Page 33 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

plunge pool, direct beach access,
an outdoor bath and shower, and
all the modern amenities you
would expect of a luxury resort.

Despite heavy rainfall on the
day of arrival, we were keen to
explore the island resort. The
lagoon surrounding the resort is
so jaw-droppingly blue that even
my 2-year-old son kept saying,
“wow” each time he looked out.
We were famished, and while
there are so many outlets to
indulge in, we opted to dine
at the resort’s signature Miss
Olive Oyl Restaurant, which
features cuisine inspired by land
and sea, including Maldivian
favourites and Mediterranean
classics. Those who have visited
SAii Laguna Phuket would be
familiar with their Miss Olive
Oyl brand.

We were on a full-board package,
which offered each adult the choice
of one appetiser, one main and one
dessert, which we quickly came to
realise, was a lot! We tucked into
fresh seafood and hearty pasta
dishes, all prepared with the finest
ingredients. Like most of the other
dining outlets, the open-air setting provides
breathtaking views of the ocean. Once the rain
settled, we hopped on a buggy and toured the
island, scouting and planning ahead for the
next few days. CROSSROADS Maldives is a
culinary haven for food enthusiasts, offering 14
distinct dining options to choose from at SAii
Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton,
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and The Marina @
CROSSROADS, including the world-famous
Hard Rock Cafe featuring American classics,
authentic Indian at Kebabs& Kurry, authentic
Thai cuisine at Kinkao or Mr. Tomyam, bold
and vibrant Latin American cuisine at The
Elephant and The Butterfly, and scrumptious
seafood at the acclaimed Ministry of Crab.
Contrary to other resort destinations in the
Maldives, four nights here almost didn’t feel
enough!
hidden hammocks. In the afternoon, we paid happy place – this kids’ club was far larger and
After a comfortable night’s rest, the sun was a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre, which more appealing than many other resorts we’ve
out, and we kicked off our second day with features a variety of interactive displays that been to. Before the rain showers returned, we
a champagne breakfast at Terra & Mar, provide fascinating insights into marine life decided to dine at the pool bar, and enjoy the
featuring homemade global classics, and Sri and ecosystems. We were well informed on our tropical cocktails and hearty bar food.
Lankan and local delicacies. SAii Lagoon guided tour by a local Maldivian, explaining While it may sound like there is a lot to do, the
Maldives features two enticing swimming the diverse species that inhabit the Maldivian resort still offers a sense of exclusiveness and
pools boasting panoramic views of the ocean. waters and the important roles they play in the privacy, and is ideal for couples and families.
One side of the island is facing the open sea, marine environment.
while the other side overlooks the beautiful
turquoise lagoon. The white, sandy beaches The resort also embraces the spirit of creativity
were so inviting that we couldn’t help but and fosters an engaging environment for young
soak ourselves in the calm, crystal-clear waters kids and teens at The Koumala & Maalimi’s
and get lost in our thoughts on many of the junior beach club and camp. My son was in his