomination comes on the back of a comprehensive evolution of the resort, from newly transformed overwater villas, enhanced dining experiences and a more personalised guest journey at every touchpoint. Guests can enjoy a 24-Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around concept designed to offer both variety and ease, delivered with signature Maldivian hospitality.
“We have been very intentional in redefining the feel of contemporary Maldivian luxury for today’s travellers. Our overwater villas, inspired by elegance and a natural ethos, truly reflect our direction as an effortless take on island living,” says Pasan Wijewardana, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.
“Across the resort, we have also put a strong focus on the overall experience, from our restaurants introducing a more lifestyle driven culinary approach, with menus curated by Michelin starred chefs and a curated selection of wines, to a spa that blends Maldivian traditions, Ayurveda and more creative wellness journeys for all ages. What matters most to us is that this feels accessible and genuine. Families can enjoy real value through our children stay and eat free offering, while guests looking for something more personalised benefit from our multilingual butler service. It is about creating a stay that feels thoughtful, high quality and seamless at the same time, which is why being recognised in this way means a lot to us.”
To cast your vote for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, please visit the Condé Nast Traveller voting site. Voting remains open until 30 June 2026.
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