News
The 3rd Annual Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Shines Bright
Maldives.net.mv – The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards shined bright at the Trans Resort Bali on September 19th 2015.
The leading Lights of the Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle industry gathered at the beautiful Trans Resort Bali this past week end to attend and collect their awards from the 3rd annual Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality & Lifestyle Awards.
Guests were treated to a spectacular evening which kicked off in style with a saxophone backed cocktail reception accompanied by a selection of mouth-watering canapes.
Guests were then ushered to the grand ballroom to begin the celebrations.
Numerous winners from all over the world, such as Katara Hospitality, Al Marjan Island, Emirates Palace, HRH Group of Hotels, Spirit Hotel, Melia Zanzibar, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts and many more attended the star studded ceremony.
The Trans Resort Bali provided for culinary delights with a 5 course meal for all attendees while they enjoyed the entertainment and award presentations.
Luxury panel Members in attendance included HSH Prince Massimiliano della Torre e Tasso, Frank M Pfaller, Khalil El-Mouelhy, Nicola El-Mouelhy, Karine Lackner, Mohammed Riyaz, Marina Noble, Dr Andreas Lindner, Thanos Liontos and the beautiful Ms Ece Vahapoglu who is also the official presenter of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
Mr Frank M Pfaller, Honorary Chairman of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality & Lifestyle Awards, President of the Hoteliers Guild greeted the attendees and officially launched the world’s first International Hospitality Hall of Fame to a roaring applause.
In Addition, the Torch was passed to the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella Spain to host the 2016 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
These awards included the “Outstanding furniture Design for Luxury Hospitality”, which was collected by Serkan Yildirim of DSIGN Furniture, The Award for “Remarkable and Exceptional achievements in Luxury Hospitality” which was presented to Katara Hospitality, The Seven Stars Travel Technology Award which was collected by Illusions Online, the Award for “the preservation and promotion of Heritage and Heritage Hospitality”, which was presented to HRH Hotel Group and the Seven Star Development Award which was presented to Al Marjan Island.
Poshberry also received the special award for Seven Star Luxury Flight booking service by providing customers with exceptional rates of first and Business class travel.
Maharajas Express, Bali Food Safari and Ayung Resort Ubud collected the award for Seven Star Experience presented by Luxury Panel Member Karine Lackner.
Two resorts from Maldives, JA Manafaru and Ayada Maldives were awarded Signum Virtutis, the Seal of Excellence.
Fashion Designer Paul Ropp provided for excitement with his first fashion show since 2012 and a prize for 2 lucky winners.
The event concluded with a group picture on the Stage and an after party at the trendy 18th, the Trans Resort Bali’s very own open air roof top bar.
Featured
Ifuru Island Maldives presents intimate Valentine’s escape for couples
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two, a Valentine’s season programme featuring a collection of experiences designed for couples seeking connection in a private island setting shaped by natural surroundings and a restrained approach to luxury.
Central to the offering are romantic beach dinners held under the night sky, alongside an exclusive private dining experience at the resort’s Secret Spot. This secluded location is reserved for couples seeking privacy and is available by prior arrangement. Each dining experience is curated by the culinary team and includes bespoke menus, candlelit table settings and personalised service.
For couples wishing to spend time on the water, the resort is introducing a private romantic yacht charter in collaboration with Blend. The experience offers a quiet journey across the lagoon and open waters, with curated refreshments and uninterrupted sunset views. Designed for a limited number of couples, the charter is positioned for occasions such as proposals, anniversaries and Valentine’s celebrations.
Wellness experiences form an additional element of the Valentine’s programme. Couples can book a dedicated spa package focused on shared relaxation rituals in a calm setting. For guests interested in mindfulness, a guided meditation and bonding session led by visiting practitioner Dr. Sha is available on selected dates, offering an opportunity for reflection and balance within the island environment.
Through private dining, ocean-based experiences, spa rituals and mindful moments, A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two presents couples with the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s season in a manner that is personal, unhurried and considered.
Love
COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
This February, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi invite guests to experience two of the most cherished occasions of the year—the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse, and Valentine’s Day—in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives. Each island resort presents bespoke celebrations that blend cultural richness, heartfelt romance, and signature COMO hospitality.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to celebrate renewal, connection and love across our two islands this season. Whether it’s the bold beginnings of the Lunar New Year or the intimate joy of Valentine’s Day, our experiences combine deeper cultural meaning with the serenity and natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “From lantern-lit dinners by the sea to bespoke romantic moments under the stars, each celebration has been thoughtfully curated to inspire lasting memories.”
Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start by the Sea
At COMO Cocoa Island, the Lunar New Year programme embraces the spirit of bold renewal with experiences designed to reconnect body, mind and nature. Guests can explore pristine coral reefs, swim with reef sharks, rejuvenate with holistic treatments from visiting practitioner Kimiko Briody, and gather for a festive Oriental-style dinner that honours tradition and togetherness.
Meanwhile, COMO Maalifushi invites families and friends to celebrate amidst open skies and sea breezes. The highlight is a lantern-lit reunion feast by the ocean, where guests come together to savour seasonal flavours and shared joy. Throughout the day, world-class diving, snorkelling and curated cultural activities make for a meaningful start to the Year of the Fire Horse.
Both resorts offer Lunar New Year experiences crafted to reflect rich tradition, mindful wellness, and unforgettable island living.
Valentine’s Day: Romance, Curated the COMO Way
Love takes centre stage as COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi present exceptional Valentine’s Day dining and romantic moments against the backdrop of Indian Ocean splendour.
At COMO Cocoa Island, couples can enjoy:
- A complimentary wine tasting on Valentine’s Eve.
- Signature Champagne cocktails under the setting sun.
- A seven-course beachside dinner designed to celebrate love.
- Bespoke experiences such as Private Yakiniku BBQs, served in-villa or beneath starlit skies. Available throughout the romantic season.
Meanwhile, at COMO Maalifushi, lovers are invited to a thoughtfully curated four-course Valentine’s Day menu crafted to elevate every moment. Complementing the dinner, a Valentine’s Package features sundowner Champagne, bespoke romantic touches, and personalised service for an unforgettable evening on February 14th, 2026.
Whether dining beside glistening waters, on a secluded sandbank, or within the intimacy of overwater villas, every experience is tailored to celebrate love’s lasting joy.
Culture
Kuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced a three-day Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH programme, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion from 19 to 21 March 2026 in a tranquil island setting that brings together family, reflection, and shared moments.
Following the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr at the resort is designed as a gentle transition into celebration, offering guests the freedom to mark the festival at their own pace. The programme brings together families, couples, and friends through curated dining experiences, relaxed island gatherings, and moments of quiet connection by the Indian Ocean.
Culinary experiences form the centre of the Eid programme. Celebrations begin with the Kuda Eid Feast Buffet Dinner at The Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern and Maldivian dishes served under the stars, accompanied by soft island music. Guests can also gather at Spice for the Kuda Eid Lunch Feast, a five-course Middle Eastern fusion menu by the Qureshi brothers, inspired by traditional flavours and designed for sharing in the spirit of Eid. Evenings continue at The Bar with an Arabic Shisha Night, combining live DJ music with a relaxed social atmosphere.
Eid mornings at the resort offer a calmer start to the day, with a Signature Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa pool. Guests can also enjoy Eid Signature Mocktails, created with floral and spice notes that reflect the season’s sense of gratitude and renewal. An interactive Art of Shisha Making experience is also available, encouraging conversation and shared storytelling.
The Eid programme has been curated to include guests of all ages. Younger visitors are welcomed at Kuda Fiyo, where Eid-themed creative workshops, treasure trails, storytelling sessions, games, and movement activities are organised to create memorable experiences while reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion.
For families and adventure-seekers, the resort also offers Eid al-Fitr Ocean Adventures. A personalised Big Game Fishing experience provides an opportunity to spend time together on the open sea, combining quiet reflection with exploration of the surrounding waters.
With its expansive island layout, eight dining destinations, and the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives presents an Eid al-Fitr celebration that blends tradition with contemporary island living, offering space, privacy, and a relaxed setting for guests seeking a meaningful Eid experience in the Maldives.
The full Eid al-Fitr 2026 programme can be viewed here. More information about the resort is available from the resort’s website.
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