The Maldives has long been celebrated for its slower pace of life — where days drift between the lagoon, the beach and long lunches overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Between May and October, however, another side of the destination emerges. As the southwest monsoon brings consistent swells, surfers head out towards some of the Maldives’ best-known reef breaks, including Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honky’s and Chickens. At CROSSROADS Maldives, these celebrated surf spots are just 20 to 25 minutes away by speedboat.
For dedicated surfers, mornings can start early, paddling out and making the most of glass-off conditions with local surf guides before heading back to the resort. CROSSROADS offers a rather different take on the traditional surf holiday: a morning chasing clean reef breaks can be followed by lunch at The Marina, an afternoon at SAii Spa or Rock Spa, sunset drinks and dinner across the destination.
And there is no need to arrive knowing your cutback from your bottom turn. First-timers can learn the basics in the protected lagoon directly in front of the water sports centre, while those ready to head further out can join the Intermediate Surf Trip, a 2.5-hour guided session taking surfers by boat to the surrounding reef breaks. Equipment, transfers and a professional surf guide are all taken care of, leaving guests to concentrate on the conditions and the waves.
The experience is priced at USD 258 net per surfer, based on a minimum of two participants.
It also means a surf trip does not have to become everyone’s surf trip. Non-surfing partners, friends or family can stay behind for the beach and spa, explore The Marina or visit the Marine Discovery Centre, before everyone meets again later in the day. For families travelling this summer, the SAii Kids Summer Camp and CampCation at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives add another option for younger guests.
That balance is perhaps where CROSSROADS Maldives comes into its own. Surfing can be the reason for the trip, or simply something new to try between everything else. Either way, guests do not have to choose between an active escape and the slower pleasures for which the Maldives has long been known.
And the logistics are unusually easy. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives sit just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, with no domestic flight or seaplane transfer required. From the resorts, some of the region’s most sought-after surf breaks are another short speedboat ride away.
For more information, visit crossroadsmaldives.com.
