Set to debut in 2023, SO/ Maldives will showcase a selection of spectacular villas

The new SO/ Maldives will showcase a selection of 80 spectacular luxury villas, including beachfront and over-water options, all adorned with designer interiors and an audacious twist. Nestled on its own exclusive island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport, this eclectic resort will bring a fresh sense of avant-garde style and sophistication to the Maldives, while also reflecting the local spirit of this captivating country.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the new resort will take centre stage on the third island of CROSSROADS Maldives, the extraordinary integrated leisure destination in the exotic South Malé Atoll, connecting it to a wealth of world-class attractions and facilities.

Vivid, vivacious and full of personality, SO/ Hotels & Resorts are only found in socially vibrant destinations such as Berlin, Bangkok, St Petersburg and Singapore. One of the fastest-growing brands in Accor’s lifestyle portfolio, it is designed for savvy travellers who have a passion for fashion and like to keep their finger on the pulse. Every stay is underpinned by the brand’s signature ‘Just Say SO’ service, to craft truly unforgettable experiences.

This makes SO/ the perfect fit for CROSSROADS Maldives, which was recognised as the “Best Leisure Development Maldives (Five-Star)” in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-2022. The presence of such a dynamic player on the global hotel scene will play a key role in helping CROSSROADS Maldives to expand and reach new markets worldwide, thanks to Accor’s global distribution and loyalty network.

SO/ Maldives brings together a statement collection of bespoke beachfront and over-water villas imagined by renowned designers, alongside a vibrant array of dining and entertainment experiences. Nestled on its own exclusive island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives is set to become a covetable destination for adventurous and sartorial socialisers, easily whisking them away for a few relaxed days in paradise, thanks to the resort’s convenient location near the country’s international airport.

The resort’s speciality restaurant will serve up colourful Levantine cuisine, celebrating the atmosphere and aromatic flavours of an Arabian night, to be savoured against panoramic ocean views. Poolside, guests can lounge by the Art-Deco-inspired beach club and indulge in seasonal plant-based dishes. The vivid colour scheme and the secret lawn are set to make it one of the most stylish places to be seen in the archipelagic state.

The traditional all-day buffet concept has been replaced to give guests more bespoke culinary concepts. A chef’s table offers a more interactive dining experience, whilst perfectly framed open-air spaces with neutral terracotta palettes and rattan furniture allow guests to enjoy unforgettable evenings under the Maldivan skies. It will also boast an oceanfront wedding venue and well-dressed meeting spaces.

Guests will be able to unwind on SO/ Maldives’ private island or take advantage of fantastic facilities at The Marina, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk where visitors can discover cool cafés, refined restaurants, a chic beach club, upmarket boutiques, a spa, the Marine Discovery Centre and a 30-berth yacht marina.

SO/ Maldives comes as the brand’s 5th address in Asia, with other locations in vibrant destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore. SO/ is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart Ennismore has 87 operating properties globally, with a further 141 hotels in the pipeline.