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.
Awards
Ellaidhoo Maldives secures HolidayCheck Gold Award for second consecutive year
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has been honoured with the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its continued popularity among global travellers. The Gold Award is presented exclusively to accommodations that have won a HolidayCheck Award at least five times since 2019 and is reserved for only the 10 most popular hotels within each region.
Located in the North Ari Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a resort widely recognised for its exceptional house reef and vibrant marine ecosystem. The island offers direct access to over 50 dive sites, alongside 24-hour diving opportunities, making it a sought-after destination for enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike. Its thriving reef has also earned international recognition from Lonely Planet as a premier diving destination, celebrated for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
Accessible via a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey or a 90-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the resort combines effortless connectivity with an immersive island experience. Beyond diving, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is equally valued for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, offering guests the opportunity to experience both relaxation and adventure within a compact and naturally rich island setting.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, stated “Receiving the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 for the second consecutive year is a significant milestone for Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. This recognition speaks to the consistent dedication of our team and the continued support of our guests. Maintaining strong recommendation rates over several years is built on attentive service, environmental responsibility, and delivering memorable experiences centred around our house reef and diving offerings.”
To discover award-winning diving, vibrant marine life, and an island stay shaped by consistent guest acclaim, make your booking today and take advantage of the resort’s exclusive Book Direct Summer offer, which includes complimentary speedboat transfers for stays until 31st October 2026.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort recognised with HolidayCheck Award 2026
Reethi Faru Resort has been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, a recognition presented to hotels that consistently earn high levels of guest satisfaction and positive feedback.
HolidayCheck is regarded as a leading global platform for verified guest reviews, and the award reflects sustained performance based on authentic traveller experiences. The recognition highlights the resort’s continued focus on service standards and the delivery of consistent guest experiences.
In a statement, the resort expressed appreciation to its guests for their support and favourable reviews, noting that the award is a direct reflection of guest trust. The management also acknowledged the contribution of its team members, whose efforts underpin the resort’s day-to-day operations and overall guest journey.
The HolidayCheck Award 2026 underscores Reethi Faru Resort’s ongoing commitment to hospitality standards and guest satisfaction within the Maldives tourism sector.
Awards
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands secures Forbes Five-Star rating for fourth consecutive year
Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, has announced its 2026 Star Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and is showcased with other honourees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
In addition to this distinguished recognition, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Summer Pavilion each received Four-Star honours, while IWAU earned a Recommended rating, further underscoring the resort’s commitment to excellence across hospitality, wellness and culinary experiences.
Located in the Fari Islands of the North Malé Atoll and designed by Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is defined by its iconic spherical architecture, inspired by the circular forms of the turquoise lagoon and the movement of ocean breezes. Nestled along white-sand beach coves and set above vibrant azure waters, the resort’s luxury villas seamlessly blend island living with modern design. Each villa features panoramic water views, an infinity pool, a spacious sundeck, and the dedicated attention of an Aris Meeha, island butler. A dynamic culinary scene unfolds across seven restaurants and bars, located on the resort’s dedicated Culinary Island and at Fari Marina Village. Guests may also enjoy a range of curated recreational experiences or unwind at The Ritz- Carlton Spa, which exclusively features Bamford organic products.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious, globally recognised accolade and to be named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel for the fourth consecutive year,” said Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. “This achievement truly belongs to our Ladies and Gentlemen, whose artistry, dedication and quiet mastery bring our island to life each and every day. Since opening in June 2021, their commitment to refined, thoughtful hospitality has defined our journey. Together, they continue to shape meaningful experiences for our guests, guided by our promise to Embrace the Circle of Island Life and deliver service that is both personal and enduring.”
Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers 100 countries.
“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognise their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”
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