SO/ MALDIVES

Diving: A PADI 5-Star Experience

The Maldives is synonymous with polished diving, and SO/ Maldives delivers with a PADI 5-Star Dive Center right on-site. The resort’s location in the Emboodhoo Lagoon puts you within easy reach of some of the atoll’s most vibrant reefs, where turtles, rays, and reef sharks glide through crystal-clear waters. The dive team here doesn’t just guide—they tailor. Whether you’re a first-timer earning your Open Water certification or a seasoned diver chasing manta rays, they’ll map out a schedule that matches your skill level and curiosity. Our research confirms the resort’s commitment to diving, but it’s the stories from guests that really stand out: night dives where bioluminescent plankton turns the ocean into a starry sky, or drift dives along the outer reef where currents carry you past walls of coral. The house reef is accessible directly from the beach, so you can slip into the water for a quick snorkel session before breakfast or a sunset dive without the hassle of a boat transfer. For those who want to explore further, the dive center organizes excursions to nearby sites like the famous Manta Point, where you can float in the current and watch these gentle giants feed.

Good for couples or groups of friends for the diving alone. The team’s enthusiasm is infectious, and they’re just as happy to chat about marine life over a post-dive cocktail as they are to help you fine-tune your buoyancy. If you’re traveling with kids, the resort offers junior diving programs for ages 10 and up, so the whole family can get in on the action.

Water Sports: More Than Just Lounging

SO/ Maldives treats water sports like an all-you-can-play buffet. The resort’s lagoon is a natural playground, and the team here makes sure you take full advantage. Stand-up paddleboarding is a favorite for guests who want to glide across the calm waters at their own pace, while kayaks let you explore the mangroves and hidden coves at the edges of the lagoon. For something with a little more speed, jet skis and flyboarding are available, though Worth recommending: the latter only if you’re comfortable with a few face-first splashes. The resort also offers windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons, with instructors who know how to make beginners feel at ease. One of the most unique offerings is the hydroflight experience — jetpack meets wakeboard—which lets you soar above the water like a superhero. It’s as thrilling as it sounds, and the resort’s calm lagoon is a strong place to try it without the crowds.

For families, the water sports lineup is a lifesaver. Kids can burn off energy with banana boat rides or snorkeling trips to the house reef, where the shallow areas are concentrated with colorful fish. The resort also offers private boat charters, so if you’ve ever dreamed of having your own yacht for the day—complete with a captain, chef, and snorkeling gear—this is your chance. My pick for a group? Rent a catamaran for the afternoon, pack a picnic, and sail to a nearby sandbank for a private beach lunch. The resort’s team will handle the details; all you have to do is show up.

The Wellness Camp: Spa Meets Innovation

The Wellness Camp at SO/ Maldives is where the resort’s playful spirit meets serious relaxation. This isn’t your typical spa with dim lighting and new-age music. Instead, it’s a high-tech haven where ancient wellness rituals collide with cutting-edge treatments. The facility includes a hammam, sauna, and vitality pool, but the real standout is the LED and quartz bed therapy. These beds use light and heat to detoxify, rejuvenate, and even improve sleep—well suited to guests who want to reset after a long flight or a day of diving. The spa menu is curated in collaboration with Salon C. Stellar, featuring brands like Maison CODAGE and Comfort Zone, so you know the products are as luxurious as the setting. Treatments range from traditional Maldivian massages using coconut oil to more modern therapies like cryotherapy and sound baths. The Vichy Rainforest Shower is another highlight—a multi-jet experience that feels like standing under a tropical waterfall.

The gym here is small but mighty, with Technogym equipment and sweeping views of the lagoon. It's a property where you might actually look forward to your morning workout. For guests who prefer to sweat outdoors, the resort offers sunrise yoga sessions on the beach or paddleboard yoga for a challenge. The spa also partners with the dive center to offer post-dive recovery treatments, like deep-tissue massages to ease muscle tension. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, ask about the spa’s bespoke packages. They’ll tailor everything from the music to the scents to create a truly personalized experience.

Kids and Teens: The Zone and The Nest

SO/ Maldives is one of the few resorts in the Maldives that truly caters to families, and it shows in the thoughtful design of its kids’ and teens’ clubs. The Nest, for ages 4 to 11, is a bright, airy space filled with games, toys, and activities that encourage creativity and exploration. The club’s schedule is packed with everything from treasure hunts and coconut-husking competitions to Maldivian cooking classes where kids can learn to make local dishes like mas huni (a breakfast dish of tuna, coconut, and onion). The resort’s team goes out of their way to make sure little ones feel welcome, whether it’s setting up a mini beach Olympics or organizing a movie night under the stars. For parents who want a break, babysitting services are available for children under 4, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a spa treatment without worry.

Teens aren’t left out either. The Zone, for ages 12 to 16, is designed to feel more like a cool hangout than a kids’ club. Here, teens can try their hand at DJing, join a beach volleyball tournament, or learn the basics of paddleboarding and snorkeling. The resort also offers teen-friendly excursions, like sunset fishing trips or island-hopping adventures to nearby sandbanks. What I love about The Zone is that it gives teens the freedom to explore while still keeping them engaged and supervised. It’s a rare find in the Maldives, where many resorts focus solely on couples or adults.

Dining: Three Restaurants, Three Vibes

Dining at SO/ Maldives is anything but ordinary. The resort’s three restaurants each have their own personality, so you can switch up your meals depending on your mood. Hadaba, the signature restaurant, is where Levantine flavors take center stage. Think mezze platters with house-made labneh and za’atar, slow-cooked lamb with pomegranate glaze, and fresh seafood grilled over open flames. The restaurant’s location in the arrival pavilion means you’re dining with panoramic views of the lagoon, and the open-air design lets the sea breeze carry the scent of grilled meats and spices. Worth recommending: saving this spot for a special occasion—It's a property where you’ll want to linger over a bottle of wine and watch the sunset.

For something more casual, Lazuli Beach Club is the go-to. This Mediterranean-inspired spot is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, with a menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, grilled octopus with lemon and herbs, and a selection of mezze that’s well suited to sharing. The beach club’s multicolored mosaic pool is the heart of the resort, and it’s where you’ll find guests lounging by day and dancing to DJ sets by night. The vibe is relaxed but lively, and the food is just as good as the atmosphere. Don’t miss the prosciutto di Parma pizza—it’s a crowd-pleaser.

The Citronelle Club rounds out the dining lineup with a mix of Pan-Asian and Western dishes. Breakfast here is a highlight, with an extensive buffet that includes everything from made-to-order omelets to Maldivian specialties like garudhiya (a fish broth). The restaurant’s all-day menu features dishes like wagyu beef sliders, sushi rolls, and a decadent chocolate fondant that’s worth every calorie. The Citronelle Club is also where you’ll find the resort’s wine cellar, stocked with bottles from around the world. If you’re a wine lover, ask the sommelier for a pairing recommendation—it’s a great way to elevate your meal.

Excursions: Beyond the Resort

While SO/ Maldives has plenty to keep you busy on-site, the resort’s location within Crossroads Maldives opens up a world of possibilities for excursions. The marina here is a hub for boat charters, fishing trips, and snorkeling adventures, and the resort’s concierge can arrange everything from a private sunset cruise to a day trip to a nearby uninhabited island. One of the most popular excursions is the manta ray snorkeling trip. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to swim with these gentle giants, and the resort’s team knows exactly where to take you for the best chance of an encounter. For something more low-key, consider a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and even adopt a coral fragment to help with reef restoration.

If you’re traveling with kids, the resort offers family-friendly excursions like sandbank picnics and dolphin-watching tours. The team will pack a lunch, set up umbrellas, and even bring snorkeling gear so you can make the most of your time on the water. For couples, Worth recommending: booking a private dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) for a romantic sunset cruise. The resort can arrange a chef to prepare a gourmet dinner on board, complete with champagne and candlelight. It's a property that makes you feel like you’re the only people in the world.