News
Dusit Thani Maldives makes its mark at TTG Travel Awards

Maldives.net.mv – Mr. Chanin Donavanik, Managing Director and CEO of Dusit International, was named Travel Entrepreneur of the Year at the 24th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2013, held Thursday 3rd October in Bangkok, Thailand.
Also that evening, the company’s Dusit Thani Maldives property was named Best New Beach Resort Hotel in Asia due to its services, facilities, value-added benefits and professional sales and marketing team.
Both Mr. Donavanik and Dusit Thani Maldives’ General Manager Mr. Desmond Hatton were on hand to receive the honours.
The 52 Travel Supplier Awards and 16 Travel Agency Awards are voted on by readers of TTG Travel Trade Publishing’s print and online titles, with a total of 120,000 valid votes cast to determine this year’s recipients.
However, the Travel Entrepreneur of the Year Award is one of four awards under the organisation’s Outstanding Achievements Awards category, voted upon solely by members of TTG’s editorial team.
The Travel Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented each year to a CEO who makes the right hires to strengthen his organisation, who dares to take risks, sets new standards for the brand and contributes to the industry in critical areas such as training, education and sustainability.
“I am humbled that Dusit has been recognised with such prestigious awards,” said Mr. Donavanik, Managing Director and CEO of Dusit International. “Both of the TTG Travel Awards are truly a reflection of the entire team’s efforts over the years.”
“It is my sincere hope that as an organisation, and as an industry, we continue to grow in a sustainable manner, focusing on the development of our people as well caring for the communities and environments in which we operate.”
News
Hauntingly beautiful Halloween night with VICTORI at Reethi Faru Resort

This Halloween, Reethi Faru Resort invites you to experience an unforgettable evening where mystery, music, and luxury intertwine under the Maldivian moonlight.
On Halloween, October 31st, 2025, the island paradise will be transformed into a world of spellbinding elegance, highlighted by a special live performance from internationally acclaimed vocal artist VICTORI (Victoria Bulieieva). Dare to experience the magic?
A finalist of The Voice and recipient of the prestigious Maria Callas Award, presented by Prince Albert II of Monaco, VICTORI is a genre-defying performer whose powerful voice seamlessly blends classical finesse with symphonic rock, alternative pop, and metal crossover. Featured in Forbes Monaco, she has shared stages with Plácido Domingo Jr., Maye Musk, and Eric Roberts, while her viral performances have captivated millions worldwide.
Her hauntingly powerful voice, paired with her striking stage presence, promises to create an atmosphere unlike any other — the perfect harmony between the mystical spirit of Halloween and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Guests will be swept into an enchanting journey where operatic power meets modern artistry, making this night a celebration of music, mystery, and magic.
As a special gift to guests, VICTORI will perform an exclusive additional performance on November 2nd, offering another rare opportunity to experience her artistry in an intimate island setting.
In addition to the performance, guests can enjoy children’s face painting, creative activities, a Halloween costume party, a specially curated buffet of international and local dishes, signature cocktails, and themed decorations that spark imagination and enhance the holiday spirit.
Join the team at Reethi Faru Resort and celebrate Halloween in true style — with unforgettable music, enchanting ambiance, and magical moments that will linger long after the night ends.
Action
Dusit Thani Maldives offers direct access to Baa Atoll’s living reef

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the experience of the ocean begins directly at the doorstep. Situated within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the resort is surrounded by one of the most vibrant house reefs in the country, offering guests the opportunity to explore a thriving underwater world just steps from their villa.
What distinguishes the resort is its 360-degree house reef. Each villa, whether set above the lagoon or along the beach, opens directly onto the water. Guests can enter the ocean within moments of leaving their deck, where coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and turtles can often be seen. The seamless access allows families, beginners, and experienced snorkellers to engage with the reef naturally, without the need to plan or schedule an excursion.
The location within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve makes every swim a part of a wider story of conservation and discovery. Recognised globally for its corals and tropical marine life, the reserve becomes a key gathering site for manta rays and whale sharks during the season. Around the reef, visitors can observe parrotfish, angelfish, eagle rays, and reef sharks, making it a living example of biodiversity and preservation.
Life at the resort is centred on this connection with the sea. Guests may begin their day with a morning swim, take part in a guided snorkelling safari with marine experts, and conclude by observing the coral gardens as they take on new colours in the evening light. The ocean becomes not simply a backdrop but an integral part of daily life.
The PADI-certified Dive and Watersports Centre further enhances this relationship with the ocean, offering night snorkels, freediving, drift dives, and marine education programmes designed for families. Guests are supported to safely explore the biodiversity of the atoll at their own level, whether through a gentle introduction or more advanced diving experiences.
Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Maldives, noted that snorkelling at the resort is not treated as an activity but as part of the rhythm of island life. He explained that the reef begins where the villa deck ends, allowing guests the freedom to explore the ocean at their own pace and making the location distinctive in its accessibility and natural beauty.
At Dusit Thani Maldives, the distinction between villa and ocean fades away. From sighting turtles at sunrise to drifting beside reef sharks at dusk, every moment reinforces the natural character of the Maldives and the unique setting of the resort.
Business
SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners

Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider have been confirmed as official Media Partners of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at Hulhulé Island Hotel, Maldives, where SATA unveiled its distinguished partners for the 9th edition of the annual awards.
Now in its ninth year, SATA has become a key platform for recognising excellence in South Asia’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership with Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider will strengthen the awards’ regional visibility and ensure extensive coverage of the event across Maldives and beyond.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place from 19th to 20th September 2025 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across South Asia.
In addition to the media partnership, SATA 2025 also announced its corporate partners. Honda Marine has been named the Platinum Partner, while The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives join as Gold Partners. Renaatus Realty has been confirmed as the Silver Partner, and Hulhulé Island Hotel continues as the official Hospitality Partner in the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony, SATA organisers noted that the strong lineup of partners reflects the growing importance of collaboration within the tourism and hospitality industry. With the support of its partners, SATA 2025 aims not only to celebrate outstanding achievements but also to foster long-term cooperation and sustainable growth in the region’s tourism sector.
The awards are endorsed by leading national tourism bodies and associations across South Asia, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Nepal Tourism Board, Visit Maldives Corporation Limited, and several travel and hotel associations across the region.

This year’s evaluation process was conducted by a panel of nine jury members representing different countries, including tourism leaders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Spain, and the Maldives.
Through partnerships with media outlets such as Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider, SATA 2025 will ensure broad engagement across key markets, strengthening its position as one of South Asia’s most prestigious hospitality and travel award platforms.
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