Category: Maldives

CROSSROADS Maldives, the fully-integrated lifestyle destination and premier multi-island resort, is inviting the world’s travellers to rediscover the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives this high season with an extraordinary escape in the Indian Ocean.

First opened in 2019, CROSSROADS Maldives is home to an exceptional collection of recreational facilities, including internationally-branded five-star resorts, eclectic restaurants and lounges, world-class wellness, specialty shopping, cultural attractions, energising activities and a large marina, all surrounded by powder-soft sands, turquoise lagoons and shimmering seas. Located in the South Malé Atoll just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, this is an outstanding destination for global explorers seeking a short or extended escape in paradise.

You have a choice of two enticing places to stay, each nestled on its own exclusive island and blessed with pristine beaches and warm, shallow seas. SAii Lagoon Maldives is aimed at free-spirited couples, families and groups of fun-seeking friends, with a collection of bright and stylish rooms, suites and villas – including overwater rooms and pool villas – that blend contemporary design with natural textures and driftwood décor. Following a recent transformation, the resort has revealed a selection of new one-bedroom Junior Pool Suites, which feature stunning timber decks and mosaic-tiled pools, with direct access into the crystalline waters of the lagoon – perfect for couples and honeymooners.

The resort’s ocean-view infinity pool and fitness centre allow you to refresh and recharge in paradise, while unique culinary concepts include Miss Olive Oyl, the vibrant Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, and Mr. Tomyam, which serves Thai-inspired cuisine with an open kitchen and outdoor decks. Rates start from USD 480 net per night per room.

Just across the idyllic Emboodhoo Lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is an upbeat international resort that showcases the spirit of this famous music-themed brand. The rooms, suites and villas –  including overwater pool villas – are complemented by signature amenities such as the Hard Rock Cafe®, Body Rock® fitness centre, Rock Spa®, Rock Shop®, and diverse dining and entertainment experiences. The first Hard Rock hotel in the Indian Ocean, this iconic property combines tropical architecture and interiors with regionally-inspired music memorabilia to create unforgettable stays.

This creative resort recently embarked on its PINKTOBER campaign with a range of initiative to raise funds for the Maldives Cancer Society, including limited-edition merchandise, “Pretty in Pink” guestroom designs, special spa treatments and pink cocktails. Now, it is preparing for a fun-filled festive season, details of which will be revealed soon! Rates start from USD 660 net per night per room.

These two five-star resorts are directly connected to a wealth of world-class facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre beach walk that is the heart and soul of CROSSROADS Maldives. Lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants, upmarket boutiques, a chilled-out beach club, serene spa, 30-berth yacht marina, multi-purpose event venue and kids’ club, this breath-taking destination has redefined tourism and hospitality in the Maldives.

You can also learn all about the rich heritage of the archipelago, above and beneath the waves. The Maldives Discovery Centre allows all ages to uncover the country’s culture and see how local arts and crafts have shaped its unique identity. The Marine Discovery Centre meanwhile, is dedicated to protecting the Maldives’ precious underwater ecosystems through important initiatives such as coral propagation and breeding programmes.

It is little wonder that CROSSROADS Maldives has won multiple awards. This game-changing destination was recently presented with a SATA Gold Award for “Leading Yacht Marina Hotel/Resort”, while Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives were both honoured in the Maldives National Tourism Awards 2022. CROSSROADS Maldives previously won the “Best Leisure Development Maldives (Five-Star)” title at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-2022.

“CROSSROADS Maldives is a destination within a destination that redefines the Maldivian tourism experience. This fully-integrated, multi-island retreat has introduced an exciting new element to the country: a fresh, lifestyle-oriented, culturally-sensitive approach that breathes new life and energy into the resort sector. Most importantly, its prime location in the South Malé Atoll, only 15 minutes by speedboat from the country’s main international gateway, opens up the Maldives to shorter stays and even weekend breaks, as well as longer vacations,” said Tolga Unan, Managing Director, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and CROSSROADS Marina.

CROSSROADS Maldives will continue to develop and expand in future. Currently under construction, SO/ Maldives will introduce a unique collection of beachfront and over-water villas, dramatic dining and audacious entertainment to the archipelago in 2023, marking the Maldivian debut of Accor’s five-star lifestyle brand.

For more information about CROSSROADS Maldives and to book your winter break in paradise, please visit crossroadsmaldives.com.

Set amidst 18 hectares of lush tropical flora and fauna on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort just opened its doors. The all-inclusive resort boasts 122 decadent villas, including two exclusive Aqua Villas featuring bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters for a truly memorable experience of the region’s marine life up close. The Royal Suite is a resort within a resort and provides complete privacy and indulgence including a high degree of personalized services.

“We are delighted to be shining the spotlight on the Maldives once again with the launch of our fifth Accor property. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a stunning addition to the premium segment and we look forward to welcoming global nomads to explore the spectacular marine life of Gaafu Alifu Atoll and its surrounding diving sites,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – Home To Sun-kissed Villas

Featuring a range of over-water and beachside villas, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is surrounded by lush vegetation, a natural lake and sun-kissed beaches, plus one of the region’s largest and deepest lagoons. With water temperatures slightly cooler than many other islands, the richness of the marine life and the colours of the coral are unparalleled. For example, this is the only place where divers can spot up to 13 species of sharks in the water.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – Dining Options

You and your loved ones will never go hungry, as the resort boasts one of the most generous, all-inclusive offers in the Maldives, complete with a variety of culinary delights available at six outlets across the island. Options include Mélange, an all-day dining restaurant;

The Hub, a sunken pool bar offering signature drinks and delicious sharing plates; Saffron Affair for a sophisticated evening of tapas and crafted cocktails; and Souq Oven for Middle Eastern dishes, for pairing with a wine list featuring over 80 wines from around the world.

For something more casual, you can enjoy healthy café treats and alchemy experiences at Sol Rising; or one of the region’s first organic, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, Phat Chameleon, set amidst a vegetable and herb garden. For those on the go, the playful Bites on Wheels food cart offers refreshing sorbets and light snacks throughout the day.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – Great For Kids Too!

Children and teens are well catered for at Playground and Skillz Sports Centre, with a range of entertaining and educational activities including snooker, table tennis, various board games and a golf simulator. Nature walks, treasure hunts, and outdoor sports are also available for the adventurers at heart to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. They have a special kids room too!

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – Holistic Well-being Approach

Pullman’s well-being approach focuses around the four pillars of Sleep; Sport; Food; and Spa and here it’s all about bringing you as close to nature and the outdoors as you can get. Fitness enthusiasts can start at the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track with five fitness stations offering a variety of physical trails, or level up with a complete boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience that kick starts with callisthenics followed by an invigorating run on the beach and a refreshing swim in the lagoon.

For complete restoration of the body, mind and soul, choose from a selection of signature facials, body treatments and massage therapies available at the resort’s Spa by Phytomer, which features eight treatment rooms perched over a shallow, white sand lagoon.

Sign up for a local arts and crafts class, marine conservation talk, or enjoy nature trail walks around the island with the resort’s resident marine biologist, or scuba dive and snorkel in one of the Maldives’ largest blue lagoons covering a total area of 1,700 hectares. The surrounding coral gardens feature a diverse variety of reef fish, dolphins, turtles and sharks around the resort’s 26 dive sites.

“With our generous all-inclusive offering, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort where they can explore the island’s sandy beaches, nature trails and renowned diving sites while enjoying a full wellness and culinary journey,” said John Bendtsen, General Manager of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort. 

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – Make A Date With Paradise

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is located at Maamutaa Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 20219, Republic of Maldives.  The resort is accessible by domestic flight 55 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride from Kooddoo Airport.

For more information, please visit www.accorhotels.com. For reservations and general enquiries, email H9924@accor.com or H9924-RE@accor.com.

Folks who love beach resort paradises without sacrificing impeccable services have a brand new choice in the resort haven of the Maldives. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo just announced the official opening of its 38-villa resort in the rare Maldivian oasis of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. A hidden gem with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, the resort is the perfect over-water escape offering two distinct experiences for those seeking a private get-away or simply to enjoy the natural pristine water surroundings.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – The Residence

Home to Beach Villas, Beach Residences and the Raffles Royal Residence, which opens in the second half of 2019, the luxurious property features a private pool, generous living spaces and lavish marble bathroom with a sunken bathtub and outdoor shower. A secluded collection of Overwater Villas and Residences lies adjacent to one of the vibrant house reefs which can be reached by a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat.

In each of the terraces, you get to marvel at the marine life below through the glass flooring panels.  There is an extraordinary display of natural beauty with white, powdery sand that frames sparkling clear waters. Two magnificent reefs provide a thriving habitat for the marine life including baby sharks, turtles and a myriad of tropical fish.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – Understanding Marine Life 

For folks who want to learn more about the underwater realm, the hotel’s resident marine biologist and a team of marine butlers are on hand to personalise your experiences that bring unique and beautiful insights of the underwater world. At night, the moon and stars reflect on the mirror-like ocean, creating an extraordinary spectacle.

“Boasting 1200 islands, Maldives is home to the best beaches in the world and now, with the opening of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, is also home to the best of luxury hospitality. We look forward to offering guests the most natural beauty set within an incredible resort that offers the finest luxury hotel experience and unrivalled service in the destination,” says Patrick Basset, AccorHotels’ CEO for Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia and the Maldives. 

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – Gastronomic Delights

You and your loved ones can relish a range of rich gastronomic delights served at the Thari all-day diner, Yuzu, Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant and The Firepit where you can enjoy various flame-grilled chef specialty dishes under the stars.

A selection of tapas and freshly-prepared sashimi, original cocktail concoctions, inspired by the national drinks of South America and Japan, can be experienced at the overwater Yapa Sunset Bar or simply explore a list of the world’s most prestigious Champagnes and wines at the popular Long Bar.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – Pamper Your Senses

Set over the water, the award-winning Raffles Spa offers a private escape opening doors to discovery with authentic treatment expressions. Experience the Raffles Spa sensory journey with luxury facials by Biologique Recherche, a transformative body treatment using the purest extracts and essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates or indulge in first-class manicure and pedicure concept from Magaret Dabbs London.

Recharge with an invigorating work-out at the overwater fitness centre, a soothing seaside yoga session or choose from a selection of water sports activities to balance the physical and mental well-being.

Olivier Larcher, General Manager of Raffles Maldives said, “For couples looking for an unforgettable romantic hideaway, our exceptionally spacious villas and the discreet expertise of the Raffles Butler service redefines the resort experience. From intimate dining with our private chef service to snorkelling and diving in the world’s most breath-taking coral reefs, we create a place where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in a destination known for its stunning surroundings.” 

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – How To Get There

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is located at the southern end of the Maldives archipelago, near the equator on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight, 55 minutes from Male International Airport followed by 15-minute speedboat ride from Kaadedhdhoo Airport.

For more information, please visit www.rafflesmaldives.com/meradhoo. For reservations, email reservations.maldives@raffles.com or call +960 6828800.