*Produced by SilverKris for The Lazing Wanderer and Crossroads Maldives*
As this strange and sedentary year draws to a close, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to grab 2021 by the horns and unleash all that pent up wanderlust. There’s so much lost time to make up for – so many places to visit, so many people to reconnect with. Where would you start?
An exciting recent development in the Maldives is worth considering for your inaugural getaway. Long synonymous with private islands and romantic seclusion, the island-nation has welcomed its first, fully integrated resort. Nestled in Kaafu Atoll, Crossroads Maldives comprises several connected islands, two resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – and The Marina, a lifestyle hub offering fun for every type of traveller.
Here’s why this is such a big deal.
A new way to experience the Maldives
The Maldives has traditionally been about the one-island-one-resort experience. You get to your fabulous digs, and stay on premises for the duration of your trip. That has all changed with the arrival of Crossroads Maldives. It comprises several islands connected by footbridges, so you can experience not just the privacy of your resort, but everything else the integrated hub has to offer: shopping, dining, a marina, spas, the Marine Discovery Centre and lots more.
Not just for honeymooners
Crossroads Maldives’ unique format is a game-changer for the island-nation. You no longer have to be a honeymooner, renewing your vows or planning a spectacular proposal to consider a holiday here – although you can certainly do all those things at Crossroads Maldives. With its variety of lifestyle offerings, the resort is a great fit for extended families, those with children and even a reunion with your besties.
No complicated transfers
Most resorts involve an additional transfer from Malé, whether that’s by private seaplane or domestic flight. But Crossroads Maldives has the added benefit of doing away with complicated transfers. All it takes is a single 15-minute ride by speedboat from the airport. Once you’re there, you can access all the islands on foot, by bicycle or by pre-arranging a hotel buggy.
Two amazing resorts to choose from
Crossroads Maldives is home to two luxury resorts: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. Each offers its own unique vibe, while capitalising on the sun, sand and sea you expect of the Maldives.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives offers 178 family suites, beach villas and one- and two-bedroom overwater villas, against a backdrop of tropical architecture, contemporary design features, as well as the authentic music memorabilia synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. You’ll also have access to the world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe and the full-service Rock Spa®. Those with young ones in tow will appreciate the Roxity Kids Club™ and the Teen Spirit® Club.
Across the pedestrian footbridge sits the gorgeous SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. Its 198 luxurious guestrooms, beach villas and overwater villas come with bath amenities from Aroma Lab. Adventurers should check out the dive centre, or book an organised outing, such as the snorkelling excursion or semi-submarine trip. The more laid-back can spend the day at Lèn Be Well Spa, the first free-standing, double-storey spa complex in the Maldives. To refuel, there are four restaurants and meal plans on premises.
Laze about – or get in on the action
Whichever resort you pick, save plenty of time for The Marina, the lifestyle hub at Crossroads Maldives, packed with brand-name shopping, world-class dining, events and entertainment. It’s also home to the country’s first Marine Discovery Centre, as well as the Maldives Discovery Centre, sure to please culture vultures. Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp keeps young guests busy, while the Yacht Marina is not just a beautiful sight to behold but offers berth for up to 30 vessels.
Soak it all up in one trip
Don’t want to choose between the two resorts? With Singapore-based travel agency The Lazing Wanderer, you can book a dual-island package, where you split four nights across both Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, with all airport transfers as well as the switch between resorts taken care of. It’s a rare opportunity to experience multiple resorts in the Maldives during a single trip.
Flexible packages
Booking through The Lazing Wanderer comes with other perks. Tripzilla’s Travel Agent of the Year for three years running, this boutique firm is Crossroads Maldives’ premium partner in Singapore. (You don’t have to be based in Singapore to book through them, though.) Not only is it a one-stop-shop that gets you the best rates and arranges all the logistics, the extendable packages are valid till the end of 2021, with great cancellation policies, allowing you the flexibility you need in these times.
For more information on Crossroads and The Lazing Wanderers packages, please visit the official website.