If we don’t have the corals, we don’t have the beauty or the fish, and then guests don’t come.”Īccording to the World Bank, tourism directly and indirectly accounts for two-thirds of the country’s GDP. “It’s important because the islands, the ocean, the fish… the whole marine biodiversity is connected to the coral reefs. After a week, we move them to the resort’s lagoon. “We collect the broken pieces from the reefs and then we bring it here,” explains research assistant Ali Shaamy as he demonstrates the process.
An onsite coral propagation nursery offers a hands-on experience that gives broken pieces of coral a second chance at life.Īli Shaamy, research assistant in the Marine Discover Centre, demonstrates the coral propagation process. Like most resorts in the Maldives, CROSSROADS has a watersports center for those looking to get out on boards and JetSkis or plan scuba and snorkel excursions in the surrounding reefs.Īdjacent to it is the Marine Discovery Centre, which teaches visitors about the importance of sustainable practices. Those in need of some spice can head for Thai restaurant Kinkao.Ĭoral propagation in the Marine Discovery Centre There’s also an outpost of Sri Lanka’s famed Ministry of Crab, the Hard Rock Café, Japanese restaurant Nihonbashi Blue, Indian eatery Kebab and Kurry and Chinese restaurant Jiao Wu. Kalhu Odi is one of more than a dozen different dining outlets at CROSSROADS. This restaurant serves different types of food available throughout the country. “But there’s no fine dining restaurant available for tourists to experience the local cuisine. Kalhu Odi serves Maldivian cuisine in a fine dining setting. “If you have been to other resorts in Maldives, usually they serve a bit of Maldivian cuisine or host a Maldivian night,” says Firash. It’s home to the country’s first and only fine dining restaurant dedicated to Maldivian cuisine – Kalhu Odi.
This philosophy carries over into the dining zone, too. There was a disconnect before, and this will help rebuild that relationship between tourism and local culture.”ĬROSSROADS was inspired by Maldives’ role as an important stop on trading routes, connecting East and West through the ages. “It’s also a country with a rich history. “This is important because Maldives is always considered a luxury destination, but nothing more,” says Mohamed Firash, CROSSROADS Maldives’ marketing and communications manager.
#Crossroads trading series
Here, visitors learn about the country’s culture, people, history and climate struggles through a series of colorful interactive displays. These issues are front and center in the Maldives Discovery Center, located near the marina. Though the stunning white sands and blue waters are what draw most tourists to Maldives, CROSSROADS also seeks to educate visitors on the country’s extensive history, which dates back to 2,000 BCE, as well as the environmental challenges it faces today. Daytrippers can head for the SAii Beach Club, a separate venue with its own private beach and dining options.Ī rare chance to learn about Maldivian history From there, they’re shuttled via electric buggy to one of two resorts – the SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton or the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – which occupy their own individual islands, all connected by narrow bridges. Just a 15-minute air-conditioned speedboat ride from the international airport, it’s the country’s first multi-island leisure and lifestyle destination, designed to target both international tourists and locals looking for a day escape from the capital.Īrriving guests pull into a picturesque 30-berth marina – where they’re likely to spot a superyacht or two – that connects to an open-air dining and retail zone. That’s where CROSSROADS Maldives comes in. And opportunities to learn about Maldives’ fascinating history and the challenges it faces as the world’s lowest-lying nation are in short supply. Being on a remote island can limit dining options. A private island paradise in a country that’s 99% water, famed for having some of the world’s most stunning coastal scenery? Not a tough sell for most travelers.īut there are downsides.
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