News
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Holds ‘Run to Give’ Charity Run
Maldives.net.mv – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific held its ‘Run to Give’ charity run in 105 locations across Asia Pacific. As part of this Asia Pacific-wide initiative, 2 Starwood Hotels in the Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa joined hands to support of Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives in support of Himandhoo School. Run to Give also marks the kick-off in Asia Pacific of Together As One (TAO), Starwood’s annual global volunteer campaign.
Now in its second year, Starwood has dedicated the entire month of October to TAO to encourage additional volunteer efforts and also celebrate its associates’ volunteer work that takes place year-round throughout the world, making a positive impact in their communities. Across Asia Pacific, Starwood associates have volunteered more than 6500 hours of community service in 2014 alone.
“Run to Give underscores Starwood’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize that the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate,” said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Last year was the first time we organized the charity run to immense response; this year with the continued support from our associates, we are confident that Run to Give will accomplish more than we ever could alone.”
The run at Sheraton Maldives participated by guests and associates started from one of the island at Arrival Pavilion with the route taking participants by the Shine Spa, Sheraton Club Lounge, Fitness Center and ending in Beach Bar. Maldives current national record holder in multiple categories and Dhiraagu brand ambassador Mr. Hassan Saaid also joined the participants in support of the cause. The event concluded with the entertainment of traditional Bodu Beru performances on the beach.
The race held at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives was divided into 2 KM race and 0.5KM swim. The route saw guests and W talents swimming and running across the island. Each participant mixed and mingled at FIRE Beach after the race to sip on bespoke cocktails while listening to the vibrant tunes curated by the new Music Curator, Erica Rhone.
Started in 2014 as Hotel Charity Run, the inaugural event saw an overwhelming response of over 20,000 runners take part in 92 locations across Asia Pacific; raising a total of close to USD 228,000. Associates from Starwood hotels all over the region organized these unique runs to raise funds for a local charity in which their hotels operated in. This year, the run took on the official event name‘Run to Give’ – chosen amongst close to 500 internal submission entries by Starwood associates, best representing the spirit of the charity event.
Run to Give expects to gather more than 75 Starwood associates, running enthusiasts and philanthropists. Funds raised through the charity run in the Maldives will go towards Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and Himandhoo School to support education’s program for underprivileged children and help people with special needs.
Awards
Tripadvisor places The Standard, Maldives among global top 10% hotels
The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt has earned the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, placing it among the top 10% of hotels globally, based on authentic guest reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months. Unlike industry-judged accolades, this recognition is shaped entirely by guest feedback, reflecting genuine experiences, meaningful interactions, and the moments that leave a lasting impression long after the journey ends.
Located in the untouched beauty of Raa Atoll, surrounded by turquoise waters and a rich marine ecosystem, The Standard, Maldives offers a distinctive blend of contemporary lifestyle luxury and immersive island experiences. As part of Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio, the brand brings a vibrant, social energy to the destination, where memorable stays are defined not only by place, but by people.
Guest reviews frequently highlight that while the island’s natural setting is undeniably stunning, what resonates most deeply is the heartfelt service delivered by the team. Personal interactions, intuitive gestures, and a genuine sense of care consistently stand out, reinforcing that true luxury lies in how guests feel throughout their stay.
Culinary experiences have also played a key role in guest satisfaction, particularly with the recent debut of Onda, the resort’s Mediterranean restaurant. Since its launch earlier this year, Onda has received strong praise for its fresh flavours, lively atmosphere, and distinctive dining concept, adding a new dimension to the resort’s culinary offering.
At the same time, the island’s vibrant house reef continues to captivate guests, with many noting the ease of access directly from the overwater villas. Snorkelling experiences just steps from their accommodation reveal encounters with tropical fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life, creating moments that are both effortless and unforgettable. This recognition follows the resort’s Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award last year, further strengthening its position as one of the Maldives’most dynamic lifestyle destinations.
“We welcome new guests every day, while also cherishing those who return to us time and time again. Many of our loyal guests have come to know the resort and our team by heart, choosing to make The Standard, Maldives part of their ongoing journeys. Our Guest Experience Makers, or GEMs, truly embody their name. They are the individuals who bring personality, warmth, and authenticity to every stay, rare qualities that our guests deeply value. We take great pride in our team, as they are the true essence of what defines us as The Standard. It is these meaningful, personal interactions that ultimately shape and elevate the guest experience,” said Naseef Abdulla, Front Office Manager.
“At The Standard, Maldives, we believe that memorable stays are not only about beautiful villas or idyllic locations, but about creating moments that feel personal and effortless. As part of Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio, we aim to deliver an experience that is both elevated and approachable, where guests can connect, unwind, and express themselves freely, while maintaining a level of excellence and consistency that our guests can always rely on,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives.
Drawing inspiration from guest feedback, The Standard, Maldives continues to evolve, enhancing its offerings while staying true to its vibrant personality, strong service culture, and connection to its natural surroundings. More than just a place to visit, the resort aspires to create explorative yet playful experiences that guests carry with them, and often inspiring them to return.
Awards
Five Marriott Maldives resorts recognised across all seven Travel + Leisure Award categories
Marriott International has announced that five properties from its Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Maldives have been recognised in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Curated by the editors of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau and voted on by discerning readers worldwide, the annual awards celebrate the very best in luxury travel across the region.
Among this year’s distinguished winners, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa garnered accolades across all seven award categories, underscoring their exceptional standards in private island sanctuaries, world-class spa experiences, exquisitely designed villas, iconic Instagram-worthy pools, vibrant house reefs, and exemplary hospitality leadership.
“We are deeply honoured that our resorts in the Maldives have been recognised across all seven categories in this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific,” said Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International. “This recognition reflects the strength and diversity of our portfolio, as well as the passion and dedication of our teams in creating exceptional, immersive experiences that resonate with today’s luxury traveler. We are grateful to our guests for their continued trust and to our associates, whose commitment to excellence brings these extraordinary destinations to life every day.”
W Maldives: A Bold and Unscripted Island Escape
Following its bold transformation in 2025, W Maldives continues to make waves, earning the title of Best House Reef in the Maldives for the third consecutive year, while also ranking #4 among the Best Resorts in the Maldives. Home to one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs, the resort offers direct access to exceptional house reef snorkeling just steps from the beach and overwater villas. Suitable for snorkelers of every experience level, the thriving reef is home to abundant marine life, including reef sharks, tropical fish, and the island’s beloved resident sea turtle, Bob, making every underwater adventure memorable.
For more information, please visit wmaldives.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: Embrace the Circle of Island Life
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to set the benchmark for refined island luxury. Designed by the renowned architect Kerry Hill, the resort’s striking circular architecture embraces the duality of island life, drawing inspiration from the harmony of the open ocean and tranquil lagoon, sunlight and shade, and the expansive Maldivian sky. At its heart, the iconic ring-shaped The Ritz-Carlton Spa appears to float above the turquoise lagoon, offering holistic wellness experiences inspired by the healing energy of water and the cardinal directions. This distinctive philosophy is reflected in its accolades, with The Ritz-Carlton Spa named the Best Resort Spa in the Maldives, and the resort ranked #7 among the Best Resorts in the Maldives.
For more information, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: A Multigenerational Luxury Family Resort
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa secured #3 in the Best Resorts for Families and Best Pools categories, in addition to #9 the Best Resort Spas in the Maldives. Set on a natural island, the resort brings generations together with dedicated spaces for every age. Younger guests can enjoy more than 100 engaging activities at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, while adults can embrace moments of calm at the overwater Spa by JW. Families can unwind at the expansive Horizon Pool, overlooking uninterrupted ocean views, while adults seeking tranquility can retreat to the adults-only infinity Pool 18.
For more information, please visit jwmarriottmaldives.com.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: The Maldives’ Finest Address
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort received two accolades, ranking among the Best Resorts in the Maldives, while the John Jacob Astor Estate was recognised in the Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives category, with both securing the #10 position. Nestled on a lush natural island, the resort continues to redefine ultra-luxury island living through elevated experiences, from the newly expanded Two-Bedroom Family Villa and the reimagined culinary journey at Cargo to a world-class padel court and a transformed Technogym-equipped fitness centre. A masterpiece of design, the John Jacob Astor Estate spans 1,726 square meters across two levels, making it one of the largest overwater villas in the Maldives. This three-bedroom overwater residence features a private gym, cinema, three spa treatment rooms, a kitchenette, plunge pools, a sweeping infinity pool, and an oceanfront terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. With the signature St. Regis Butler Service and a private buggy, the John Jacob Astor Estate sets a new benchmark for bespoke island luxury.
For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon & Spa: Greg Allan, Best General Managers in the Maldives
For the second consecutive year, Greg Allan has been named among the Best Resort General Managers in the Maldives. Under his leadership, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to elevate guest experiences while advancing sustainability, talent development, and product innovation. As part of its marine conservation efforts, more than 800 coral colonies have been successfully relocated to help protect the reef ecosystem. Greg Allan is also a passionate advocate for developing local hospitality talent through the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program, while championing greater female representation in operational roles.
For more information, please visit sheratonmaldives.com.

To know more about Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, please visit marriott.com/maldives.
Awards
InterContinental Maldives earns second consecutive Travel + Leisure family resort honour
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been recognised among the Top 10 Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, marking the second consecutive year the resort has received this distinction.
Set within the pristine blue of Raa Atoll, the resort continues to be a meaningful island address for families seeking space, ease and time together. From beach and overwater villas to thoughtful programming for children and teens, InterContinental Maldives creates moments for every generation. Younger guests are invited into the world of Planet Trekkers, while teens can enjoy their own rhythm
on the island, from spa specials and games to time on the water and relaxed moments with new friends. Families can spend their days exploring the lagoon, learning about the marine life that surrounds Maamunagau, or sharing quiet evenings as the sky softens over the Indian Ocean. It is this balance of discovery, calm and togetherness that makes each stay feel deeply personal.
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading family resorts for two consecutive years,”said Reinhold Johann, General Manager of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.“Family travel is central to our purpose here at InterContinental Maldives, and this award shines a light on our incredible team, whose genuine care consistently earns the highest praise from our guests. From curated experiences for all ages to multigenerational island adventures, we remain committed to making every family feel completely at home in our little slice of paradise.”
The T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific celebrate exceptional hotels, resorts and travel experiences across the region, with winners selected by readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau.
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