My Recent Maldives Experience at CROSSROADS Maldives

My Recent Maldives Experience at CROSSROADS Maldives

I’ve recently returned from an incredible trip to the Maldives, staying at the unique CROSSROADS Maldives resort – and it’s safe to say it exceeded all expectations. One of the biggest advantages of this destination is its convenience. After landing in Malé, it’s just a 15-minute speedboat transfer to reach the resort, making it ideal for those who want to maximise their time in paradise without lengthy onward journeys.

CROSSROADS Maldives is home to two distinct resorts, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, both connected by The Marina @ CROSSROADS. This creates a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with a fantastic choice of restaurants, bars, and experiences. During my stay, I also visited SO/ Maldives, a stylish five-star resort located just a short boat ride away, allowing me to experience three very different properties, each with its own personality and appeal.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

My first stop was Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, where I spent two nights in an Overwater Villa. The resort maintains a laid-back Maldivian feel, while offering the option of a more social atmosphere for guests who want it. Days are calm and relaxed, and in the evenings there’s a gentle buzz with live music and entertainment available. Dining at Hard Rock Café was a highlight, with a live band one evening and karaoke on another, making it a nice choice for those who enjoy a little evening atmosphere without it feeling overwhelming.

Hard Rock is also a strong choice for families, with spacious accommodation options including two-bedroom villas, making it a great alternative for those who want something different from the traditional Maldivian resort feel.

SAii Lagoon Maldives

Next, I moved to SAii Lagoon Maldives, which instantly felt more aligned with my personal style. I spent two nights here in a beautiful Overwater Villa, and the overall atmosphere was calmer, more relaxed and perfectly balanced.

Dining at SAii was a real highlight of my stay. I enjoyed relaxed beachfront meals at the SAii Beach Club, as well as dinner at Kinkao on the marina, a Thai restaurant serving fantastic flavours in an easy, informal setting. One of the standout experiences of the trip was a hosted à la carte dining journey, where we were collected directly from our villas and treated to a course at each of the resort’s signature restaurants, including Carpe Diem Grill, Nihonbashi Blue, Ministry of Crab and Jiao Wu. Throughout the evening, our host shared insight into the chefs behind each restaurant and the concepts that make them unique, making it a truly memorable and immersive way to experience the variety available across CROSSROADS.

During my stay at SAii, I also stepped well outside my comfort zone and went snorkelling. I was extremely nervous beforehand, but I’m so glad I pushed myself to do it – the marine life was incredible, and it ended up being one of my personal highlights of the trip. Another highlight during my time at SAii was a dolphin cruise, where we were lucky enough to spot dolphins in their natural environment – a magical experience and a fantastic option for couples and families alike.

SO/ Maldives

My final night was spent at the stylish SO/ Maldives, a five-star resort reached by a short boat ride from SAii. I stayed in a beautifully designed Beach Villa, which felt very exclusive, with a private pool and direct access onto the beach – a truly stunning setting to wake up to. I also took part in an early-morning yoga session, which was a peaceful and grounding way to start the day and really complemented the calm, luxurious feel of the resort. That evening, I attended the resort’s GLAM event on the beach, featuring a fashion show with flying dresses, followed by a fire show and dancing to the resident DJ. It perfectly captured the chic feel of the resort.

Sustainability at CROSSROADS Maldives

Sustainability plays an important role across CROSSROADS Maldives. The resorts are actively involved in marine conservation through a coral propagation project, helping to protect and regenerate the surrounding reefs. Guests can learn more about these efforts at the Maldives Discovery Centre and through initiatives such as Rejuvenate the Coral, which highlights the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. The spa facilities across the resorts also use sustainable products, reflecting a commitment to responsible tourism while still delivering a luxury experience.

Final Thoughts

CROSSROADS Maldives really does offer something different. With Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives connected by The Marina, plus SO/ Maldives just a short boat ride away, there’s a great mix of styles all in one easy-to-reach location. You still get the beautiful scenery and relaxed pace the Maldives is known for, but with far more choice than you’d usually find on a single island.

Whether you’re looking for a calm overwater villa, somewhere with a bit more atmosphere, or a stylish luxury stay, this destination genuinely offers something for everyone. Seeing it all first-hand has been so valuable, and I’m always happy to share honest advice and help you choose the right resort and room type for you.