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Maldives Travel Awards 2014 officially launched and opens for nomination

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Kurumba

Maldives.net.mv – The MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2014 was officially launched yesterday during a sponsor signing ceremony and press briefing at Traders Hotel, Male. The 3rd annual edition will take place at the pioneer resort of the Indian Ocean, Kurumba Maldives on the 21stNovember 2014. The awards is a joint initiative of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and leading Maldives event management company Highrise Private Limited, to provide the Maldives Tourism and Hospitality industry with recognition of their facilities and excellent guest service, and to encourage and raise service standards across the industry.

The awards comprises a total 23 categories covering the industry’s key sectors; Resorts, Hotels, Guest Houses, Liveaboards, Transport & Aviation, Wellness & Spa, Business and Technology. Winners from each category are decided through an online public vote (40%) and a judging process (60%). At the end of the process the two scores are combined to determine an overall winner. Changes to this year’s format include an extended  nomination period (1st April – 15th May) and an extended online public voting period (15th June – 30thSeptember). The number of categories a participant is eligible to nominate into has also been reduced to 3. It is hoped these changes will bring about increased participation and improve further the accuracy and fairness of the awards.

Yesterday’s function, attended by MATATO executive board members, event sponsors and media, marked the opening of the nomination period as all corners of the Maldives Tourism and Hospitality industry were invited to submit their nomination forms and be a part of this fantastic initiative. President of MATATO, Abdulla Ghiyas, while addressing  the media,  called for greater participation and asserted that MATATO would do everything within its means to draw further support from the industry for the awards. He also thanked those who had actively contributed to the  growth of the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards into what is now a credible and widely respected award.

Also present was Mr. Ibrahim Saleem, Managing Director of MACL who will be main sponsoring the event as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport for the second successive year. Mr. Saleem commended MATATO and event organizers Highrise for their continued effort to improve the quality of the industry, and expressed his pleasure that MACL will once again be sponsoring this unique event. These sentiments were echoed by Jason Kruse, General Manager of Kurumba Maldives, host of this year’s grand finale event. Mr Kruse spoke of his excitement that Kurumba Maldives will be hosting the event and said he was looking forward to working with the event management team to deliver a memorable occasion.

Key Dates

  • Nomination period opens: 1st April
  • Nomination period closes: 15th May
  • Online public voting opens: 15th June
  • Online public voting closes: 30th September
  • Grand Finale Event: 21st November

 

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Love

Valentine’s at Milaidhoo: Collection of intimate island experiences

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In the heart of the Maldives, love finds its true rhythm. At Milaidhoo, a sanctuary for couples of all ages, romance isn’t forced, it’s allowed to unfold naturally. Whether you’re beneath a blanket of stars, beside the gentle waves of the ocean or in the peace of your own private hideaway, each moment is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, your partner and the unspoiled nature that surrounds you.

This Valentine’s, Milaidhoo invites you to write your own love story through an exclusive collection of experiences, each crafted to celebrate the beauty of togetherness.

Culinary moments

Lagoon Breakfast

Start your day in the most serene way with an indulgent breakfast served by the ocean, right in front of your villa. The soft morning light, calm waters and a bottle of Ruinart Rosé set the perfect tone for a day of love.

Chocolate-Making Class

Indulge your senses in a private chocolate-making experience with our talented pastry chef. Learn the art of crafting delicate chocolates, paired with M. Chapoutier Banyuls Bila-Haut Rimage for the perfect finish.

Sandbank Picnic

Escape to a secluded sandbank for a romantic picnic, complete with gourmet delights, chilled rosé and breathtaking views of the endless horizon.

Valentine’s Beach Dinner on 14th February 2026

Let the stars be your ceiling as you enjoy a four-course dinner by the ocean. From a 10-rose bouquet to champagne and a romantic flower bath awaiting you back at your villa, every detail is designed to make this night unforgettable.

Ocean Stories

Beneath the Blue

Swim hand-in-hand through the thriving marine world of Milaidhoo’s house reef, where colourful fish and graceful corals create an underwater backdrop for your love story.

Private Cruise on Saima

Set sail aboard Saima, Milaidhoo’s handcrafted Maldivian dhoni, for a private cruise through tranquil waters. The experience can be elevated with champagne and gourmet canapés.

Private Cinema on the Sandbank

Create your own private movie night beneath the stars. Soft sand beneath your feet, your favourite film playing and the ocean as your soundtrack. You can even add dinner to make the evening even more special.

Serenity Spa

Reconnection Ritual

A deeply rejuvenating 120-minute experience designed to bring you closer together. From a mindful arrival ritual to a signature couple’s massage using rose oil and finishing with a moment of recommitment over rosebud tea, this is the ultimate expression of love and connection.

Partner Yoga

Support each other in synchronised yoga poses designed to nurture trust, balance and connection.

Couples Floating Sound Bath

Float on warm waters as the soothing sounds of singing bowls and gongs deepen your connection, helping you to harmonise body, mind and spirit.

At Milaidhoo, Valentine’s isn’t just a day, it’s a feeling that lingers in every experience, every moment and every sunset. Amidst turquoise waters, white sands and the gentle hum of island life, couples are invited to slow down and rediscover what truly matters.

This Valentine’s, let Milaidhoo be the island where your love story is written.

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Zara Larsson brings pop and tradition together at JOALI Maldives New Year event

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Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson ushered in the New Year with a live performance at JOALI Maldives, marking the arrival of 2026 with an evening that blended international pop with Maldivian cultural expression.

Larsson performed as part of the resort’s New Year celebrations, held on 1 January 2026, delivering a set that included her fan-favourite track Symphony. A defining moment of the night saw the artist take to the stage wearing a traditional Maldivian feyli—a black-and-white striped sarong that holds cultural significance in the Maldives—adding a local touch to the festivities.

JOALI Maldives shared images and video highlights of the performance across its official social media channels, showing Larsson engaging with guests against the backdrop of the resort’s New Year programme. The singer also posted clips from her stay and celebrations on her own Instagram account, offering followers a glimpse into her Maldivian holiday.

Known for chart-topping tracks such as Lush Life and Never Forget You, as well as collaborations including This One Is for You and Ruin My Life, Larsson continues to enjoy strong global recognition. Her most recent single, Midnight Sun, was released in June 2025.

The New Year performance at JOALI Maldives adds to the resort’s growing profile as a destination for high-profile cultural and entertainment experiences, bringing together international artists and local traditions to mark key moments in the global festive calendar.

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Amilla Maldives hosts ‘Around the World in Wonder’ New Year experience

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Amilla Maldives welcomed the New Year with Around the World in Wonder, a globally inspired celebration beneath the Maldivian night sky.

The evening began with Around the World in a Glass, a beachfront cocktail journey with flavours from across the globe. A gourmet dinner buffet followed under the stars, each dish reflecting Amilla’s signature artistry. During the evening, Morgan Martinello, General Manager of Amilla Maldives, addressed the island with a warm welcome, sharing a few words of gratitude and reflection to set the tone for the night ahead.

The main stage, set over the pool, became the heart of the night bringing together an international line-up of performers. World rhythms flowed through the evening with DJ Elaiva, layered with vibrant saxophone interludes by Sharif and live sets from Australia’s Hamilton Band. Visual theatre unfolded around the stage as acrobats, aerialists and fire-led performances by Fiesta Creations brought movement and light, while cultural dance moments gently invited guests to join in. Throughout the night, Sid, the emcee, guided the celebration with warmth and an easy charm.

As midnight approached, the Hamilton Band led the countdown. Fireworks lit the sky above the lagoon, adding a dazzling finale to fire-lit performances and marking the arrival of 2026.

The celebration flowed into the early hours at Tessera, where DJ Kushan kept the rhythm alive, letting guests move seamlessly between music, conversation, and quiet moments by the sea.

Amilla Maldives’ Around the World in Wonder offered immersive, elegant, and personalised luxury, setting the tone for a year of connection, discovery, and island magic.

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