SO/ Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Newly opened in November 2023, SO/ Maldives is a resort that epitomises luxury at every turn. Centred around arts and fashion, you're sure to feel like royalty from the moment you step foot in the arrival pavilion. This feeling is certainly no different when heading to your villa either... Each of the 80 villas are designed with a delicate, minimalistic touch and are curated with all the necessary amenities to ensure the perfect stay. Be it a Beach Villa or an Overwater Villa, the views are simply outstanding and stretch as far as the eye can see. So, it seems only right that they should be enjoyed from your villas own private pool. We think this makes for the ideal spot to grab those all important pictures, because it wouldn't be a trip the Maldives without letting your Instagram followers know, right?! If you're feeling energetic, head over to Lazuli Beach Club to enjoy great vibes, refreshing cocktails and a sunset that's sure to be, one of the best you'll ever see.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Water Skiing
  • Yoga
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa

Where is it

Sat on a private island overlooking the Emboodhoo Lagoon. Transfer time from Malé International Airport: 15 minutes by speedboat.

Hotel information

SO/ Maldives is a luxurious resort, inspired by fashion and art. Each of the 80 villas are created with open plan living in mind and offer sensational views of the lagoon or beach. Each villa comes equipped with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, tea/coffee-making facilities and a safe. Lagoon Beach Pool Villas are 228 sqm and is complete with a private garden and plunge pool. Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults.

Board basis options

Bed & Breakfast: breakfast is included at the Citronelle Club.

Half Board: inclusive of dinner with complimentary soft drink and drinking water during meal time at Citronelle Club and Hadaba except for highlighted supplement items.

Full Board: inclusive of lunch and dinner with complimentary soft drinks and drinking water during meal times. Dinner is fully inclusive at Citronelle Club and Hadaba. Lunch is fully inclusive, except for highlighted supplement items at Citronelle Club and Lazuli based on a special menu option.

All Inclusive: inclusive of lunch and dinner with complimentary select alcoholic beverages during meals, soft drinks and drinking water. Dinner is fully inclusive at Citronelle Club and Hadaba except for highlighted supplement items. Lunch is fully inclusive at Citronelle Club and Lazuli based on a special menu option. Mini-bar inclusions with daily one-time replenishment of select items or menu of non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverages are included.

Select alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and drinking water are available from 10:00am until 00:00am at Lazuli Beach Club. Drinks from the Citronelle Club, Hadaba and Pavilion Bar are served only during outlet operational hours.

A minimum 5 night stay receives a one-time spa treatment at the spa for 2 adults per bedroom.

A minimum 7 night stay receives a one-time spa treatment at the spa and one-time excursion (dolphin cruise or sunset cruise) for 2 adults per bedroom.

Ocean Beach Pool Villas are 228 sqm and is complete with a private garden and plunge pool. Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults.

Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule are 23 8sqm and features two-bedrooms, one of which, a stylishly designed bunk capsule for the kids. The spacious private garden is complete with a private pool and access to your own private beach. Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.

Two-Bedroom Lagoon Beach Pool Lofts are 322 sqm and set over two floors. The first bedroom features a king-size bed and the other, two single beds, making this perfect for families. The loft also features it's own private pool, mini-bar, in-room tea/coffee-making facilities and a satellite TV. Sleeps a maximum of 4 adults.

Lagoon Water Pool Villas are 120 sqm and feature their own sundeck with private infinity pool. This villa also includes a mini-bar, in-room tea/coffee-making facilities and a satellite TV. Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults.

Ocean Water Pool Villas are 120 sqm and feature their own sundeck with private infinity pool. This villa also includes a mini-bar, in-room tea/coffee-making facilities and a satellite TV. Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults.

Two-Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Ateliers are 240 sqm and set across two floors. This residence is a slice of paradise with panoramic ocean views and private pool.. This villa has two separate bedrooms, the first of which with a king-size bed and the other, two single beds. The villa is also complete with spacious living and dining areas. This villa also includes a mini-bar, in-room tea/coffee-making facilities and a satellite TV. Sleeps a maximum of 4 adults.

Three-Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Ateliers are a larger 330 sqm and a third bedroom, containing an additional king-size bed. The villa is complete with spacious living and dining areas. This villa also includes a mini-bar, in-room tea/coffee-making facilities and a satellite TV. Sleeps a maximum of 6 adults.

Citronelle Club (all-day dining, Asian flavours). Lazuli Beach Club (Mediterranean menu). Hadaba (signature restaurant, Levantine cuisine).

Wellness spa* with hammam, steam and sauna, and state-of-the-art gym. Scuba-diving*. Snorkelling. Kayaking. Glass-bottom boat. Cycling. The Nest (kids area). The Zone (teens area).

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12.

Please note: check-out is not permitted on 31st December.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (290)
  • Very good (11)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (2)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience- SO/Maldives rooted in Fashion and Art delivers modern luxury with artistic flare. Highly recommend.

Jan 25, 2025 emorypath Williamsburg, Virginia

A beautiful, new resort on a private island. The all inclusive option is a must as it provides unlimited food, beverages, and service. The accommodations are beautiful 1300 square-foot private villas over the water with stairs down to the water, individual swimming pool pools at each villa. The service is incredible with an included ship to… Read more
A beautiful, new resort on a private island. The all inclusive option is a must as it provides unlimited food, beverages, and service. The accommodations are beautiful 1300 square-foot private villas over the water with stairs down to the water, individual swimming pool pools at each villa. The service is incredible with an included ship to see dolphins by boat, massages, and a floating breakfast delivered to our room the last day. The staff and the service are impeccable. While it wasn’t sunny the entire time, the cloud cover gave some relief from the heat and was welcomed. Our experience coordinator, Ana was kind and attentive, arranging all of our dinners and special events throughout our week. Shihab was an incredible housekeeper. Amir and Luna made our dining experiences memorable. We recommend this resort which is only 15 minutes by private boat from the airport in Male, Maldives. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing honeymoon experience!!

Jan 24, 2025 Ken L

We had such an amazing experience at the SO Maldives. The experience manager and our personal attendant, Anna, exceeded our expectations. The food and the villas were beyond expectation. The only minor 2 “suggestions,” 1. With 24 hour access to a gym, also give access to restroom. The gym they have available for guests is open 24 hours and is… Read more
We had such an amazing experience at the SO Maldives. The experience manager and our personal attendant, Anna, exceeded our expectations. The food and the villas were beyond expectation. The only minor 2 “suggestions,” 1. With 24 hour access to a gym, also give access to restroom. The gym they have available for guests is open 24 hours and is not too far but definitely not a five minute walking distance to the nearest bathroom. Having bathroom facilities that are similar to Jim access with your room card, having access to bathrooms near the gym with your room card would be perfect for those that need to use the restroom while at the gym. This would alleviate any Eastwood of going back-and-forth to the villa and the gym. 2. Add another type of restaurant, such as a prime steakhouse. There are two prime main restaurants at the resort. And another bar/restaurant that serves pizza, hamburgers, etc. by the pool area. Having a third restaurant to choose from such as a prime steakhouse would be absolutely amazing. Not only would it be amazing, but it would complement the various cultures and food experiences offered at the resort. Other than those two minor things, the resort, experience, people, food, quality, and overall service, 10/10 stars!!! Anna and the staff at Esso Maldives truly made our honeymoon memorable and an experience of a lifetime. I hope this review will inspire others to book their honeymoon experience with SO Maldives. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A vacation that will forever be remembered fondly

Jan 24, 2025 Linda C Los Angeles, California

To start, the resort had employees waiting for your arrival, and then upon departure, they walked you through the most difficult part of the airport. This was particularly helpful since it was our first time in the Maldives. The resort itself was absolutely stunning and meticulously curated. The food honestly went above and beyond my… Read more
To start, the resort had employees waiting for your arrival, and then upon departure, they walked you through the most difficult part of the airport. This was particularly helpful since it was our first time in the Maldives. The resort itself was absolutely stunning and meticulously curated. The food honestly went above and beyond my expectations! The staff was very friendly and helpful. However, there were two employees that completely exceeded my expectations. Both Luna and Badre always greeted us with a warm smile and a joyful attitude!! They were such a pleasure to see daily, and really made our visit an experience that I will always hold close to my heart. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An experience beyond all expectations

Jan 21, 2025 Escape06056963629

A bucket list destination that did not disappoint! It exceeded my expectations and now I shall make SO/ Maldives a repeat experience. Our hosts - Ismael and Viu were invaluable and took care of everything we requested with aplomb. Plus they gave us sage advice to make our excursion experiences all the more smooth and enjoyable… the entire staff… Read more
A bucket list destination that did not disappoint! It exceeded my expectations and now I shall make SO/ Maldives a repeat experience. Our hosts - Ismael and Viu were invaluable and took care of everything we requested with aplomb. Plus they gave us sage advice to make our excursion experiences all the more smooth and enjoyable… the entire staff is so pleasant and friendly. Make it a point to go and see them! You will be glad you did. Tell Viu and Ismael we say hello Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First time for us to come to Maldives for vacation to relax our mind and chill out to get back with refresh and power...

Jan 20, 2025 Karan S

Once arrived at Velena Airport walked out from baggage collection we can clearly see the sign of resort which is SO/ MALDIVES together with warm welcome from staff boat on land and on boat. Another super warm welcome once again from Khun VIU which will be our butler for our stays which we received the best service and take a best care from Khun… Read more
Once arrived at Velena Airport walked out from baggage collection we can clearly see the sign of resort which is SO/ MALDIVES together with warm welcome from staff boat on land and on boat. Another super warm welcome once again from Khun VIU which will be our butler for our stays which we received the best service and take a best care from Khun VIU. The foods all are so delicious and tasty and the place is very chill and relaxing. Will come again surely and would Khun VIU to take care us again ! Read less