Saii Lagoon Maldives – My Personal Experience

As a Travel Counsellor, I was fortunate to be invited to stay at Saii Lagoon Maldives, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. I’d love to share my first-hand experience so you can decide whether this resort is the right fit for your Maldives escape. 🌴 First Impressions I landed in Malé at 14:15 and, by 15:25, I was stepping off the boat onto the island. The welcome was warm and genuine — the team lined up on the jetty, ready with buggies to whisk us through a seamless check-in. That instant sense of hospitality really set the tone for the rest of the stay. 🛏 Accommodation Saii Lagoon keeps things simple with three room categories, each designed to suit different budgets and styles of travel: • Sky & Beach Rooms – Hotel-style blocks of eight rooms. Entry level, but with stunning views. Some ground-floor options even have private plunge pools facing the beach — great value if you want a pool without the villa price tag. • Beach Villas – Available with or without private pools. Villas are semi-detached, but cleverly designed for privacy. Families can also connect two villas. Each has a terrace with loungers and direct access to the beach. • Overwater Villas – With or without pools, these are at the far end of the resort overlooking the lagoon or the open ocean. Two-bedroom options are also available, ideal for families or groups. 🌊 Pool & Relaxed Vibes The central infinity pool was one of my favourite spots. Overlooking the ocean, it has a relaxed, beach-club feel, with loungers and ever-popular poolside couches (hard to get unless you’re quick!). The atmosphere is chilled, stylish, and very sociable. Dining on the island itself includes Miss Olive Oyl, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant near the overwater villas. We enjoyed a beachside dinner here overlooking the lagoon — stunning views matched by incredible food. 🍽 Dining Beyond the Island A short stroll across the bridge takes you to Crossroads Marina, where luxury yachts dock in season and there’s a lively choice of restaurants, shops, and even a nightclub. This area is open to non-residents, so it feels more vibrant than the typical Maldives island. Many of the restaurants here are included in Saii Lagoon’s meal plans, including the Hard Rock Café. A few specialty venues aren’t included, but guests receive a $50 credit towards the bill on certain board bases. One standout dining experience is the Culinary Journey (around $500 per person). You’re collected from your villa in a pink Rolls Royce with champagne, then taken on a progressive dinner through three of Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s world-renowned restaurants. Expect Japanese starters, the most incredible crab dishes at Ministry of Crab, and a mouth-watering main at the Nihonbashi steakhouse. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for food lovers. With 14 dining outlets across Saii Lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel, and Crossroads Marina, you’re spoilt for choice. Personally, I found breakfast at Hard Rock to be quieter with slightly better service than at Saii Lagoon — worth knowing. 🚤 Activities & Facilities Water sports are shared between Saii Lagoon and Hard Rock. Snorkelling gear is free, as is one hour of kayaking per day. Motorised sports are available at an extra charge. The team is fantastic — professional, friendly, and great with beginners. We joined a guided shark swim, which was unforgettable! Families are well catered for too. The Saii Kids’ Club welcomes children from 4 years, and babysitting can be arranged in your villa for an additional fee. (Note: Hard Rock guests can use Saii Kids’ Club, but not vice versa.) 🧭 My Verdict Saii Lagoon Maldives is not for everyone — and that’s what makes it special. If you’re dreaming of a secluded “desert-island” Maldives escape, this might not be the right choice. But if you usually holiday in the Caribbean and now want to try the Maldives, or if you’re looking for a livelier island with plenty of dining and entertainment alongside quiet, sandy beaches — it’s perfect. When I recommend this property, I often suggest twinning it with a more traditional island to give travellers the best of both worlds. And remember: because I’ve experienced Saii Lagoon first-hand and built relationships with the team, when you book through me I can add that personal touch to ensure your stay is nothing short of perfect.