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S Hotels & Resorts opens SO/ Maldives, its third iconic resort at CROSSROADS Maldives

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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.

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COLOURS OF OBLU reveals festive experiences for families and couples across four resorts

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This festive season, COLOURS OF OBLU invites travellers to trade the winter chill for turquoise waters, sun-drenched beaches and a season of joyful island experiences across the brand.

From the natural reef setting of OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and the chic charm of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, to the adults-focused island escape of OBLU SELECT Lobigili and the vibrant energy of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, each resort presents its own take on the festive season, bringing together celebration, discovery and the easy-going spirit of island life.

Festive programmes at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili will run from 22 December 2026 to 9 January 2027, while OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU SELECT Sangeli will host their celebrations from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

This year, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, Reef of Wonder draws inspiration from the island’s vibrant marine life. Festivities include a reef-themed parade for younger guests, an Indian Ocean-inspired Christmas dinner and an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, bringing the spirit of the surrounding waters into the holiday programme. Guests can also discover the island’s renowned house reef, adding an extra dimension of marine adventure to their festive escape.

At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, A Fisherman’s Tale pays tribute to the Maldives’ fishing heritage and the traditions of community and shared abundance. Christmas brings carol singing, island entertainment and an Indian Ocean-themed feast, while New Year’s Eve features a themed dinner, celebrations on the beach and fireworks. The resort offers a distinctive backdrop for festive moments, with opportunities to enjoy both lively gatherings and the tranquillity of island life.

Designed exclusively for adults, OBLU SELECT Lobigili presents A Festive Season, Made for Two, with a focus on romance and meaningful moments together. Christmas Eve sets the tone for intimate celebrations, while New Year’s Eve takes on the glamour of the Great Gatsby era, with live performances and a celebratory countdown. Couples can also enjoy private beach dinners, spa experiences and underwater dining throughout their stay.

Meanwhile, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi embraces A Golden Festive Season, bringing a touch of golden glamour to its vibrant setting. Blending festive sparkle with lively entertainment and shared family moments, the programme begins with Santa’s arrival on Sunset Beach and a special Christmas lunch. The celebrations build towards a lively New Year’s Eve, with a cocktail gathering, gala dinner, live entertainment and a spectacular fire show, culminating in fireworks at midnight. The season captures Ailafushi’s playful spirit and promises memorable moments for all ages.

Across COLOURS OF OBLU, the festive season is an invitation to experience the Maldives beyond the traditional postcard setting – through authentic island moments, ocean adventures, shared meals and celebrations created around the joy of being together.

Whether guests are travelling as a family, with friends or as a couple, each resort offers a different way to experience the festive season while staying true to the relaxed, colourful character of COLOURS OF OBLU.

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Award-winning Pastry Chef Elena Nabiullina brings contemporary pâtisserie to The Nautilus Maldives

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The Nautilus Maldives welcomes award-winning pastry chef and CREAMO founder Elena Nabiullina from 7 to 12 November 2026 as part of its Masters for Masters series. Her residency will bring contemporary pâtisserie to the island through a guest dessert masterclass and a special creation offered to all guests staying during the week.

At The Nautilus, culinary experiences begin with individual tastes and curiosity. Within this spirit of unscripted dining, Elena invites guests to explore the imagination, precision and care that transform familiar ingredients into memorable desserts.

Her journey began in her mother’s kitchen, making nut-shaped biscuits filled with condensed milk and delicate pastries. Although she initially pursued a career in industrial and civil construction, an encounter with French chef David Emmerle inspired her to turn a lifelong fascination with confectionery into a profession. Elena studied at the Ragout School and interned at Akrame in Paris, further refining her craft through training with Cédric Grolet, Garuharu, Ramon Morato, Jordi Bordas and Karim Bourgi. Her specialist education includes Valrhona’s private school in Dubai, Carpigiani Gelato University and the Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie in Rouen, France.

Named Pastry Chef of the Year in 2024 by WHERETOEAT, she has contributed to more than 14 restaurant openings. She also served as pastry chef at Café Garage at the Garage Museum and founded CREAMO, her artisanal gelato brand. Her work combines contemporary technique, unexpected flavours and a thoughtful balance of textures and presentation.

On 8 November, Elena will lead a dessert masterclass for guests, sharing the techniques and creative inspiration behind her signature CREAMO cookies. Easy to recreate at home, these treats will allow guests to bring a taste of the experience into their own kitchens. Throughout the residency, all guests staying at The Nautilus will also receive her signature Bublik, an elegantly crafted, ring-shaped dessert, presented with a specially designed card sharing the story behind Elena’s creation. The Masters for Masters series brings accomplished creators to The Nautilus to share the passions that define their work. Elena’s residency offers a personal encounter with the chef behind the craft, with time to learn, exchange ideas and savour her artistry in the intimacy of a private island home.

To learn more about Chef Elena Nabiullina Residency at The Nautilus Maldives, visit here.

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Cora Cora Maldives brings ocean magic to Christmas and New Year celebrations

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This festive season, the lost kingdom of Atlantis rises from beneath the waves as Cora Cora Maldives transforms into The Enchanted Tide: A Festive Journey to Ocean Magic. From 19 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the five-star freedom paradise in Raa Atoll invites guests to step into a joyful Christmas and New Year celebration shaped by ocean magic and island freedom.

Beneath the glow of the Coral Tree, the island comes alive from day to night with pool parties, beachside feasts, live entertainment and celebrations that keep the festive energy flowing from sunset to midnight. Follow the tide through an eventful festive calendar designed to surprise, delight and bring everyone together. Dance beneath the stars, celebrate by the lagoon and soak up the joy of island life as The Enchanted Tide brings the festive season to life from the very first splash.

Atlantis Rises for Christmas and New Year

The journey begins with The First Spark of Atlantis, a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony that opens the season with island warmth and the first glow of the Coral Tree. It sets the mood for a festive escape where every day brings a new reason to celebrate the freedom of the island. Christmas Eve becomes a grand ocean-inspired celebration with the ‘Pearl Palace Christmas Eve Banquet’. Step into an evening of festive flavors, live music, and elegant island magic as Atlantis rises beneath the glow of The Enchanted Tide. On Christmas Day, Santa’s Magical Arrival brings joy to guests big and small.

As the year comes to a close, raise a glass at The Sapphire Sundown before the night unfolds into the ‘Great Atlantis Countdown’. Welcome 2027 with festive dining, live entertainment, dancing by the sea, and fireworks lighting up the Maldivian sky. When midnight has passed, the Sunken Kingdom After Party keeps the celebration alive until the first morning of the New Year.

Mermaids of the Bikini Bottom at Cora Kids® Club

Little explorers can dive into Mermaids of the Bikini Bottom at CoRa kids® Club, a playful festive adventure inspired by underwater creativity and the colorful world of SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends. Each day brings a new reason to play, create, and discover. Kids can make ocean crafts, decorate festive treats, and create their own souvenirs before heading out for beach games, treasure quests, and themed island adventures made for holiday fun. The programme is made for curious little guests who are ready for a challenge at Bubble Olympics, setting off on a Mermaid Treasure Quest, taking part in Kids Night Camping & Bonfire and Patrick’s Scavenger Hunt, enjoying a Mermaid Makeover, and settling in for Kids Movie Nights. It is a festive celebration made just for children, with plenty of magic for grown-ups to enjoy too.

A Festive Journey of Serenity at Moksha®

Between the celebrations, MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Centre invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. This year’s festive wellness programme brings together alternative therapies, daily wellbeing activities, and hands-on workshops designed to help you welcome the New Year feeling restored. Each experience offers a peaceful pause between the island celebrations. For a deeper relaxation, the ‘Re-Set Space’ takes you through a three-day journey of release, restore, and regain. It is your moment to pause, return to yourself, and step into the year ahead with renewed energy. This festive season, learn simple ways to bring relaxation, connection, and well-being home with you.

Island Days in Motion

You will never run out of things to do this festive season. The Recreational Activity Programme keeps the island alive with playful challenges, beach fun, poolside energy, and moments that bring everyone together. Start your day with Reef Rhythm Aqua Zumba or jump into Water Polo Splash. Gather your friends for beach football, beach volleyball, table tennis, or beer pong. As the evening settles in, take the mic at Coral Kingdom Karaoke and let the island mood carry you into the night. Every day gives you a new way to play, laugh, and feel the freedom of Cora Cora Maldives.

Dive into the Magic of the Enchanted Tide

Dive beneath the surface of the ordinary and follow the glow of Atlantis to Cora Cora Maldives. Let the music move you, the ocean calm you, and the island bring everyone together in true festive freedom. This season, The Enchanted Tide transforms Cora Cora Maldives into a world of ocean magic, joyful connection, and unforgettable memories that will shimmer long after the tide has turned.

Discover the full festive programme and start planning your escape at Cora Cora Maldives website. For more information and bookings, visit www.coracoraresorts.com.

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