Accor has announced plans to launch its luxury lifestyle brand SO/Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives.

SO/ Maldives will offer 80 luxury villas, including beachfront and over-water options, nestled on its own exclusive island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the new resort will take centre stage on the third island of CROSSROADS Maldives, an integrated leisure destination in the exotic South Malé Atoll, connecting it to a wealth of world-class attractions and facilities including dining, shopping, wellness and sailing.

One of the fastest-growing brands in Accor’s lifestyle portfolio, SO/ Hotels & Resorts is aimed at “savvy travellers who have a passion for fashion and like to keep their finger on the pulse.”

Last year, Accor revealed plans to join forces with Hoxton Hotels’ owner Ennismore to create the largest player in the luxury lifestyle market.

The new entity launched with 73 hotels across 12 brands including The Hoxton, Gleneagles, SO/, Hyde and TRIBE, and a further 110 hotels and 150 restaurants and bars are currently in the pipeline.