Business

Maldives Travel Awards celebrates best of guesthouse tourism

Published

8 years ago

October 31, 2017

Maafushi island on Monday hosted a spectacular celebration of the Maldives booming guesthouse industry as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) held the first ever dedicated Guesthouse Edition of the Maldives Travel Awards at the birthplace of guesthouse tourism in the Maldives.

Over 250 invitees, including guesthouse owners, suppliers and service providers, attended the event, which was officially called Dhiraagu Presents Maldives Travel Awards Guesthouse Edition.

Awards were presented in 12 categories, for which 96 parties were nominated. The winners include:

Leading Guesthouse: Arena Beach Hotel

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Situated on its own private beach, Arena Beach is a three-storey hotel, which features 50 stylish rooms. Each modern accommodation offers amenities to make your stay cosy and comfortable, while the private beach allows you to explore a variety of leisure activities like snorkelling and diving.

Leading Food and Beverage Guesthouse: Velana Beach

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Located on the beachfront, Velana Beach offers posh and spacious suites that are fit for families and couples alike. Designed with your comfort in mind, all rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning as well as hot and cold water.

Leading Guesthouse/Diving and Water Sports: Active Dive

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Winner of Leading Activity/Water Sports Centre title at the Maldives Travel Awards 2016, Active Maldives provides full range of water sports activities and equipment for a number of guesthouses.

Leading Green/Eco-Friendly Guesthouse: TME Retreats Dhigurah

Location: Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll

Winner of Leading Guesthouse title at Maldives Travel Awards 2014, TME Retreats Dhigurah is a three-star stylish beach hotel with all modern conveniences. Designed for maximum privacy, the hotel is located a little away from the village, yet close enough to walk and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Leading Business Guesthouse: Hotel UI Inn

Location: Hulhumale

A 10-minute drive from the main airport, Hotel UI Inn offers spacious rooms with modern facilities. Each floor has a wide balcony, while the top floor comes with a terrace that offers panoramic views of the ocean. Guests can also enjoy several activities, including water sports, diving and excursions.

Leading Heritage Guesthouse: Local Island Inn

Location: Hangnaameedhoo, South Ari Atoll

Offering a unique touch of true Maldivian culture, Local Island Inn offers superior rooms that are comfortable, roomy and elegant. All rooms are fitted with a seating area, while some units have a patio. Guests can also enjoy South African and barbecue cuisine at the in-house restaurant.

Leading Adventure Guesthouse: Reveries Diving Village

Location: Gan, Laamu Atoll

Crowned the Leading Guesthouse at the Maldives Travel Awards 2016, Reveries Diving Village offers the true Maldivian island life experience. In addition to modern rooms and a variety of excursions, the guesthouse offers three dining facilities, an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym and a spa.

Most Innovative Guesthouse Concept: Velana Beach

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Leading Guesthouse Brand: Kaani Hotels

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

A beach getaway surrounded by coconut palm trees, Kaani Beach Hotel offers sea view rooms with private balcony. The hotel features a restaurant, which serves buffet breakfast and dinner, as well as a rooftop open air terrace with loungers. A floating bar is also available just two minutes away.

Leading Transport Service Provider: Nevi Speed

Location: Alif Alif Atoll

With its homebase in Alif Alif Atoll, Nevi provides ferry service between capital Male and several islands in the atoll, including Mathiveri, Folhudhoo, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo. Its services, provided using modern speedboats fitted with state-of-the-art technology, are used by several guesthouses.

Leading Guesthouse Island: Maafushi

Location: South Male Atoll

About 30 minutes from capital Male by speedboat, Maafushi is considered the ‘Birthplace of Guesthouse Tourism in the Maldives’. Frequented by a lot of backpackers, the island has a booming guesthouse industry with a variety of affordable hotels and restaurants offering guests a holiday experience with a local touch.

Leading Beach Island: Kelaa

Location: Haa Alif Atoll

A distinct island in the northernmost Maldives atoll of Haa Alif, Kelaa boats a long stretch of powder soft white sand beach, making it the perfect getaway that will make your dream holiday come true.

Nominees were evaluated and shortlisted to five contenders in each category based on their rating on TripAdvisor, which accounts for 40 percent of the total score. Shortlisted properties were then announced and featured for popular vote, which accounts for the remaining 60 percent of the final score.

Additionally, MATATO gave recognitions in three categories, including Leading Business Development Partner for the Guesthouse Industry, Newcomer of the Year and Most Supportive Guesthouse.

Leading Business Development Partner for the Guesthouse Industry: Dhiraagu

Dhiraagu is the leading and the largest provider of telecommunications and digital services in the Maldives, offering a comprehensive range of mobile, internet, data, fixed line and TV services throughout the archipelago. The company offers specialised internet and TV services for the guesthouse industry.

Newcomer of the Year: Veli Vilaa

Location: Dhiffushi, North Male Atoll

Set on its own grounds amidst a well laid out garden and with direct access to a private beach, the luxury bungalow offers four bedrooms featuring twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. The Vilaa comes with its own restaurant, cocktail area and sun deck. An in-house chef is also available.

Most Supportive Guesthouse:

Arena Beach

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Kaani Beach Hotel

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll

Introduced this year, the Guesthouse Edition builds on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrates the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.

Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds spread across the archipelago. The industry has in recent years expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards. Some 330 guesthouses have started operations over the past five years as the number of travellers that choose to stay in guesthouses rise.

Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.

This year, MATATO has for the first time branched out the prestigious awards into three categories; the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.

As the first event held under the Maldives Travel Awards brand, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi hosted the People’s Edition on July 13, where 10 individuals were recognised for their immense contributions to the development of the Maldives tourism industry.

After the Guesthouse Edition, the Grand Gala will be held in Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort in November. Voting for the Grand Gala is now open.

The non-profit will also combine the Grand Gala with the travel conference happening a day before at Bandos Maldives resort, bringing an international audience of industry experts.

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Business

BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2025

m@ldives

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.

That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.

Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event

BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.

This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:

Watersports Personality of the Year
Diving Personality of the Year
Airport Representative of the Year
Resort Manager of the Year

These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.

Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence

For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.

To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:

2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim

Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.

Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent

BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:

HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative

Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer

Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:

Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics

These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.

Recognition with Purpose

BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.

“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”

Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.

Business

Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

m@ldives

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.

This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.

Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.

A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”

The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.

Business

BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Published

3 weeks ago

April 26, 2025

m@ldives

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.

The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.

“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.

In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.

The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.

A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.