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.
Awards
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO ascends to elite global ranks with Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ 2025

Famous of its unique offerings and rich ecosystem, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has paved its position among the world’s most exceptional luxury private island by securing a coveted place in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025. This prestigious recognition, awarded to only the top one percent of hospitality providers globally, serves as testament to the resort’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences that blend Maldivian charm with world-class service.
The resort’s acclaimed INDULGENCE™ Plan continues to set the standard for comprehensive luxury in the archipelago, offering guests unlimited access to premium amenities including an extensive selection of fine spirits, and gourmet dining across seven specialty restaurants. Architectural marvels such as the iconic underwater restaurant M6m, provide breath-taking settings for memorable moments, while the resort’s spacious villas offering direct beach and lagoon access and unparalleled view of the Indian Ocean.
Culinary excellence forms the cornerstone of the OZEN LIFE MAADHOO experience, with innovative dining concepts that showcase the region’s finest ingredients. The resort’s culinary team collaborates with Michelin-starred guest chefs for exclusive events, while its hydroponic garden ensures the freshest zero-mile produce features prominently across menus. Wine enthusiasts can embark on curated tasting journeys featuring rare vintages, guided by the resort’s expert sommeliers.
Wellness takes centre stage with ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, where traditional wellness programmes complement cutting-edge treatments in spectacular overwater pavilions with glass floor panels. The resort’s dedication to holistic wellbeing extends to bespoke fitness regimes designed by experts, ensuring guests can maintain their wellness routines amidst paradise.
This latest accolade builds upon an impressive collection of recent honours, including the 2024 World Travel Awards for Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort and Travel Time Awards for Best Romantic Resort in the Maldives and recognition by the resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism has been further validated by three consecutive years of Green Globe Certification, underscoring its leadership in environmentally responsible hospitality.
What truly sets OZEN LIFE MAADHOO apart is its unique combination of exceptional offerings – from being the first underwater restaurant in the South Malé Atoll and first indoor hydroponic garden in the Maldives, to its industry-leading INDULGENCE™ Plan that encompasses premium liquor labels and 250 wine selections. The resort’s marine conservation initiatives by the resident Marine Biologists, including coral propagation programmes, demonstrate its deep connection to the local ecosystem, while its 5-star PADI dive centre offers benefitted access to the region’s most spectacular underwater wonders.
As part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury hospitality, offering discerning travellers an unforgettable blend of comprehensive indulgence, sustainable innovation, and authentic Maldivian charm. With its latest recognition placing it among the world’s absolute finest resorts, the property reaffirms its position as the premier choice for those seeking the ultimate Indian Ocean escape.
News
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with cultural immersion

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with a deeply immersive two-day program that blends tradition, storytelling, and rare cultural craft. As part of the resort’s signature ‘Discover Local’ initiative, guests will experience some authentic side of the Maldives through culinary rituals, folklore, a Joali and palm leaves weaving sessions.
A Rare Tradition Shared: Joali Weaving
On Saturday, 7 June 2025, guests will take part in a Joali weaving workshop, where they’ll learn to create traditional coconut rope items using age-old island techniques. Joali weaving, typically passed down in island households and rarely demonstrated in hospitality settings, becomes a tactile way for guests to engage with living Maldivian heritage.
“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions,” said Mohamed Irshad, Front Office Manager. “Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life.”
Eid Buffet and the Maali Parade
The celebration begins on Friday, 6 June, with a special Eid buffet inspired by Maldivian culinary heritage. Guests will enjoy refined versions of festive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, a tribute to the holiday and the island’s vibrant flavors.
The following evening features the Maali Parade, a vivid, resort-led folklore procession inspired by masked figures from traditional Maldivian storytelling.
Maldivian Sandbank Picnic: A Culinary Ritual by the Sea
One of the most visually striking and sensory-rich experiences during Eid but available throughout the year, is the Sandbank Picnic. Set on a secluded sandbank, guests are welcomed with a traditional tray placed on top of tropical leaves, filled with Maldivian short eats, including:
- Gulha – Coconut and tuna fritters
- Kulhi Kaajaa – Spicy tuna bites
- Bajiya – Pastries with sweet-spicy fillings
- Rihaakuru Kaajaa – Deep, rich fish paste fritters
- Dry Fish – Smoked tuna strips
- Bodi – Coconut sweets with toddy syrup
Served with fresh coconut water, this picnic is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tasting ceremony that connects guests to the island’s culinary soul.
Year-Round Discover Local Experiences
Eid is part of a broader commitment to cultural programming at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo.
Through its Discover Local program, the resort offers guests:
- Traditional sunset fishing
- Palm leaf art
- Cultural cocktails with a local twist, crafted using indigenous ingredients and inspired by island flavors
Guests can explore a rotating menu of signature Maldivian-inspired cocktails, including:
- Maldivian Green – Gin, curry leaf-infused syrup, lemon, soda water
- Ocean Breeze – Butterfly pea flower vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Green Kooddoo – Rum, Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, coconut syrup
- Mirus Rita – Maldivian chili-infused tequila, lime juice, sugar, tobacco
- Coco Kurumba – Tamarind juice, whisky, coconut milk, passion fruit syrup
These handcrafted beverages add a new dimension to local discovery, allowing guests to taste the islands in an entirely new way.
Whether joining for Eid or visiting any time of year, guests at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo are invited to experience the Maldives not just as a destination, but as a living culture.
News
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to vibrant cultural celebration this Eid

This Eid al-Adha, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to step into a vibrant cultural celebration on your island playground. Embracing the spirit of togetherness and the rich heritage of the Maldives, the resort presents a joyful lineup of experiences that unite guests and Heartists in a colorful fusion of tradition and community.
The festivities begin with the Maali Parade, a local custom brought to life on the island. Guests are welcome to join Pullman’s team in this playful and symbolic procession, as traditional Maali characters, often masked and adorned, bring music, energy, and joy across the island. This unique event offers a rare glimpse into the authentic way Maldivians celebrate Eid, inviting everyone to be part of something truly local and unforgettable.
Following the parade, the rhythm of the Maldives continues with a traditional Bodu Beru performance and cultural dance, energizing the beachfront with powerful beats and communal joy. Guests are then invited to a cocktail reception at Mélange Beach, featuring a handpicked selection of tapas in a relaxed and stylish setting under the stars.
To complete the evening, the resort’s signature restaurant, Mélange, will host a special Maldivian and Asian buffet curated exclusively for Eid al-Adha. The spread features bold flavors, island-grown ingredients, and regional favorites; a culinary journey that pays tribute to the richness of the region and the festive spirit of the holiday.
For those looking to turn celebration into a luxurious escape, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa introduces an exclusive Eid al-Adha package. Priced at just AED 8,000 for two adults, the offer includes a three-night stay in a Beach Pool Villa, domestic transfers, and access to the resort’s generous all-inclusive program across six food & beverage outlets. From complimentary sunset cruises and daily water sports to an extended massage session and 50% off floating breakfasts, every detail of the package is designed to elevate your Eid getaway. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence, adventure, and cultural immersion.
At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, every moment is designed to spark connection, celebration, and discovery. This Eid, the island becomes more than a destination. It becomes a shared experience where cultures meet, and memories are made.
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