Maldives beyond your lounger: meet the multi-island resorts livening up paradise

Words: Lucy Thackray

The Maldives can seem like a bubble of complete tranquillity, barely disturbed by the purr of the waves or the turn of a bestseller page. That’s true of the typical resort format here: one paradise island trimmed with bungalows, with one set of resort amenities. But given the growing trend for multi-generation family trips, as well as young couples and groups or pairs of friends travelling together, there’s also demand for a livelier scene.

Leading the charge is CROSSROADS Maldives, the destination’s first multi-island concept where a marina and three resorts on three connected islands merge to provide a choice of hangouts, a raft of activities and plenty of atmosphere. Here, you can stay at the vibrant Hard Rock Hotel Maldives or the sophisticated SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – both sharing access to a fully integrated destination just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé’s airport, with a 30-berth quay, four swimming pools, 13 restaurants, a spa and the SAii Beach Club. Family-friendly, yet blessed with high-end dining, entertainment and glamorous lounging spots, this is the high-energy way to live and breathe the Maldives. Borrow a bike to pedal around the islands, stroll the colourfully-painted marina to select your dinner spot or take to the padel courts with a view of those unsurpassable aquamarine waters. Your day here is guaranteed to be sun-kissed, sociable and anything but predictable. But which CROSSROADS resort is for you?

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Leave your lounger

A buggy service whizzes you across the footbridges between islands, seamlessly connecting beaches, restaurants and a Marine Discovery Centre. A steady stream of activities and events – from a Maldivian twist on high tea to local cooking masterclasses, or fitness adventures including beach yoga, kickboxing and jiu jitsu – means you’ll never be bored, while the Roxity Kids’ and Teen clubs cater for youngsters from three to 17. 

Rooms with character

Crosley record players, Fender guitars, Bluetooth-equipped soundbars and smart TVs set the rock’n’roll tone across 178 bright guest rooms and villas. Vivid décor with graffiti-inspired art and woven rugs feels modern and inspiring – and you can add to the vibe with a music-themed, in-room spa treatment, or try Rock Om yoga with a supplied mat and video tuition.

Dine-out destination

A comprehensive dine-around plan means you can choose from 13 different dining options – simply pick your preferred meal plan, from bed and breakfast up to premium all-inclusive. Sessions has pan-Asian salads, sushi rolls and Korean fried chicken, The Elephant and Butterfly does zesty Mexican with a backdrop of striking murals, while neighbouring Miss Olive Oyl showcases the very best fresh seafood.

Don’t miss…

Nightly live music in the Marina at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives. Platters of nachos, sliders, wings and tenders are perfect for sharing with the table, while an ever-changing programme of bands and singers provides the soundtrack to your cocktails.

Book your holiday

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton 

Leave your lounger

Beach volleyball, Aqua Gym sessions, Zumba, cooking and cocktail workshops all fill your days as much as you fancy, while the choice of activities available at the Watersports Centre will delight those looking to explore in the water. Diving lessons are available for kids as young as eight, while PADI courses take skills to the next level. The Maldives’ first premium GZ19 padel courts allow you to dabble in the sport of the moment. And for families, the Junior Beach Club & Camp accommodates children aged four to 15.

Rooms with character

A sophisticated, vintage tropical feel reigns at SAii, with ice-cream hues of mint, banana and coral alongside wooden ceiling fans, wicker accents and bright rugs across 170 rooms and villas. Rain showers, 300-thread-count sheets and (in some categories) outdoor bathtubs layer on the luxury, while natural textures and handcrafted puzzles give a sense of place.

Dine-out destination

Pick from a range of meal plans, from half-board up to premium AI (which grants you discounts on spa treatments and in-room dining, too). The SAii Beach Club serves up fresh island cuisine, Terra&Mar is your all-day spot for salads and mezze platters, while Mr Tomyam does modern Thai and poké bowls, and a Gelato Bar refreshes you with watermelon, pistachio or marshmallow creations.

Don’t miss…

A treatment at SAii Spa, inspired by the sand, sea, coconuts and native stone of the islands. Pamper to the max with the 180-minute Signature Wellness Journey, packing in a herbal welcome drink, foot scrub, sand exfoliation, Thai massage, facial and aromatherapy healing bath.

Book your holiday

All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives or SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.