Page 34 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

HARD ROCK HOTEL MALDIVES

After a rejuvenating two nights at SAii
Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by
Hilton, we transferred across the 450-metre
Musikee footbridge by buggy to Hard Rock
Hotel Maldives, the upbeat international
resort that sits centre stage as a beachfront
sanctuary where entertainment, luxury and
the essence of paradise play in harmony.
Here, you’re literally made to feel like a
rockstar! We checked into our Gold Beach
Pool Villa, adorned with iconic music
memorabilia and vibrant decor that pays
homage to the legendary Hard Rock brand.
The villa features modern amenities, plush
bedding, and a pulsating rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Music is integrated into every aspect of your
stay through exclusive and unique programs.
Your smart TV features a DJ-curated playlist,
and you can hear tunes at every nook and
corner of the island. We were welcomed in
true Maldivian fashion with drummers, and
quickly settled in, so that we could make
the most of our stay here. After enjoying the
engaging activities at the pool, we visited
the activity centre just before sunset to sail
aboard a traditional Maldivian wooden boat,
a dhoni, in hopes of seeing dolphins in their
natural habitat. Despite turbulent waves and
a greying sky, we were exceptionally lucky
to witness several pods of dolphins emerge
to swim and dance beside the boat; their
majestic fins acrobatically cutting through
the crystal-blue waters. It was an exhilarating
experience to see these magnificent
creatures up close. Upon returning to the
resort, we opted to wine and dine at The
Elephant and The Butterfly, the resort’s
Mexican- and Latin American-inspired
restaurant and swim-up bar, which turned
out to be one of our favourites.
more exploring, soaking up the beauty of the rich and vibrant flavours of India to this
Before we knew it, we had one final night this man-made development, with Male in tropical paradise. It was the perfect ending to
in paradise. On the fourth day, we had the the distant background. The service staff were an eventful and dreamy four days in paradise.
sun in its full glory, so wanted to make it all very friendly, kind and truly welcoming.
count! Following breakfast at their all-day While biking, I couldn’t help but feel blessed Following breakfast the next morning, it was
dining restaurant Sessions, we enjoyed time and thankful to have had this unforgettable time to say our goodbyes, bid farewell to this
on the beach, and joined in the fun at the experience, one that I’ll cherish forever. I paradise, and return to our everyday reality.
poolside with their signature dance fitness was on babysitting duties and gearing up for The CROSSROADS Maldives experience
class to burn those extra calories (from the the big FA Cup final (which we somehow was truly an enriching and rejuvenating
previous four days)! The 30-minute exercise won), when my mother and wife decided experience. It’s the perfect destination for
was in preparation for our lunch visit to the they wanted to go on a daring expedition to families, or couples, or for celebrations – so
legendary Hard Rock Cafe. The iconic rock- swim with sharks. You could pay me and I pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and
’n’-roll-inspired cafe serves classic American would never do this, but this was their idea of set sail for this enchanting destination. We
cuisine from juicy burgers to quesadillas, and a bonding experience - indeed an authentic ended up leaving with a piece of paradise in
flavourful barbeque ribs, that too with massive experience that rocks! The two set off for our hearts, and memories to last a lifetime. I’m
American portions! We opted for a burger this exhilarating experience, exploring the already in the midst of planning my next visit!
crafted by football superstar Lionel Messi, underwater world alongside large reef and
tex-mex grub, and a warm fudge brownie to nurse sharks, spanning up to six feet! They CROSSROADS Maldives
top it all off!
returned proud to have braved the experience; South Male Atoll P.O. Box 2097
After that meal, I set off on my bicycle one they’ll never forget! For our last dinner, Republic of Maldives
(each room at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives we were suggested to try Kebab and Kurry at Facebook: @CrossroadsMaldives
is provided with bicycles), and did some The Marina @ CROSSROADS, bringing Instagram: @crossroadsmaldives

www.crossroadsmaldives.com
34 | MASALA MAGAZINE JUN-JUL 2024