Where the turquoise waters of the Emboodhoo Lagoon meet the sleek lines of couture-inspired design, SO/ Maldives has reinvented what a Maldivian escape can be. It is a 5-star private island resort offering 80 beachfront and overwater villas, each with private pools and panoramic ocean views. Standing out for its avant-garde architecture and private pool villas in a stunning location.

Olivier Moies-Delval is General Manager of SO/ Maldives, whose career spans over 30 years across Europe and Asia. Known for his expertise in strategic leadership, operations, and people development, brings a global perspective and a passion for empowering his team. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Moies-Delval sits with Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce,  to discuss the evolving luxury landscape and how fashion and hospitality converge in one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Alexander Chechikov: Over three decades and multiple regions: from Europe to Asia, including Belgium, France, Jakarta, Bali, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and now the Maldives, you have built a truly global career. How has this diverse international background shaped your leadership style, and what global forces do you see influencing leadership in the luxury travel industry today?

Olivier Moies-Delval: At SO/ Maldives, my leadership is shaped by years of global experience, from Europe to Asia, where I’ve learned to lead with empathy, creativity, and cultural sensitivity. I focus on crafting immersive guest journeys through storytelling, personalization, and bold design. Today’s luxury traveler seeks meaning and connection, and I believe leadership in this space must embrace sustainability, collaboration, and innovation to truly resonate.

AC: SO/ Maldives represents a new era of luxury, where high fashion meets island indulgence. It has been described as “couture-inspired,” a bold statement in an industry often tied to tradition. Could you walk us through the creative vision behind the resort?

OMD: The creative vision behind SO/ Maldives is about merging the worlds of high fashion and island luxury into a seamless, immersive experience. We wanted to break away from the traditional luxury resort mold and create a space that feels like walking into a couture collection, bold, avant-garde, and deeply expressive. Every detail, from the design and art installations to the guest experiences, is crafted to tell a story that celebrates creativity, individuality, and modern sophistication. Our resort is a canvas where fashion-forward style meets the natural beauty of the Maldives, inviting guests to indulge in a lifestyle that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. It’s not just about accommodation, it’s about curating a living, breathing fashion statement set against one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops.

AC: Sustainability is often described as the new luxury. How does SO/ Maldives go beyond the standard “green practices” to truly embed sustainability into its design, operations, and guest experience?

OMD: Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our identity, not just an add-on checklist. We approach it holistically, from eco-conscious architectural choices that minimize environmental impact to operational practices that prioritize resource conservation and local community engagement. Every initiative is designed to elevate luxury, not dilute it whether it’s solar panels discreetly powering our villas, waste reduction programs, or partnerships with Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to protect and regenerate our reef for rare marine species. Guests are invited to participate in this journey through meaningful experiences that celebrate nature and culture, making sustainability a lived, emotional part of their stay rather than a background concept.

AC: Where do you believe technology has its most valuable role in enhancing a stay at SO/ Maldives, and where do you deliberately keep the human touch at the center?

OMD: Technology at SO/ Maldives serves as an enabler for personalization and seamless convenience, whether that’s through smart room controls, bespoke digital concierge services, or behind-the-scenes data that helps anticipate guest preferences. However, we are intentional about preserving the irreplaceable human element, especially in moments that define luxury hospitality: genuine connection, empathy, and thoughtful presence. Our team is empowered to engage authentically, to tell stories, and to create emotional touchpoints that technology cannot replicate. This balance ensures that technology enhances the experience without ever replacing the warmth and soul of human interaction.

AC: The Maldives has long been synonymous with luxury escapes, yet the competition has never been fiercer. Looking ahead, how do you envision the Maldivian luxury resort landscape evolving over the next five years, and what must properties like SO/ Maldives do to stay one step ahead of guest expectations?

OMD: The next five years in the Maldives will be shaped by a shift toward experiential luxury that prioritizes authenticity, personalization, and sustainability. Guests will seek deeper connections, with the destination, with culture, and with the people they encounter. To stay ahead, properties like SO/ Maldives must innovate continuously, blending cutting-edge design with meaningful storytelling and eco-conscious practices. Maintaining exclusivity while fostering inclusivity in experience will be key. We’ll also see a rise in collaborations with creatives and local communities to deliver offerings that are unique, unexpected, and deeply memorable. Flexibility and agility in responding to evolving guest desires will distinguish the leaders in this competitive landscape.

AC: Guests today crave more than relaxation: they want unforgettable narratives and moments that feel designed exclusively for them. How does your team curate immersive experiences so guests will carry with them long after they leave the island?

OMD: We curate immersive experiences through attentive observation and listening, understanding what moves our guests and designing moments that resonate emotionally. Every offering, from our signature dining at Hadaba to personalized in-villa rituals, is rooted in storytelling that connects guests to culture, environment, and artistry. We empower our team to innovate and craft bespoke experiences that feel intimate and authentic, encouraging guests to engage deeply with the space and with each other. These carefully curated narratives create lasting memories that go beyond a typical vacation, transforming each stay into a unique, meaningful journey.

AC: As General Manager, how do you foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment among your team to ensure that passion translates directly into the guest experience?

OMD: I believe that great guest experiences start with inspired, valued teams. My leadership is grounded in honesty, listening, and shared ownership. I prioritize building trust and credibility by involving the team in decision-making, encouraging open feedback, and celebrating creativity and risk-taking. Continuous learning is embedded in our culture through ongoing training and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. By creating an environment where team members feel supported, empowered, and proud of their work, passion naturally flows into every guest interaction. Together, we create a forward-thinking culture that is adaptable, resilient, and deeply connected to the essence of SO/ Maldives. 

 As both a leader and innovator, Mr. Delval continues to shape experiences that resonate far beyond a guest’s stay, leaving guests with memories that feel as curated and timeless as the resort itself. Thank you, for this insightful interview!

To find out more about the incredible hotel, visit: https://so-hotels.com/en/maldives/