News
Anantara Wins Four Top Accolades at Maldives Travel Awards 2015

Maldives.net.mv – Anantara Resorts & Spas in the Maldives are celebrating industry and public recognition once again, winning four of the top travel and tourism honours at this year’s annual Maldives Travel Awards.
Anantara has been making its mark in the Maldives for holidaymakers ever since the brand entered the nation 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 Maldives Travel Awards Gala Ceremony, held on 19 September 2015, saw travel and tourism professionals acknowledging Anantara’s excellence in luxury hospitality, wellness and spa services.
Leading Beach Resort in the Maldives; Anantara Kihavah Villas
No stranger to the awards podium, Anantara Kihavah Villas has been acknowledged with one of the most coveted awards of the event for the second consecutive year, Leading Beach Resort. Commenting on the award, General Manager Jean-Marc Ma-Poon says, “We are delighted with this acknowledgement from our local travel industry and general public. It’s a wonderful affirmation for the professional dedication the resort team delivers, ensuring not only that our villas and restaurants are unique, but that our amazing location within Baa Atoll is cherished and celebrated. 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 to excellent advantage. It’s wonderful that four years after opening, Anantara Kihavah Villas has proven itself to be a leading resort in a much sought after category and in a highly competitive market.”
Leading Wellness and Spa Resort; Anantara Veli Resort
Anantara Veli Resort in the South Male Atoll was recognised for its unique wellness offering. Torsten Richter, Cluster General Manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Resorts comments, “We are proud to be acknowledged as the Maldives Leading Wellness and Spa Resort, especially as this is just 18 months after the Sundari Ayurveda Spa concept was introduced to Anantara Veli. Under the expert guidance of our Resident Ayurveda Doctor guests enjoy authentic wellness experiences with a flexible approach to health, wellbeing and healing elements, yet also allows the freedom to relax and indulge while on a luxury holiday. Perfecting that balance of wellness and indulgence on an individual basis, and with lasting effect long after the holiday ends, is key to the success of the spa at Anantara Veli and a tribute to the highly professional services of the team.”
Leading Spa Brand; Anantara Spa
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 “Acknowledging excellence in luxury hospitality across Anantara’s three resorts in the Maldives – Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Kihavah Villas – the MATATO Travel Awards 2015 further endorses this year’s World Travel Award Anantara Spa also received for Leading Spa Brand in the Maldives. These awards and accolades reflect the commitment of Anantara Spa to setting the standard for service excellence and the dedication of its team members to provide the ultimate guest experience with every treatment.”
Leading International Hotel & Resort Brand in the Maldives
In addition to the gala event last weekend, at a special edition of the Maldives Travel Awards held during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai on 5th May 2015, Anantara was also awarded Leading International Resort Brand. At the time of receiving the award in May, Nicholas Downing, VP Operations – Indian Ocean for Minor Hotel Group, praised his team members and the three Anantara resorts in the Maldives, saying that this recognition stands as a testament to their professional and personal dedication and commitment. “They exemplify the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.”
The Maldives Travel Awards is organised by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) to highlight and reward members of the travel sector that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year. The awards are judged through a process of online voting as well as a jury assessment of presentations and site inspections.
Family
Hop into unforgettable eco-friendly Easter at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef invites guests to join an eco-friendly Easter extravaganza filled with family-friendly activities, special offers, and unforgettable experiences. Running from April 16th to 20th, 2025 it’s the ultimate destination for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Get ready for an action-packed and eco-friendly Easter at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef! From Easter Egg Hunts to Bunny Basket Making and Easter Mini Olympics, we’ve packed the holidays with fun for the whole family. But this year, we’re taking a greener approach to our festivities. Our eco-friendly theme focuses on reducing waste and using sustainable materials throughout the event.
For instance, when dyeing Easter eggs, we’re opting for natural ingredients like spinach for green, beetroot for red, red cabbage for blue or purple, and turmeric for yellow. Additionally, instead of using plastic decorations, we’re choosing reusable wooden or fabric eggs to minimize environmental impact.
Our SuperLEDShow, featuring internationally acclaimed performers Dennis Kiss and Szulita Szekrényes, will dazzle you with mind-blowing light displays and acrobatics on April 19th and 20th—all part of our commitment to bringing awe-inspiring entertainment in an eco-conscious way.
To top off the celebration, enjoy a Pool Party and a special Easter Beach BBQ, with sustainability at the heart of every detail. Join us for a fun-filled Easter that celebrates not just family, but also our beautiful planet. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers a perfect balance of fun, relaxation, and sustainability, ensuring your Easter getaway is unforgettable.
Easter Offer: Celebrate Easter at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef with an exclusive offer including up to 40% off accommodation, free roundtrip seaplane transfers for two with a minimum 7-night stay, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, and a gourmet welcome platter with champagne upon arrival. Enjoy additional perks like a room upgrade (subject to availability), free snorkeling equipment, kayaking, and a Veranda breakfast during your stay. Plus, kids under 12 stay and eat for free. Book now to elevate your Easter getaway with unforgettable experiences at this stunning eco-friendly resort. Offer valid for bookings made from 16 February to 20 April 2025, for stays until 23 December 2025.
To take advantage of this offer, visit https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-vilu-reef/offers/easter-offer/.
Family
Sweet sensations take centre stage: Easter at Hideaway Beach Resort with Chef Thomas Alphonsine

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has announced a spectacular Easter celebration, blending luxury, culinary excellence, and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages. From April 18th to April 21st, 2025, the resort will host an egg-citing array of events, including exclusive culinary experiences with renowned French pastry chef, Thomas Alphonsine.
As part of the festivities, Chef Alphonsine will lead a series of chocolate masterclasses at Samsara, catering to both adults and children, offering guests the opportunity to craft fun and exquisite desserts under expert guidance. Adding to the culinary indulgence, the resort will host a very special Easter Dinner on the 20th of April.
Beyond the gourmet delights, guests can enjoy an array of wellness and recreational activities, including daily yoga sessions, massage workshops at Hideaway Spa, and thrilling water sports such as group kayaking excursions. Families and young guests will delight in traditional Easter activities, including the Easter Egg Hunt, Bunny Hop Sack Race, and creative workshops such as egg painting and basket weaving.
Each evening, the resort transforms into a lively hub of entertainment, featuring traditional Boduberu performances, themed dining experiences, and DJ-led dance nights at Meeru Bar & Grill. For those seeking a more intimate evening, the Special Dinner at Meeru Beach promises a memorable fine dining experience under the stars.
In regard to the Pastry Masterclasses, Chef Alphonsine expressed: “My desire is to create a feeling, an experience – leaving you with a wonderful memory” said Chef Thomas Alphonsine “In the pastry line, you will find different flavours and textures. I am confident everyone will be able to find one or more pastries they truly love, which creates this feeling”.
Hideaway invites guests to immerse themselves in an unforgettable Easter celebration, where indulgence, relaxation, and festive joy come together in the heart of paradise.
Family
Siyam World’s Toon-tastic Easter Bash

This Easter, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the fun and excitement to a whole new level with its Toon-tastic Easter Bash, running from April 11th to 28th, 2025. It’s not just your average holiday celebration—this is going to be the most epic, action-packed, and laughter-filled Easter event ever. Get ready for an unforgettable family experience with activities and experiences that will have everyone, from kids to grown-ups, grinning ear to ear!
4 x Football Camps with Legends!
Football fans, get ready! Legendary players Theo Walcott (April 7th-11th), Joleon Lescott (April 14th-18th), Christian Vieri & his brother Max Vieri (April 19th-21st), and Javier Saviola (April 24th-28th) will be hosting football camps for kids throughout the Easter Holidays. It’s not just drills—this is about having fun, making memories, and for parents, a bit of well-deserved downtime! Sign up your kids now.
Magical Entertainment & Shows
Expect mind-blowing magic from the sensational UAE Based magician Silis Kopen, renowned for his captivating performances that blend traditional magic with modern flair. His acts are designed to transport audiences to a place beyond their imagination, leaving them in awe and wonder. He has collaborated with some of the world’s top magicians and contributes to the magic community by operating Dubai’s only online juggling school. Don’t miss the Close-Up Magic Show at the Egg Lighting Event on April 18th, followed by a dazzling Stage Magic Show on April 20th—and there’s more magic in store!
Italian Celebrity Chef Gloria Clama
Siyam World will also host Chef Gloria Clama during the Easter period, as part of the Sun Siyam Resorts’ Chef Residency Program. Hailing from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy, is renowned for her unique culinary creations that fuse the essence of the forest with Mediterranean flavors. Known as the “Chef of the Forest,” Gloria brings her passion for local, seasonal ingredients to life through dishes inspired by childhood memories of foraging in the woods. Her work celebrates the magic of nature, from wild herbs to earthy flavors and her dishes, blending the essence of the forest with the fresh Maldivian sea, will be a true gastronomic delight for all who are lucky enough to taste them.
Toon-tastic Easter Fun!
Get ready for our Toon-tastic Ninja Warrior Challenge and Toon-tastic Amazing Race—a mix of adventure, fun, and surprises. But the grand finale is the Toon-tastic Easter Bash Celebration, a spectacular show that will have everyone dancing, laughing, and celebrating together. Try your hand at the Golf Challenge, race around the track in Go-karting with the family, or experience the thrill of a Jet Car ride. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive in for a Swim with Sharks & Turtles or take a trip to a Private Deserted Island for the day. For the fishing enthusiasts, join in on Big Game Fishing with the Family, or unwind with a Family Photography Package capturing the magic of this special time. We’re also hosting a Cinema by Moonlight and thrilling Parasailing with the Family—there’s no limit to the fun. Mark your calendars for the Kidz Carnival at Siyam World during the Easter holidays at Tempo Beach and enjoy a variety of fun games with exciting prizes and guaranteed good times for the little ones! And for the true adventurers, try the Tru Scuba Diving experience or spend a day at the Horse Ranch for a truly unique adventure. Want to relax? Enjoy a Family Fun Day at the Spa with a $50 spa credit and a 10% discount on Easter day!
Hop into an Egg-citing Easter adventure at Siyam World Maldives with an exclusive offer that includes up to 40% off accommodation with the Premium 24hrs WOW! All-Inclusive package. Enjoy free roundtrip seaplane transfers for one with a 4-night stay or for two with a 7-night stay, plus a special decorated family dinner at one of our specialty restaurants. Families will love that up to 2 children under 11 stay and eat for free! Book now for an unforgettable Easter getaway with fantastic savings and exciting perks.Terms & Conditions: Offer valid for bookings from 16 February – 20 April 2025, for stays until 22 December 2025.
Siyam World’s Toon-tastic Easter Bash is packed with once-in-a-lifetime activities, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re looking to indulge in world-class dining, try something adventurous, or simply relax and enjoy time with loved ones, this Easter is bound to be the most memorable one yet!
To take advantage of this offer, visit https://www.sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers/easter-offer/
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