We all have our preferred seats when we fly, and mine is an aisle seat, so I can get up as and when I want to. On my most recent AirAsia flight to the Indian Ocean nation of the Maldives, I was fortunate to have had the whole row to myself, so I slid across to the window as the pilot announced that we were about to land.
My world was instantly transformed as I took in the most amazing sight of the archipelago of coral atolls unfolding before my eyes. This wasn’t my first visit to the Maldives, but it was my first view of the atolls from the air, and I have to say, I was mesmerised by the palette of colours down below. I’m convinced there are blues, greens and yellows that are reserved for use only in the Maldives, as the contrast between the turquoise shallow waters and the deep sky blue of the surrounding deeper waters became apparent.
As the plane descended, and my anticipation grew, more islands appeared like pearls on a necklace. Being on a morning flight, we arrived at Velana International Airport at about 9:30am (the Maldives is three hours behind Malaysian time), so I had the whole day before me.
SO/ Maldives, so convenient
The boat transfer to the new SO/ Maldives property was short, so by mid-morning, I had checked into my villa and was enjoying my first of many swims in the shallow lagoon that surrounds the luxurious resort.
On previous visits to the island nation, I had to wait around for domestic flights to remote resorts, and hours can be wasted in so doing. It is important to note, that the 1,200 islands of the Maldives extend some 750 kilometres, north to south, so domestic travel can be tedious.
There were many reasons why I chose SO/ Maldives for my five-day indulgent sojourn, but one of the key deciding factors was that it’s just 20 minutes from the airport yet remote enough to think you have just been dropped into paradise.
Gorgeous overwater & beachfront villas
The SO/ Maldives property features beachfront villas that open onto a shallow lagoon and two over-the-water wings that extend either side of the central hub which includes the arrival jetty, restaurants, bars, and recreational areas.
Approximately half the space of each villa is allocated to outdoor living, with lush gardens, an open verandah, a plunge pool, and lounges for lazing about. Some villas are set up with additional bedrooms, including a handful with bunk beds for children. My private garden pool was where I chose to cool down during the heat of the day, and it can get quite hot most times of the year.
All the villas are spacious, especially when the outdoor area is included. The gardens are just a few steps away from the vastness of the Indian Ocean. All villas have open-plan layouts with a king bed or two twins, while the larger villas have separate bedrooms. A large circular bathtub and a lounge area in front of the television are in the living area. There are separate shower and toilet cubicles, along with a large walk-in wardrobe and a well-stocked minibar.
Overwater villas extend over the shallow waters of the atoll that surrounds the island. The best and most expensive villas offer uninterrupted ocean views, while some face Malé, off in the distance.
Dining in paradise
Most islands in the Maldives feature just one resort, which means dining is done on that island alone, so it’s best to check beforehand as to the options presented at your resort of choice. SO/ Maldives is a little different as it’s part of Crossroads, which includes a few other resorts and restaurants on several islands in close proximity and is accessible by short boat journeys.
Having said that, the food at SO/ Maldives is most impressive, if not a little expensive. While I could have hopped across to Crossroads to dine at venues such as Hard Rock Café and the Ministry of Crab, I chose to work my way through the menus at the three outlets in SO/ Maldives.
Firstly, the breakfast is a grand affair that can be accompanied by a glass or two of Prosecco, but the bubbles aren’t clearly promoted, so ask one of the attentive staff to organise a glass or two for you. Speaking of staff, I have to say the multinational staff here are superb, taking a very professional approach to their duties as well as being a little playful in their approach. They were most engaging, interesting, interested, and always on the ball.
If you wonder why things are expensive, bear in mind that apart from fish, seafood, and some fruit and vegetables, nothing is produced in the Maldives, and it must all be shipped in. Naturally, this adds to the cost, especially when it involves premium produce, which the kitchens at SO/ Maldives feature in all outlets.
Hadaba Restaurant features excellent Arabic cuisine served in air-conditioned comfort. Citronelle Club is an all-day dining outlet with à la carte dishes or theme-night dining such as seafood served on Saturday nights.
Lazuli offers substantive snacks, pizza, and pasta in a more informal beachfront setting. A disc jockey keeps Lazuli and the pool area in an upbeat mood in the afternoon and evening. Cocktails, mocktails, wines, and beers are served in all outlets, with Lazuli being popular for admiring the picturesque setting or an evening cocktail. Sunset happy hour drinks are offered in the open-sided arrival pavilion.
Recreation at SO/ Maldives
SO/ Maldives is ideal for checking in and chilling out, and the villas and facilities ensure an indulgent and relaxing holiday. For those who need distractions, there is a gym and a relaxing spa plus a menu of recreational activities.
Guests can use various complimentary recreational facilities or pay for extra activities such as diving, jet-skiing, and parasailing. Bicycles are available for guests to move around the resort.
The birdlife around the resort wasn’t as abundant as I had hoped, although I enjoyed watching Grey Herons fishing in the shallows of the lagoon.
I was also happy that I chose to go on a sunset cruise, as our boat captain successfully located a pod of Spinner Dolphins that accompanied us for about 30 minutes. While they appear content to skim just below the surface, Spinner Dolphins also breach the surface, and one even leapt straight out of the water against the sunset. We toasted our successful sighting with sparkling wine and returned to the resort fully content with our afternoon excursion.
SO/ Maldives and most other resorts in the Maldives are an expensive holiday proposition but are perfect for a romantic escape such as a honeymoon or a special anniversary. The resort’s proximity to the airport ensures that guests are on the property within an hour of landing, thus maximising their holiday. The morning arrival and late evening departure of my AirAsia flights meant I enjoyed extended time at SO/ Maldives.
Travel file
Getting there: AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur to the capital (Malé-Velana International Airport). The flight takes some four hours, and Maldivian time is three hours behind Malaysian time.
Where to stay: SO/ Maldives.
