News
Anantara in the Maldives Wins Three Prestigious World Travel Awards
Maldives.net.mv – Anantara Resorts in the Maldives is in celebration mode once again, winning three of the top travel and tourism honours for the Maldives at this year’s 22nd annual World Travel Awards for Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara has been making its mark in the global tourism arena as one of the top destinations in the Maldives for holidaymakers ever since the brand entered the country in 2006 with Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa. This was strengthened in 2008 when the adults-only resort of Anantara Veli welcomed its first guests, along with the bespoke services of the boutique resort Naladhu. In 2011, Anantara once again raised the bar with the all pool villa resort of Anantara Kihavah Villas. The World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony, held in the Seychelles on June 20th 2015, saw travel and tourism professionals acknowledging Anantara resorts with three of this year’s top awards for the Maldives.
Leading Spa Resort Brand in the Maldives; Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
Rooted in the timeless healing traditions of the world’s richest cultures, Anantara Spas are designed to restore balance and harmony between body and mind in an oasis of beauty, grace and tranquillity. Intoxicating aromas of the world’s most exotic elixirs and oils are used in treatments designed to deliver radiance, healing and a quiet sense of inner and outer well-being. Receiving the awards on behalf of Anantara, Elizabeth Smailes, Area Director of Marketing Communications in the Maldives for Minor Hotel Group, says “It is an honour to win this prestigious award and to be recognised by our peers in the travel industry. This stands as a testament to the team members at Anantara Spas across the Maldives who continuously deliver a truly unique, indigenous and rejuvenating five star experience.”
Leading Water Villa Resort in the Maldives; Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa
Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa in the South Male Atoll was recognised for its 40 Over Water Suites, offering a variety of sunset and sunrise views, as well as those with private pools. Torsten Richter, Cluster General Manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Resorts comments, “Almost everyone coming to the Maldives dreams of staying in an over water accommodation, so this is a tremendous accolade to receive. World Travel Awards recognition is great for Anantara and for the Maldives as a destination. Our guests have become more sophisticated and more widely travelled than ever before, and we are already staying on the pulse by upgrading our water villas. When they fully re-open in October this year, I am confident the refurbished design will enhance the guest experience even further.”
Leading Villa Resort in the Maldives; Anantara Kihavah Villas
No stranger to global attribution, Anantara Kihavah Villas has been acknowledged with the ultimate accolade in the resort category this year, as Leading Villa Resort in the Maldives. Commenting on the award, General Manager Jean-Marc Ma-Poon says, “We couldn’t be more delighted with this acknowledgement from the travel industry professionals. It’s a fantastic affirmation for the professional dedication the resort team delivers, ensuring the villas not only look great, but are brought to life in a unique style. When the resort was initially designed, the synchronicity of four architectural and interior design companies kept the island’s environment of lush vegetation intact, harnessing its tropical nature and local culture to excellent advantage. It’s wonderful that four years after opening, our design teams continue to be recognised for their brilliant achievements and Anantara Kihavah Villas has proven itself to be a timeless leading resort in a highly competitive market.”
Considered one of the most respected and trusted sources in the travel and tourism industry, the World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Anantara Resorts in the Maldives will now move forward to the Grand Final held in Morocco later in the year.
News
CROSSROADS Maldives unveils seamless island-hopping concept across 3 resorts
CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first fully integrated lifestyle destination, unveils its new multi-destination experience “1 Journey, 3 Vibes” combining three distinct resort identities in a single, effortless stay. Launching this May, the programme removes the usual logistical hurdles of island-hopping by keeping everything within one connected destination, allowing guests to make the most of their time while eliminating the need for domestic flights or costly seaplane transfers. Guests arrive just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport and begin their journey immediately.
Designed to cater to travellers of all generations, the experience unfolds across three distinct resort environments, each offering a different rhythm and perspective of the Maldives. Guests are invited to curate their journey with flexible stay options, from an immersive nine-night experience across all three resorts to a four-night escape across two. Each stay includes full board dining, complimentary return speedboat transfers, a dedicated personal butler, and a bespoke CROSSROADS Passport stamped at every resort.
The experience opens at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, where holidaymakers ease into island living with family-focused moments and wellness, from yoga sessions to padel on the water’s edge. The tempo then shifts at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, where a high-energy, music-driven atmosphere takes centre stage and the brand’s celebrated Sound of Your Stay programme immerses guests in signature Hard Rock experiences. The final chapter unfolds at the fashion-forward SO/ Maldives, where a more refined pace awaits. Here, design-led spaces, elevated overwater living and curated lifestyle experiences cater to style-conscious travellers and luxury seekers, offering a sophisticated contrast that completes the journey.
“Whether it’s honeymooners or families, travellers today want variety without the hassle,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager, SAii Lagoon Maldives and The marina @ CROSSROADS. “The new concept solves a long-standing friction point in the Maldives: the desire to experience multiple resorts without the cost, complexity or time lost to transfers. With one booking and one seamless journey, guests can enjoy a full 360-degree Maldivian experience.”
Connecting all three resorts is The Marina @ CROSSROADS, a lively waterfront hub that adds a cosmopolitan dimension to the Maldivian escape. Guests can dine at more than a dozen restaurants, including Ministry of Crab and Hard Rock Cafe, explore the Marine Discovery Centre and Maldives Discovery Centre, browse boutique shops, unwind with spa treatments or drop little ones at the kids’ club.
The 1 Journey, 3 Vibes package is available for bookings through 31 October, for stays through 20 December 2026. The Standard Package (USD 7,780) includes three nights each in a SAii Beach Room, a Hard Rock Gold Beach Pool Villa and a SO/ Maldives Ocean Water Pool Villa. The Premium Package (USD 8,880) elevates the experience with three nights each in a SAii Beach Villa with Pool, a Hard Rock Platinum Overwater Pool Villa and a SO/ Maldives Ocean Water Pool Villa. Four-night stay options are also available, providing added flexibility to suit different travel preferences.
For reservations, please book directly via rsvn.lagoon@saiihotels.com.
News
Eid celebrations rooted in Maldivian culture headline Sun Siyam Resorts summer offers
This Eid Al Adha, Sun Siyam invites Gulf travellers to swap city skylines for turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and immersive island celebrations across some of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after destinations. From authentic Maldivian cultural festivities and elevated private villa experiences to family-friendly escapes and bespoke wellness retreats, Sun Siyam presents a collection of unforgettable Eid getaways tailored for couples, families, and groups seeking meaningful moments this festive season.

A Celebration Rooted in Maldivian Culture
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated through a thoughtfully curated day dedicated to Maldivian heritage and island traditions. Guests can enjoy traditional evening tea gatherings at Magoodhoo Beach, experience the folklore-inspired story of Bodu Mas, and come together for Eid Farivalhu, a communal feast served on a traditional Malaafaiy platter. The celebrations continue with a special dinner buffet featuring local and international flavours, followed by the resort’s signature Maldivian Roots cultural show accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Boduberu drumming.

Guests visiting during Eid can also take advantage of the resort’s summer offer, including complimentary seaplane transfers, spa privileges, family benefits, and curated island experiences.
Refined Island Living for Couples and Families
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Eid celebrations blend refined luxury with heartfelt island hospitality. From the moment guests arrive to the sound of Boduberu drumming and signature organic welcome drinks, the resort offers a seamless “home away from home” atmosphere. The newly renovated Water Villas with Pool provide enhanced privacy, expansive decks, and personalised butler service, creating the perfect setting for an indulgent Eid escape. Guests can enjoy floating breakfasts, wellness rituals at The Spa by Thalgo, Jet Car adventures with drone videography, elegant White Soirees, Lobster Barbecue Nights, and private cinema screenings beneath the stars.

The resort’s Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around experience includes access to 15 restaurants and bars, with flavours spanning authentic Maldivian cuisine, Italian favourites, and South-East Asian specialties. Families can also enjoy complimentary stays and dining for up to two children when accompanied by two paying adults.
Vibrant Island Energy and Family Escapes
For families and groups after a livelier Eid, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World deliver on all fronts — beachside gatherings, sunset celebrations, island adventures, and a non-stop programme of entertainment spread across multiple islands. At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, guests can also look forward to special live performances by belly dancer Marianna alongside energetic sets by DJ Abo, bringing an added festive atmosphere to the Eid celebrations. Both resorts are built around togetherness, making them natural fits for larger parties celebrating the spirit of Eid.

Bespoke Summer Escapes in the Indian Ocean
For travellers seeking a more secluded retreat, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers an intimate island experience complete with complimentary seaplane transfers, floating breakfasts, dolphin cruises, spa credits, and private experiences including Cinema by Moonlight. Beyond the Maldives, Sun Siyam Pasikudah presents a serene coastal escape in Sri Lanka, combining wellness, adventure, and curated culinary experiences. Guests can enjoy complimentary spa sessions, kayaking, bicycle adventures, exclusive room upgrade savings, and romantic dining experiences designed for couples and families alike.

Your Eid Travels Awaits
Sun Siyam’s summer offers extend the celebration further, with exclusive savings and added benefits across the collection, available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027. Whether seeking barefoot luxury, cultural immersion, family adventures, or wellness escapes, Gulf travellers will find the perfect Eid setting across Sun Siyam’s Indian Ocean properties, with direct GCC connectivity and a collection of distinct island experiences to match every kind of celebration.

For reservations and more information, visit sunsiyam.com.
Drink
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks World Cocktail Day with sustainable cocktail experiences
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, marks World Cocktail Day with a transformative celebration of Green Mixology blending creativity with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship with additional engaging activities.
The resort’s beverage philosophy centres on a zero-waste approach, where every ingredient is utilised to its full potential. Guests are welcomes to observe the sophisticated discipline of the bar team as they transform overlooked elements into artisanal accents, such as dehydrating organic citrus peels in-house to create fragrant, sustainable garnishes. By replacing industrial imports with these handcrafted touches, the sanctuary ensures that every drink remains an authentic reflection of its iridescent surroundings. Guests can join the expert bar team for immersive mixology lessons to master these sustainable creations firsthand.

In addition to traditional favourites, these liquid creations highlight a dedicated Island-to-Table ethos, incorporating seasonal greens and herbs harvested directly from the resort’s flourishing gardens. The celebration was further elevated by a spectacular Flair Bartending Show, showcasing technical precision and artistry in motion, choreographed to the energy of the island.

Each curated experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef invites guests toast to a future of mindful indulgence, where the luxury of the moment is perfectly balanced with the preservation of the surrounding environment.
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