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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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Awards

Atmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts

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Atmosphere Core has announced that five of their resorts in the Maldives; VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, have been recognised with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025.

This accolade reflects consistently high guest satisfaction, recognising hotels that excel in service delivery, quality of facilities, and the overall holiday experience. Extended only to the top 8% of hotels worldwide, it underscores the strength of the brand’s diverse portfolio, from signature Holiday Plans to adults-only escapes and immersive, nature-inspired island retreats.

Under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi continue to set benchmarks in elevated hospitality. VARU by Atmosphere offers a contemporary island experience with seamless inclusions and warm Maldivian service, while Atmosphere Kanifushi is known for its expansive setting, lush tropical surroundings, and wide range of experiences catering to both families and couples.

Within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO each present distinct island escapes. OBLU SELECT Sangeli blends contemporary design in a stylish and tranquil setting. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic, adults-only retreat thoughtfully designed for couples, centred around intimacy and curated experiences. OBLU NATURE Helengeli stands out for its rich marine life and exceptional house reef, offering an immersive experience for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

“We are truly honoured to receive the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award across multiple resorts within our portfolio. This recognition, driven by genuine guest feedback, is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams who consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering distinctive and memorable stays across every island, tailored to different guest journeys.”

This achievement further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s position as a leading hospitality brand in the Maldives, driven by guest-centric service, innovation, and authentic island experiences.

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Drink

Lily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.

Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.

Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.

During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.

This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.

At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.

For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.

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Featured

The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package

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The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.

The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.

The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.

The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.

The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.

The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.

Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.

Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.

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