News
Conrad Maldives Wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel and Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Hotel
Maldives.net.mv – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes home two highly respected awards at this year’s annual World Travel Awards, winning the hot spot in two highly coveted categories: Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Hotel and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel. These distinguished awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, and both accolades serve to recognise the commitment to excellence which Conrad Maldives has demonstrated over the past twelve months, not just as a hotel leader in the Indian Ocean, but also as the leader in this region from a gourmet and culinary perspective.The awards round off a great season of recognition for Conrad Maldives, as the World Travel Awards closely follow the resort being named to TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame as a recipient of the site’s Certificate of Excellence for the past five consecutive years – the result of positive feedback received from guests on TripAdvisor.
“We are incredibly honoured to have been recognised as the leading hotel in the region for both culinary and overall hotel experiences,” said Lyle Lewis, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “The recognition is a testament to what we deliver to our guests on a daily basis – the finest food and beverage with the widest variety available in the Maldives; personalised and anticipatory service; and an intimate connection to the lush surroundings of the Maldives and the Indian Ocean. For our world-class chefs and resort staff on the island, the awards from the industry via the World Travel Awards along with the recognition from guests via TripAdvisor lend encouragement to continually deliver the best for our guests each day.”
These awards mark an extremely exciting time for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The gourmet aficionados ‘go-to’ destination in the Indian Ocean, the resort provides no less than 12 restaurants and bars. Leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of culinary offerings, restaurants range from the applauded Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, to the spa-inspired cuisine at Mandhoo, and the latest addition to the gourmet portfolio, Ufaa by Jereme Leung. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the globally recognised Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (celebrated this past April) – which has played a significant part in the resort’s repute as a dining destination to travel for. Youngest addition to the culinary scene, Ufaa by Jereme Leung, is the Maldives first celebrity chef restaurant heralded by renowned Chinese chef, Jereme Leung. Ufaa is an innovative Chinese concept offering authentic experiences highlighting the iconic flavours of China, and celebrates its first anniversary this September.
Conrad Maldives’ title as Leading Culinary Hotel in the Indian Ocean is underpinned by the worldly variety of cuisines on offer. From Japanese-style live cooking at the open-air Koko Grill, to 101 cheeses imported from the world over in The Cheese and Wine Bar and up to 1,400 different wine labels found in The Wine Cellar, Conrad Maldives understands that a remote location need not act as a barrier to fine dining and world-class wines. The resort’s array of culinary experiences promises to delight the palate of any discerning food lover.
Beyond food and beverage, Conrad Maldives offers exceptional accommodation, service, and environments that help to explain how it claimed the title of Leading Hotel overall in the Indian Ocean. The luxury resort offers three different experiences across two islands: the typical get-away-from-it-all Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island; the larger and livelier main island (linked to it by a 500m bridge), Rangalifinolhu, featuring water sports and various other facilities; and the over-water destination The Spa Retreat that operates as a resort-within-a-resort set 100m off the tip of the main island. No matter where they stay, guests can enjoy all the resort’s facilities in full, and will also benefit from the world-class anticipatory service of the resort’s exceptional staff – whether via simple bespoke requests or through full wedding and event planning available on the island.
Action
Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Awards
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Celebration
Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
-
Fitness1 week ago
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa hosts successful Fit Week
-
Cooking1 week ago
Niyama Private Islands brings Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine to Subsix’s oceanic setting
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Haven takes flight with Virgin Atlantic’s inflight entertainment
-
News1 week ago
Celebrate Chinese New Year charm at Bandos Maldives
-
Celebration1 week ago
Celebrate the Year of the Snake in unmatched luxury at Kuda Villingili
-
Drink1 week ago
Sundowners delivered: Avani+ Fares Maldives introduces Ambaa Adventure
-
News1 week ago
Turn dream Maldivian escape into bonanza with The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
-
Cooking6 days ago
Anantara Kihavah unveils star-studded culinary calendar for 2025