Exploring the Maldives' Exclusive Multi-Island Destination

Spanning over 90,000 square kilometers and consisting of more than 1,000 islands, the Maldives offers a unique experience unlike any other country.

Most of the nation’s 160+ resorts are located on private islands, many of which can be reached via seaplane from Male's Velana International Airport.

An idyllic island escape in a nation that’s 99% water, renowned for its breathtaking coastal beauty? It’s a hard offer to resist for most travelers.

However, there are a few drawbacks. Staying on a secluded island often limits dining choices, and opportunities to dive deep into the Maldives' rich history or learn about its struggles as the world's lowest-lying nation can be scarce.

This is where CROSSROADS Maldives steps in. Just a 15-minute air-conditioned speedboat ride from the international airport, it’s the first-ever multi-island leisure and lifestyle resort in the Maldives, crafted to cater to both international tourists and locals seeking a quick getaway from the capital.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a charming 30-berth marina – where they might catch sight of a superyacht or two – leading to an open-air dining and shopping area. From there, they’re whisked away in electric buggies to one of two resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton or Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – each on its own island, connected by scenic bridges. Day visitors can also unwind at the SAii Beach Club, offering a private beach and exclusive dining options.

A Unique Opportunity to Discover Maldivian History

While the Maldives’ pristine white beaches and turquoise waters are a major draw for travelers, CROSSROADS goes beyond just the natural beauty, offering guests a chance to explore the nation's rich history, which spans over 4,000 years, as well as the pressing environmental challenges the country faces today.

These issues take center stage at the Maldives Discovery Center, located just steps from the marina.

At this center, visitors can explore the nation’s culture, people, history, and climate challenges through a range of vibrant, interactive exhibits.

"This is crucial because the Maldives has long been seen only as a luxury destination, without much more to offer," says Mohamed Firash, marketing and communications manager at CROSSROADS Maldives.

"The Maldives has a deep history, and for a long time, there was a gap in how tourism connected with local culture. This initiative will help bridge that gap and strengthen the bond between visitors and our heritage."

CROSSROADS draws inspiration from the Maldives’ role as a key stop along ancient trade routes that connected the East and West. This concept extends to the dining area, where guests can experience the country’s first and only fine dining restaurant dedicated to Maldivian cuisine – Kalhu Odi.

"If you've been to other resorts in the Maldives, you’ve likely encountered a small offering of Maldivian dishes or a special Maldivian night," says Firash.

"Until now, there hasn’t been a fine dining venue where tourists can truly immerse themselves in local flavors. This restaurant brings the diverse dishes found across the Maldives to the table, offering an unforgettable experience."

Kalhu Odi is just one of more than a dozen dining options at CROSSROADS. Other highlights include Sri Lanka's renowned Ministry of Crab, the Hard Rock Café, Japanese restaurant Nihoni Blue, Indian restaurant Kebab and Kurry, and the Chinese eatery Jiao Wu. For those craving spice, Thai restaurant Kinkao is the place to be.

Coral Restoration at the Marine Discovery Centre

Like many resorts in the Maldives, CROSSROADS features a watersports center, perfect for those eager to explore the waters with boards, JetSkis, or embark on scuba and snorkeling adventures around the nearby reefs.

Next to it lies the Marine Discovery Centre, an educational hub focused on sustainability. The center houses a coral propagation nursery where visitors can engage in the restoration process, giving broken coral pieces a chance to thrive again.

"We collect the broken coral fragments from the reefs, and then we bring them here," explains Ali Shaamy as he demonstrates the restoration technique.

"The fragments are attached to dead rock using a method we call stone attachment. After about a week, we transfer them to the resort’s lagoon."

"This process is crucial because the islands, the ocean, the fish... the entire marine ecosystem depends on the coral reefs. Without them, we lose the beauty, the fish, and ultimately, the tourists who come to enjoy it."

Tourism directly and indirectly represents two-thirds of the Maldives' GDP, according to the World Bank. Balancing the need to welcome tourists while preserving the country's natural environment remains an ongoing challenge in this island nation of just over half a million people.

As part of its commitment to environmental conservation, CROSSROADS recently earned the prestigious Green Globe Certification (GGC) after passing a comprehensive sustainability audit.

Travelers don’t have to go far to see why sustainable practices are essential. At sunset, near the SAii Lagoon resort pool, dolphins are often spotted playfully leaping on the horizon, a reminder of the vibrant marine life nearby.

On a recent speedboat ride back to the airport, several pods of dolphins appeared, gracefully swimming and leaping alongside the boat, their grey fins slicing through the crystal-clear waters near the Male port where cargo ships were docked.

A Local Favorite as Well

Along with SAii Lagoon and the Hard Rock Hotel, CROSSROADS is set to debut a third resort, SO/ Maldives, later this year.

SO/ Maldives will offer a collection of 80 luxurious overwater and beach villas. In comparison, SAii Lagoon features 198 suites and villas, including both overwater and beach-access options, while Hard Rock Hotel boasts 178 rooms, including family suites, beach villas, and one- and two-bedroom overwater villas.

Guests at the two resorts can select from various meal plans, including an all-inclusive package that provides complimentary dining at most of the CROSSROADS venues.

While CROSSROADS is perfect for an extended stay, it also serves as an ideal option for visitors looking for a convenient place to stay near the airport, especially considering float planes can’t fly after sunset.

Day visitors can explore the marina, beach club, dining and retail zone, as well as the discovery centers. This experience is also open to local Maldivians.

"This is the first project that is open to both the general public and tourists," says Firash.

"In the Maldives, resorts are typically private, meaning locals and even visitors can’t access them unless they have a booking. This is the first venue that welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy day use or simply experience our dining options."

The response from locals since the opening in 2019 has been overwhelmingly positive, Firash shares.

"Locals really value having a place to visit outside the city on the weekends, where they can bring their families and escape the bustle of Male. It's a great opportunity for them to enjoy some peace away from the crowded city life."