An eclectic luxury island getaway awaits at SO/ Maldives
Ennismore’s SO/ brand gives the Maldives a boost of vibrancy with its new opening a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé

With new resorts popping up across the Maldives almost continuously, it’s not easy to stand out from the crowd. The recently opened SO/ Maldives, though, is turning heads thanks to its bold design and playful, free-spirited attitude.
Step inside SO/ Maldives
Aerial view of SO/ Maldives arrival deck
The 10th hotel to join Ennismore’s SO/ brand, the Maldives iteration concludes the launch of Crossroads, a multi-resort lifestyle destination a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé. A joint effort between Singapore-based firm eco-id and Dubai-based Stickman Tribe – behind the public spaces – a bold red Arrival Pavilion awaits guests, which seems to float above the sea and doubles up as an open-air bar, featuring flowing organically-shaped Cassina chairs by Patricia Urquiola, a striking handwoven tapestry made from upcycled yarn and sea waste by Thai textile artist Ploenchan Vinyaratn, and a bold central staircase that spirals up to Hadaba.
One of the resort’s three restaurants, the spot offers Levantine dishes like the Maldivian lobster with Aleppo pepper, garlic butter and finger lime within a space furnished with curved rattan chairs and banquettes in shades of blue that match the vivid sea views outside.
Aerial view of SO/ Maldives
Bar stool at the Arrival Pavilion
Seats decoration at the Arrival Pavilion
It’s all about vibrancy at SO/ Maldives, and the rest of the resort winds its way through the bright blue turquoise waters of Emboodhoo Lagoon, past the multicoloured mosaic beachside pool, and 80 beachfront and overwater villas. Private glass-wrapped sanctuaries with open-plan layouts make the most of the views with beds that face private decks, each with its own pools, leading directly into the gently lapping seawater.
The interiors are clean and modern: natural hues accented with colourful textures and details, also by Ploenchan, include the timber hat stand at the entrance, woven with colourful rope; the bed headboard, which runs the length of the room and boasts an upholstered bold geometric zig-zag pattern; and the standout oversized lamp shade that hangs above the freestanding bath.
Interior of Overwater Pool Villa Collection
Interior of Overwater Pool Villa Collection
Outside view of Overwater Pool Villa Collection
On the food front, Citronelle Club, the Asian-inspired all-day dining restaurant, is the best place to start your day (preferably with the spanner crab eggs on brioche), followed by poolside lounging at Lazuli Beach Club: a vibrant day-to-night spot that serves crowd-pleasing Mediterranean fare, from pizzas and burgers to the scarlet prawn carpaccio, alongside refreshing cocktails against a live DJ soundtrack.
If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, Crossroads, with its plethora of restaurants, is a complimentary boat ride away. However, with a Wellness Camp offering a menu of treatments from facials to massages, as well as a sauna and steam room, it’s likely you’ll never want to leave SO/ Maldives.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
The Citronelle Club Outdoor Area
The Citronelle Club Private Area
Pizza equipment at the Lazuli Beach Club
Bed couple at the Spa
Vichy Rainforest Shower Edition at the Spa
SO/ Maldives is located at Lagoon, Emboodhoo, Malé, all.accor.com
Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
One&Only’s portfolio of ultra-luxury escapes reaches out to new horizons
From the Maldives to Mexico, One&Only’s resorts and private homes around the world offer exceptional stays in idyllic locations, soon to include a first USA property, designed by Olson Kundig
By Simon Mills Published
-
Dive deep into Soneva’s ultra-luxury new resort in the Maldives
Soneva Secret, the first resort in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, offers 14 secluded overwater and island villas
By Lauren Ho Published
-
At Patina Maldives, sustainability and luxury blend harmoniously
Luxury resort Patina Maldives recently partnered with natural skincare brand Haeckles to craft a bespoke wellbeing range
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Missoni takes over One&Only Maldives resort in calming blue hues
Italian fashion house Missoni reimagines Maldives resort One&Only Reethi Rah
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Waldorf Astoria — South Malé Atoll, Maldives
By Melina Keays Last updated
-
Nika Private Residence at Velaa Private Island — Noonu Atoll, Maldives
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Lux* — North Malé Atoll, Maldives
By Chris Allsop Last updated
-
Autoban designs the much-anticipated JOALI in the Maldives — Raa Atoll, Maldives
By Lauren Ho Last updated