Lifestyle
SO/ Maldives redefines luxury island living with avant-garde design, culinary delights, and unparalleled wellness experiences
SO/, the esteemed collection of fashion-forward hotels is reshaping the luxury island experience with the debut of its latest venture, SO/ Maldives. Situated in the heart of the Maldives, this vibrant private-island destination is a fusion of fashion, art, and design.
Guests embarking on a swift, 15-minute speedboat journey from Malé Velana International Airport are transported to SO/ Maldives’ opulent 15-acre haven. Nestled along the turquoise waters of Emboodhoo Lagoon, the resort boasts overwater and beachfront villas, unique dining experiences, and a wellness camp. The arrival is nothing short of spectacular, with guests welcomed at the beautiful Arrival Pavilion, setting the stage for a red carpet-worthy experience.
Runway-Worthy Villas
SO/ Maldives showcases a curated collection of 80 beachfront and overwater villas, each a testament to modern luxury and avant-garde design. Ranging from one to three bedrooms and spanning eight categories, these villas embrace open-plan living, complete with private pools and decks for savoring ocean views. The accommodation options include the 120 sqm. Lagoon Water Pool Villa Collection, the expansive 410 sqm. Three-Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier, and the innovative 238 sqm. Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule, featuring adjoining “sleep pods” for younger travelers. Every villa envelops guests in sartorial luxury, offering Maison CODAGE toiletries, sustainably-sourced vegan ingredients, plush robes, slippers, and personalized concierge service.

Feasts for the Senses
SO/ Maldives elevates the culinary experience with innovative and diverse restaurant and bar offerings. The Citronelle Club, an all-day dining destination, weaves flavors into a menu of Pan-Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, Lazuli Beach Club, a French Riviera-inspired day-to-night beach bar, offers creative and healthy Mediterranean fare alongside vibrant cocktails and tunes spun by visiting DJs. Hadaba, situated in the Arrival Pavilion, transports guests to Arabian nights with Levantine slow-cooked dishes and smoked delicacies. Private in-villa dining and off-resort culinary experiences are also available.
A World of Wellness
The resort’s Wellness Camp, blending East-meets-West concepts, provides unlimited access to fitness and relaxation in an unparalleled setting. The spa menu, curated alongside Salon C. Stellar, features renowned brands like Maison CODAGE, Comfort Zone, and Odacité. Treatments, including “The Best Facial” and the personalized “Astro Facial,” offer cutting-edge relaxation with carefully selected ingredients. State-of-the-art facilities include steam and sauna rooms, a Vichy Rainforest Shower, and a revitalizing vitality pool. Complimentary classes such as yoga, meditation, sound healing, and personalized training sessions round out the wellness offerings.

Water Adventures & Excursions
SO/ Maldives presents a plethora of water-based adventures, both paid and complimentary, including kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, jet ski, and stand-up paddleboarding. Diving enthusiasts can explore curated dives, turtle expeditions, and traditional Maldivian fishing excursions. Lessons and rentals for windsurfing, kitesurfing, catamaran courses, surfing, and more are available. Private boats and yachts can be chartered for exclusive exploration.
Friends, Families Welcome
Younger guests have dedicated spaces at The Zone (Teen’s Club for ages 12-16) and The Nest (Kids Club for ages 4-11), equipped with toys, games, and activities. Family-forward programming includes beach volleyball, bocce ball, soccer, and watersports. Babysitting services are available for children under 4 years of age.
Island Takeover
From dawn to dusk, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for glamorous events. Oceanfront venues, including the Arrival Pavilion, Lazuli Beach Club, and Hadaba, along with two- and three-bedroom villas, offer a picturesque backdrop for various occasions. Island privatization is also a possibility.
Opening Offers
Guests can immerse themselves in the allure of SO/ Maldives with The Castaway Escape opening offer, featuring room rates starting from $750+ per night. For those seeking an exceptionally sweet deal, Dis-loyalty, Ennismore’s innovative travel and food membership, presents a remarkable 50% discount on all accommodations at SO/ Maldives. This exclusive offer is available for bookings made via the Dis-loyalty website on stays through April 30, 2024.
Culture
Family adventures and romantic escapes await this Eid at Kandooma Maldives
When the world feels noisy and the pace of everyday life unrelenting, there is something quietly powerful about stepping onto a stretch of powder-white sand and letting the Indian Ocean do its work. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, nestled in the South Malé Atoll just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, is inviting families and couples to do exactly that this Eid.
Whether you are travelling with children in tow or looking for uninterrupted time with the person you love, Kandooma has shaped experiences around both, without compromise.
Kandooma is an island that understands what you need right now explains Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Short breaks and getaways are even more essential now. Being able to reconnect to yourself and with those you love matters deeply. Our private island paradise offers the backdrop for that kind of reset,” she said.
“People are looking for real value, especially given the cost-of-living pressures so many are facing globally. Kandooma sits in that sweet spot of mid-market pricing with a delivery that genuinely exceeds expectations. You get the turquoise ocean, the white sandy beaches, the tropical warmth and the kind of friendly Maldivian hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.”
Exclusive Packages, Only When You Book Direct
Booking directly from the resort unlocks packages unavailable elsewhere, including two standout Eid offers:
- Family Getaway (minimum 4 nights): Accommodation, WiFi, daily breakfast and dinner are all included. Children under 13 receive a special Kandoo Kids’ Club welcome gift, and on one day the whole family gets to make their own pizza lunch together, one of those small, sticky-fingered memories that lasts for years. On one evening, while the kids enjoy Movie Night at the Kids Club, parents slip away for a romantic beach dinner (set-up) just for two. The package also qualifies for IHG’s Kids Eat and Stay Free offer (children under 13) and Kandooma’s celebrated Dive Free Programme, which gives two certified divers two complimentary dives per day, with all equipment included. Terms and conditions apply.
- Island Romance (3 nights): Three nights built around the two of you. Accommodation, daily buffet breakfast and dinner for two, and in-villa welcome touches set the tone. During your stay, you will enjoy one breakfast in bed, a romantic beach picnic lunch and a beach dinner under the stars. Certified scuba divers also qualify for the Dive Free Programme, with up to two complimentary dives per certified diver per day, including all gear and air/Nitrox. Terms and conditions apply.
Kandooma’s reputation has been built over years of consistent delivery. The resort’s Kandooma Right surf break is one of the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated waves, drawing surfers from around the world. Its surrounding dive sites are considered among the finest in the Maldives, earning recognition from the diving community year after year.
The Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a globally respected wellness brand, brings considered, holistic treatments to an already serene island setting. Six dining venues offer everything from relaxed beachside plates to candlelit dinners, drawing on international flavours and the freshest ingredients.
Accommodation choices span Garden, Beach and Overwater Villas through to expansive two-storey Beach Houses, suiting everyone from honeymooners wanting seclusion to families who simply need more space to breathe. Families appreciate the Family Beach Houses, the stunning 2-bedroom Overwater Villa with its spectacular sea view and the 3-bedroom Beach Pool Villa.
The full range of Eid Al-Adha Special Offers is available from the resort’s website.
Entertainment
DJ Lara Fraser and Giorgio Chiarello headline music and mixology week at Niva Dhigali Maldives
This October, Niva Dhigali Maldives invites guests to embrace the island’s natural rhythm as internationally renowned DJ, producer and radio host DJ Lara Fraser joins Italy’s most awarded flair bartender Giorgio Chiarello for an exclusive week of music, mixology and island celebration. From 25th to 31st October 2026, the duo will bring their signature artistry to the heart of the island with sunset DJ sessions at Haali Bar, curated cocktail experiences, and a vibrant Halloween party at East Bar.
Perched on the western edge of the island, Haali Bar is one of Niva Dhigali’s most iconic spaces – a place where the sky melts into shades of gold and coral, naturally shaped by the sea. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon each evening, guests will be immersed in Lara’s signature open-format sound, blending dance, house and hip hop into sunset sets designed to flow with the energy of the ocean and the golden light of dusk, while Giorgio crafts a curated selection of signature cocktails with his celebrated flair.
Known for performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages – including the Red Bull Stage, McLaren’s Trafalgar Square takeover, the Monaco and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wembley Arena, Royal Ascot, the Cannes Film Festival and global Fashion Weeks – Lara brings an internationally celebrated energy to the island, creating unforgettable moments as day drifts into night.
Complementing the week’s soundtrack, Italy’s most awarded flair bartender Giorgio Chiarello returns to Niva Dhigali with his signature artistry and cocktail mastery. Globally celebrated for his flair performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a curated selection of signature cocktails at Haali Bar, where guests can watch his dynamic showmanship unfold against the backdrop of uninterrupted sunset views.
At Niva Dhigali, every moment moves with ease – from tranquil mornings by the lagoon to golden sunsets at Haali and lively nights at East Bar – creating memories shaped by nature, music, flavour and the freedom of island life.
Culture
Sheraton Maldives to celebrate Eid with Maldivian culture and island experiences
Set on a lush private island just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate Eid al-Adha with sun-soaked festivities, meaningful traditions, and joyful moments shared by the sea. Blending Maldivian culture with relaxed island luxury, the resort becomes a vibrant playground of music, flavours, family experiences, and festive island spirit.
From the first light of morning to lively celebrations beneath the stars, each moment unfolds with warmth and ease. Guests are welcomed to begin the day with a peaceful Eid Prayer Gathering, followed by a lavish Eid Buffet Breakfast at Feast, where fresh pastries, comforting favorites, tropical fruits, and rich aromas fill the air as families and friends gather over long, leisurely conversations.
Throughout the day, little ones can step into a world of colour and creativity at the Kids’ Adventure Camp in Jalsaa, where face painting, piñatas, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, and playful Eid games keep the excitement going from one activity to the next. Meanwhile, those seeking a slower pace can retreat into pure relaxation with indulgent wellness experiences at Shine Spa for Sheraton, where soothing treatments and tranquil island surroundings invite moments of calm and reconnection.
As the afternoon drifts into golden hour, Kakuni Beach comes alive with festive energy. Live DJ sessions set the mood by the ocean, guests adorn their hands with elegant henna artistry, and families come together for the Maldivian Traditions Games Challenge, where laughter,
friendly competition, and local heritage create moments that feel both playful and memorable.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration is the Eid Bodu Mas & Maali Parade. Inspired by Maldivian folklore and island traditions, the vibrant procession fills the island pathways with rhythmic drumming, colourful performances, traditional Maali characters, and the iconic giant Bodu Mas fish, creating a spectacular celebration that captures the joyful spirit of Eid.
As evening settles over the island, the celebrations continue with the Flavors of Eid Dinner Buffet. Set beneath a canopy of stars in a relaxed beachside setting, guests are invited to indulge in a generous spread of local specialties, international favorites, and freshly prepared live grilling stations, where smoky aromas and ocean breezes come together in a warm and festive atmosphere.
The night then builds into the lively Rhythms of Eid Boduberu Night at Anchorage, where traditional Maldivian drumming, island beats, and energetic performances invite guests to gather, celebrate, and dance barefoot by the sea.
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Eid al-Adha becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a joyful island story filled with culture, connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared together in paradise.
For more information or reservations, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.
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