SO/ Maldives

Nestled on a pristine private island just 15 minutes away from Malé Velana International Airport, surrounded by the turquoise Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives is a sartorially-rooted retreat where the Maldives' signature castaway lifestyle meets chic runway vibes in a captivating sensory experience. We found THE BEST pools for guests to try out on the island to make their next trip to the Maldives a picture-perfect tropical vacation. With a sense of style and design that feels straight out of a magazine, SO/ Maldives is another phenomenal addition to the Maldives’ growing portfolio of world-class resorts and curated holiday experiences.

By blending Maldives' identity as a well-loved travel destination with all things fashion and art, SO/ Maldives achieves visuals that would be hard to find anywhere else. The main pool at SO/ Maldives is found at the Lazuli Beach Club, unmissable in its vibrancy and art-deco design inspirations. With the perfect curves, colors, and subtle contours to accompany a secret lawn and poolside menus for drinks and snacks, guests can relax at the club as they enjoy live events and entertainment at the resort, blending seamlessly with the diversity of experiences to be had at CROSSROADS. Each villa at SO/ Maldives also comes with its private pool striped in distinct blues, a sensory gift for guests who love spending time in leisure and relaxation, if not always in the sea. The dual-tone pools are a treat for the eyes and evoke the ocean's spirit even at a casual glance, giving guests the chance to show themselves off against a backdrop of haute couture island luxury like never before.

Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives

Amid the beautiful vistas of South Ari Atoll in the central-west, Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives hosts a pair of infinity pools that could have been pulled straight from every tropical vacationer’s wildest dreams. Inviting guests to indulge in an unparalleled experience of relaxation, the resort is a prime location for those who unwind better with a refreshing drink, poolside vibes, and tranquil surroundings. Barcelo Whale Lagoon has a main infinity pool that stretches out for 37 meters, perfect for your daily enjoyment in the sun and cool nighttime dips.

Guests also have the chance to immerse themselves in a second infinity pool that offers 250° views of the Indian Ocean horizon with edges blending seamlessly into the sea and sky. Beyond the mesmerizing backdrop of azure skies and sparkling water, Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives also has 7 private plunge pools nestled into the greenery with each of their Sunset Suite Villas.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

Located a convenient 30-minute speedboat ride through North Male' Atoll, Kuda Villingili is an ideal holiday escape for couples, family, friends, and solo travelers alike. It is home to the largest pool in the Maldives, and most villa categories offered come with private pools overlooking the ocean.

Placed as the ultimate centerpiece of the island, the central pool boasts 150 meters of azure blue, creating a stunning contrast within the lush tropical greenery that secludes and shields it from rainy weather, allowing guests to use the pool and its facilities all year round. Fashionable sunbeds, private cabanas, and water-submerged lounges perfect the rest of the bespoke experiences offered by the poolside. Guests also have access to a shaded jacuzzi at the pool and can have romantic private dining experiences with their feet in the pool and the stars above them. The pool's design includes shallow areas for younger guests to splash and play with pool toys.