How CROSSROADS Maldives became a world-class resort
CROSSROADS Maldives brings world-class luxury to this spectacular destination for every traveler to find quality and leisure in one place. The CROSSROADS team is committed to continuously evolving and enhancing the experience for guests, ensuring it remains at the forefront of global tourism for years to come.
This includes the three shareholders whom we have had the pleasure of hearing from, learning about the makings of this resort and where inspiration came from. Alexander Traeger, Frederic Lebegue and Ludovic Gallerne give us an insight into their individual roles throughout the creation of the resort as well as their continued efforts to deliver to all current and future guests.
You can start planning your trip and find out more about the CROSSROADS Maldives resort here.
Find out what makes a resort like CROSSROADS Maldives and the inspiration behind each part.
Q&A with Alexander Traeger, Frederic Lebegue and Ludovic Gallerne
What step transformed the vision of CROSSROADS Maldives into a tangible reality, and when did this occur?
The vision for CROSSROADS Maldives began to materialize with the strategic development of a multi-island leisure destination that redefines the Maldives experience. The significant step towards making this vision a reality was the opening of the first two resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – in September 2019. The opening of SO/ Maldives in late 2023 marked the completion of the entire project, solidifying CROSSROADS Maldives as a premier destination in the region.
Can you shed any insight on the investment funds poured into CROSSROADS Maldives?
Over USD $360 million (including SO/)
Was there a strategy for creating CROSSROADS and what was the timeline leading up to completion?
The creation of CROSSROADS Maldives was driven by a well-defined strategy to offer a comprehensive, integrated leisure destination unlike anything previously seen in the Maldives. The strategy involved curating a diverse range of experiences that appeal to different types of travelers, from families and couples to adventure seekers and luxury aficionados. The project began with the launch of SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives in September 2019, followed by the opening of various amenities at The Marina. The final piece of the puzzle, SO/ Maldives, opened in late 2023, marking the full realization of the CROSSROADS vision.
Inspired by the Maldives’ maritime history as a waypoint at the center of the world, CROSSROADS was designed in the spirit of an island village where travelers can rest, recharge and reconnect. From its architecture and design to the way its features blend with nature, CROSSROADS echoes the past while bringing visitors into an exciting future.
As stakeholders, you each have your strength and areas of expertise, can you expand on each of your roles as well as how the three of you came together to create something you can all agree on and believe in?
Alexander Traeger:
In my capacity as the General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, my role is to navigate the complexities of managing a multi-branded integrated destination. Operating a resort and a yacht marina requires a dynamic leadership approach, where I ensure that each brand does not compare or compete with one another, but rather contributes to a unified experience. This unity is at the core of our success, with each brand playing an important role in delivering an unparalleled guest experience at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Frédéric Lebegue:
As the General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, I bring the iconic and vibrant spirit of our brand to life, infusing the destination with our signature energy, entertainment and amplified service. Our unique vibe adds a distinctive flavor to CROSSROADS Maldives, yet we remain an integral part of the larger vision. We may offer a different concept and experience, but we are all playing in harmony under the umbrella of CROSSROADS Maldives. We create a lively atmosphere and amplify the beats at CROSSROADS Maldives, ensuring every moment for all our guests is authentic and unforgettable.
Ludovic Gallerne:
In my role as Vice President of Global Commerce for S Hotels & Resorts, I focus on working with the commercial team towards driving the success of CROSSROADS Maldives. This involves ensuring our resorts and The Marina meet their revenue and growth targets. Beyond these financial targets, we strive to drive guest engagement and loyalty through a collaboration with all brands involved, leveraging each individual powers towards a new definition of luxury and leisure in the Maldives which ultimately elevate our destination.
How were the dining options decided and what makes these partnerships unique for the guests at the resorts?
The dining options at CROSSROADS Maldives were curated with the intention of offering guests a diverse and unforgettable culinary experience. Each restaurant and café was selected to reflect both local flavors and international cuisines, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate. Partnerships with renowned establishments, such as the Hard Rock Café, Ministry of Crab (one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Asia), add a unique element, bringing world-class dining to the Maldives.
These partnerships are designed to elevate the guest experience by offering not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey. CROSSROADS’ culinary diversity aims to set a new standard for island resorts around the world, and the concept of “one island, one resort” dining as a whole.
Can you comment on any inspiration for each of the resorts?
The inspiration for each resort at CROSSROADS Maldives is rooted in the desire to offer
something distinct yet complementary within the overall destination. SAIi Lagoon Maldives
draws from a boho-chic aesthetic, combining a relaxed, playful atmosphere with luxurious
amenities. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives stays true to its brand’s rock-and-roll spirit, offering
guests a vibrant, energetic environment with music at its core. S/ Maldivesas the newest
addition, brings an avant-garde flair, focusing on contemporary luxury with a strong emphasis on design, wellness, and immersive experiences.
How were design choices managed and what was the priority for the outcome of the resort?
The design choices for each resort were made with careful consideration of the brand identity, target audience, and the natural surroundings of the Maldives. Trusted design firms and architects with extensive experience in luxury hospitality were engaged to bring the vision for each resort to life. The emphasis was on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable, ensuring that each resort offers a unique, immersive experience that aligns with the overall concept of CROSSROADS Maldives.
