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SO/ Maldives redefines luxury island living with avant-garde design, culinary delights, and unparalleled wellness experiences

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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.

Celebration

Family fun and Maldivian traditions await this Eid at Summer Island Maldives

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This Eid al-Adha, Summer Island Maldives extends an exclusive ‘Eid Bliss’ offer to Maldivians and work permit holders, inviting them to unwind and celebrate. Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé, this tropical island provides a barefoot escape ideal for those seeking simplicity and comfort.

Available for stays between 5th and 15th June 2025, the limited-time Eid offer includes full board accommodation starting at just USD 250 per night for two adults (minimum two-night stay), inclusive of all taxes and service charges.

For guests planning a longer stay, the rate is reduced to USD 225 per night for stays of four nights or more. Those looking for a shorter retreat can book one-night stays at USD 290. Families can especially benefit from this offer, as one child under 12 stays free, making it the perfect Eid retreat for relaxation, reconnection, and the creation of lasting memories.

Guests booking the Eid offer will enjoy:

  • Full board meals at Samuga Restaurant
  • Evening tea at Nevi Bar
  • Complimentary return speedboat transfers
  • 30% off spa treatments and water sports
  • 20% off excursions and beach dinners
  • 15% off à la carte dining, in-villa dining, and bar snacks

On Eid Day – Friday, 6th June 2025 – the island will come alive with colourful Maldivian traditions. Guests can look forward to the spirited rhythms of Bodu Beru, the dramatic folklore of Bodu Mas & Koadi, and the lively procession of Dhafi Negun, all complemented by Summer Island’s signature warm and welcoming touch.

“Eid celebrations are a big deal at Summer Island Maldives and are especially popular among our local guests,” said Mohamed Thaufeeq, Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives. “This year, we are once again preparing to mark the occasion with traditional cultural activities and our signature Summer Island spirit. Whether planning a family retreat or a peaceful escape to recharge and reconnect with a loved one, this is the perfect time to experience the island’s joyful Eid atmosphere.”

Rooted in genuine Maldivian hospitality, Summer Island Maldives welcomes all to celebrate the spirit of Eid in a setting where simplicity, nature, and heartfelt service come together.

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Culture

Maldives unveiled: Khalid Al Ameri’s off-resort exploration

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The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), known as Visit Maldives, recently collaborated with popular Emirati content creator and digital storyteller Khalid Al Ameri for an exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trip held from March 22 to 26, 2025. The result: a heartfelt and engaging YouTube video that has already begun resonating with viewers across the globe.

Known for his authentic storytelling and ability to connect deeply with different cultures, Khalid’s visit captured the Maldives from a refreshingly local perspective—beyond the five-star resorts and crystal-clear lagoons that dominate travel brochures. The trip offered a deep dive into the culture, history, food, and way of life of the Maldivian people.

A Journey into the Heart of the Maldives

The video begins with Khalid journeying to Paree Fengandu—the mysterious “Fairy Pond.” With a sense of humor and wonder, Khalid narrates legends surrounding the lake’s reddish waters, rumored to be a gateway to the spiritual world. As he climbs into a canoe for the first time, Khalid embodies the spirit of exploration that threads through the entire video.

From there, viewers are taken to a traditional Maldivian home—“Relax Home”—for a dinner hosted by a local family. Khalid learns to prepare baiy mas, a traditional fish ball curry, alongside warm and welcoming hosts. His attempt at flaking fish may have been clumsy, but the scene was full of joy, laughter, and appreciation for Maldivian home cooking. A tasting session of local delicacies, including riha folhi (crepes) and mas huni, added a layer of culinary discovery to the experience.

Tracing History Through Mosques and Markets

Day two brought a deeper exploration of the country’s religious and architectural heritage. Khalid visits the historic Jumma Mosque, a 332-year-old structure known for its coral-stone architecture and wooden panels inscribed with Qur’anic verses. He reflects on the historical and cultural significance of the site, describing it as “hundreds of years of lessons” preserved through careful conservation.

He later visits the King Salman Mosque, the largest mosque in Malé, which was officially opened in 2024 and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Khalid admires the blend of modern design with island culture, noting the mosque’s woodwork and glass detailing. The segment subtly highlights the Maldives’ connections to the broader Islamic world while grounding them in local identity.

In between mosque visits, Khalid explores the vibrant local market in Malé. With his signature charm, he engages in friendly haggling with vendors—unsuccessfully, but humorously—while taking in the colours and sounds of everyday Maldivian life.

A Cultural Celebration and a Lesson in Patience

In a lighthearted moment, Khalid joins a group of performers from Rhythm Boduberu, a traditional Maldivian drumming troupe, in a high-energy beach performance. The scene is filled with laughter, clapping, and dancing—an authentic portrayal of Maldivian cultural expression.

The journey concludes with a fishing trip off the coast of Malé, where Khalid reflects on life’s simple lessons after a mostly fishless outing. “Sometimes we have to lose to win,” he remarks, as the group eventually enjoys a seafood buffet prepared by local chefs.

More Than Just a Vacation

The final moments of the video capture the essence of Khalid’s experience. “Not the Maldives that everyone shows on Instagram. The Maldives that the people live every day,” he says, offering a powerful reminder that behind every postcard-perfect beach lies a community, a culture, and a story worth telling.

This collaboration between Visit Maldives and Khalid Al Ameri marks a significant step in diversifying the global perception of the Maldives. By spotlighting its heritage, traditions, and people, the video invites travellers to look beyond the water villas and instead connect with the soul of the islands.

The full video is now available on Khalid Al Ameri’s YouTube channel, providing a heartfelt window into an unseen side of the Maldives.

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Lifestyle

Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives

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Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.

In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.

Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”

Rosamund Pike is no stranger to immersive roles and demanding projects. Known for her powerful performances in films like Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl, and the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, her career has spanned decades and earned critical acclaim. With such a busy professional life, it’s no wonder she finds solace and renewal at Patina Maldives.

Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.

For Rosamund Pike, Patina Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a refuge. Her third visit to the resort speaks volumes of its allure, where moments of stillness are as treasured as moments of adventure. As she puts it, it’s “a heaven on your own terms.”

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.

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