Assessment: SO/ Maldives Resort – the Luxurious Journey Skilled

August 7, 2024

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Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a lodge or flight evaluate.

I lately loved an exceptional vacation within the Maldives, the place I stayed on the archipelago’s 4 most unique ultra-luxury resorts. You may learn my critiques right here:

At this time: Assessment of SO/ Maldives

Situated only a 15-minute speedboat trip from Malé’s Velana Worldwide Airport, SO/ Maldives harmoniously blends uncommon accessibility with beautiful privateness, with every of the 80 individually designed villas nestled immediately by itself slice of white-sand seashore or on stilts above the lagoon. Modern restaurant and bar ideas are designed to supply a refreshing counterpart to the ever present resort all-day eating buffet, whereas the cultural programming brings collectively the very best of music, vogue, design and artwork. With numerous eating, a playful seashore membership and serene spa all set in a personal lagoon enclave, SO/ Maldives presents moments to flee, discover and play.

Have you ever ever stayed at SO/ Maldives? In that case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this evaluate (extra information and photographs under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

SO/ Maldives is about within the Emboodhoo Lagoon inside the multi-island vacation spot of Crossroads Maldives, only a 15-minute speedboat trip from Malé’s Velana Worldwide Airport (making transfers from/to the airport simple). Crossoards is a man-made island advanced positioned within the Emboodhoo lagoon on the northern tip of the South Male Atoll. Going past the standard ‘one island, one resort’ idea that typifies the area, Crossroads Maldives presents a brand new built-in expertise, providing its company entry to over 14 eating places, a night-club, a marine discovery centre, large-scale occasion venues and rather more. The mission homes a number of motels: SAii Lagoon Maldives (Curio Assortment by Hilton), Onerous Rock Resort Maldives, and SO/ Maldives.

In a break with the standard tropical structure which is omni-present within the Maldives, SO/ Maldives encompasses a daring design, drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship and theatricality of latest couture, and interesting to a youthful clientele. Upon arrival, company are met by a contemporary glass over-water pavilion, which units the aesthetic tone of the lodge with clear strains, cool neutrals, and pure wooden, juxtaposed in opposition to vibrant accents and a sculptural, red-latticed central staircase. The lodge’s distinctive walkways are framed by billowing materials or architectural timber canopies, making a hanging counterpart to the island’s lush pure flora, and referencing the dramatic styling of excessive vogue shows.

Created in collaboration with main artists and vogue designers, SO/ Maldives has curated a classy assortment of 80 beachfront and overwater villas that epitomize trendy luxurious and command consideration with their avant-garde design. Spanning one to 3 bedrooms and eight classes, the villas are designed for open plan residing, every with a personal pool and deck from which company can get pleasure from ocean views. From the 120 sqm. Lagoon Water Pool Villa Assortment and the 410sqm. Three-Bed room Ocean Water Pool Atelier, to the 238 sqm Household Seaside Pool Villa with Capsule, which options adjoining “sleep pods” for youthful vacationers and multi-generational teams, every villa is a cocoon of contemporary luxurious that comes with Maison CODAGE toiletries, which make use of sustainably-sourced vegan elements; plush robes and slippers; and individualized concierge service

A whole antithesis of the staid all-day eating buffet, SO/ Maldives presents three distinct eating choices, every with its personal distinctive food-driven idea.
- The Citronelle Membership is an all-day eating vacation spot the place flavors are woven right into a menu of Pan-Asian delicacies.
- The French, Riviera-inspired Lazuli Seaside Membership is a classy day-to-night seashore bar the place company can get pleasure from sunbathing across the multicolored mosaic pool. The menu options artistic and wholesome Mediterranean fare, together with a Prosciutto di Parm pizza with olives, wild arugula, parmigiano Reggiano and stracciatella, whereas vibrant cocktails are ready to be sipped alongside tunes by visiting DJs within the evenings.
- Situated within the lodge’s trendy arrival pavilion, Hadaba celebrates the ambiance and flavors of Arabian nights with Levantine slow-cooked dishes and smoked delicacies, comparable to Saltbush Lamb Cutlets with glazed eggplant, za’atar and toum and Maldivian Lobster with Aleppo pepper, garlic butter and finger lime.

The property’s small spa facility – known as Wellness Camp – is an East-meets-West idea that gives limitless entry to health and leisure in an unparalleled setting. A restorative spa menu curated alongside Salon C. Stellar, that includes Maison CODAGE, Consolation Zone and Odacité merchandise to call just a few, presents a nutritive method to wellness with tailored care. This consists of LED and quartz beds for cutting-edge leisure, historic knowledge, and most personalization to satisfy company’ each want. Each therapy employs fastidiously chosen elements, superior expertise and is exquisitely crafted to satisfy the company’ desired outcome. The amenities additionally embrace steam and sauna rooms, a Vichy Rainforest Bathe, and a revitalizing vitality pool. The state-of-the-art fitness center showcases the newest Technogym and Alo tools, providing sweeping views of the cyanic waters.

An array of paid and complimentary water-based adventures together with kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, jet ski, stand-up paddleboarding, and offsite excursions can be found to additional improve vacationers’ expertise of the island. Company can learn to scuba dive, or for skilled divers, there’s a broad choice of curated dives that may be organized each day together with turtle expeditions, outer reef explorations and conventional Maldivian fishing excursions. Different classes out there for buy are windsurfing, kitesurfing, catamaran programs, parasailing, browsing, hydro flight leases and extra. Personal boats and yachts are additionally out there for company to constitution for personal exploration by the hour or the day.

Youthful company at SO/ Maldives can get pleasure from a wide array of actions and areas custom-made to their ages and desires – whether or not it’s making new mates at The Zone (Teen’s Membership for ages 12-16) or The Nest (Youngsters Membership for ages 4-11), that are each absolutely geared up with toys, video games and actions, or having fun with the myriad of family-forward programming comparable to seashore volleyball, bocce ball, soccer, watersports and extra. Babysitting for youngsters underneath 4 years of age is out there at an additional value.

Vivid, vivacious and filled with persona, SO/ Accommodations & Resorts are solely present in socially vibrant locations comparable to Berlin, Bangkok and Singapore. One of many fastest-growing manufacturers in Accor’s way of life portfolio, it’s designed for savvy travellers who’ve a ardour for vogue and wish to maintain their finger on the heart beat. Each keep is underpinned by the model’s signature ‘Simply Say SO’ service, to craft really unforgettable experiences. SO/ Maldives will be part of Accor’s assortment of 5 resorts within the Maldives which embrace the midscale Mercure model, premium Pullman and Mövenpick manufacturers, and the luxurious Raffles and Fairmont manufacturers.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Similar to its neighboring resorts in Crossroad Maldives, SO/ Maldives is positioned on a man-made island, which was constructed utilizing sand scooped from the ocean flooring and layered atop residing coral reefs, mimicking a course of that often takes 1000’s of years. To make sure the development was as sustainable as potential, marine biologists had been introduced in to work alongside the architects. Harm-reduction measures included protecting the present reef with silt nets to guard the corals from suffocating sand and dirt, analyzing the currents to keep away from interfering with pure circulate patterns and stopping development in the course of the necessary coral-spawning season. Nonetheless, there’s an ongoing debate round any such development and the quantity of harm it would inflict upon the atmosphere. I’m not an environmental professional in fact, but when sustainability is one thing you care about (and it’s best to), you won’t really feel at peace right here.

Whatever the truth whether or not the development of a man-made island resort on a residing coral reef is a accountable factor to do in occasions of environmental safety, the “pure look” of the island can be vastly totally different from that of the Maldives’ stunningly stunning pure islands. The vegetation on the island’s middle is just not as lush in comparison with the hovering jungle of coconut palms you’ll discover on the pure islands (though I assume the vegetation will mature over time). The resort’s man-made seashores (with a tough sort of sand) can’t compete with the magic and spectacular fantastic thing about the tender white sand seashores on pure islands. If it’s your first go to to the Maldives, you’ll nonetheless be blown away by the tropical surroundings, however in case you are a repeat customer the Maldives (like me), the setting – and particularly the appear and feel of the factitious seashores and vegetation – would possibly disappoint you.

The outstanding design of the resort won’t enchantment to everybody, particularly relating to the colourful pool space, which encompasses a cacophony of crimson, black, inexperienced, pink, yellow and blue tiles. Some would possibly discover the design modern, stylish and daring, whereas others would possibly discover the design hideous, kitsch and ugly. In all honesty, I wasn’t a fan of the design since I favor a minimalist modernism or an eco-chic design, that are rather more consistent with the Maldives’ vibe of tranquillity or serenity. I’m undecided what the pondering behind the colourful design was. I additionally didn’t just like the cheap-looking outfits of the resort employees (pink T-shirts with black & white striped shorts) however that’s a matter of style in fact.

The villas at SO/ Maldives characteristic an open-plan rest room format. So, in case you are not touring with the one you love, thoughts that there isn’t any separation between the toilet and the room. The tub tube is positioned contained in the room and the bathroom & bathe cabins options glass doorways (so there’s zero privateness).

SO/ Maldives is positioned on the northern tip of the South Male Atoll, near the worldwide airport. This proximity signifies that company can shortly switch from their worldwide flight to the lodge inside an hour, not like many different resorts on this small Indian Ocean island nation, which can require prolonged air or boat transfers to the extra distant resorts. Nevertheless, the draw back to its location is that the slightly unattractive skyline of the capital metropolis is seen on the horizon, albeit solely from the northern a part of the resort (most amenities and villas face the south, away from the town). There’s additionally a bit extra boat & aircraft site visitors close to the resort (though nothing too unhealthy) which could have an effect on a real castaway feeling.

Whereas SO/ Maldives tick all of the bins for a 5-star resort, it’s not in the identical league because the archipelago’s uber-luxurious resorts, comparable to One&Solely Reethi Rah, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Veela Personal Island, Soneva Jani of Soneva Fushi. The design is okay however lacks a wow-factor (and feels extra stylish than stylish); the service is nice however not impeccable; the meals is nice however not subtle; and the small-scale spa is good however not distinctive. That mentioned, the resort additionally doesn’t faux to rank among the many finest within the Maldives and its room charges are half of what the archipelago’s high-end resorts cost (and thus extra reasonably priced).

MY VERDICT

Location: 7/10
Design: 7/10
Pool: 7/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 7/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Wow issue: 7/10
Worth for cash: 7/10
Total expertise: good 7.4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: learn right here my suggestions for getting the very best deal at a luxurious lodge like SO/ Maldives (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The most effective climate within the Maldives is between January and April, which additionally means excessive season (and skyrocketing lodge charges). The monsoon runs from Could to October, peaking in June. It’s price paying larger costs and sticking to the dry season as there’s nothing to do on a wet day besides drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive. Particularly November and December, which are sometimes labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent times.

HOW TO GET THERE

SO/ Maldives is well reached by a 15 min speedboat trip from Male Worldwide Airport (MLE). Examine the Wikipedia web page of Male Worldwide Airport for an up to date listing of airways that supply flights to Male Worldwide Airport.

PHOTOS

Right here’s a choice of my photographs of SO/ Maldives. To view extra lodge photographs (together with breakfast, lunch and dinner), click on right here.