Some places are remembered for their beauty. Others are remembered for how they make you feel. At Fushifaru Maldives, the two are inseparable

Set in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll, Fushifaru Maldives has been recognised as the No. 4 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition is a meaningful milestone for the award-winning boutique resort, reflecting the experiences, emotions and lasting memories that guests carry home long after their island escape comes to an end.

“Being recognised as the No. 4 resort in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is a truly proud and meaningful moment for all of us at Fushifaru. This achievement belongs first and foremost to our guests, whose trust and support inspire us, and to our dedicated team, whose passion, genuine hospitality and countless thoughtful gestures bring the spirit of Fushifaru to life every day. At Fushifaru, we believe that what makes a place truly special goes beyond its natural beauty. It is the connections we create, the kindness we share and the memories that stay with our guests long after they leave our shores. This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful experiences that celebrate our island, our Maldivian heritage and the people who make it feel like home,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, BeKind Hotels & Resorts.

For Fushifaru, this achievement is more than a place on a list. It is a celebration of the people, the natural environment and the distinctive sense of place that make the island what it is.

Every island has a story. Fushifaru is home to the largest natural sandbank in Lhaviyani Atoll, a breathtaking stretch of white sand that emerges from the sea like a pathway into the Indian Ocean. Just a short boat ride away, the sandbank offers a rare opportunity to experience the Maldives in its most elemental form, with nothing but endless horizons, gentle sea breezes and the feeling of being somewhere wonderfully removed from the everyday world.

Yet the island’s beauty extends far beyond its shores. Located within a Marine Protected Area, Fushifaru is surrounded by a thriving underwater world where marine life flourishes beneath the surface. Just a short boat ride away lies Fushifaru Thila, one of the area’s remarkable underwater treasures and a renowned manta ray cleaning station. From graceful manta rays and sea turtles to dolphins, reef sharks and vibrant coral ecosystems, each encounter offers a reminder that the ocean is not simply the setting for an island holiday, but the very heart of its identity.

For diving enthusiasts, the surrounding waters open the door to extraordinary underwater adventures, with opportunities to discover diverse marine life and captivating reef formations. Meanwhile, snorkelling offers a more intimate way to explore the colourful world beneath the surface, from the resort’s house reef to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Here, every journey beneath the waves reveals another chapter of the island’s story, inviting guests to experience the Maldives not only through its breathtaking beauty above the water, but also through the remarkable life that thrives below.

The resort’s distinctive underwater playground brings a sense of wonder to the water, creating a playful and memorable expression of island living. Meanwhile, its modern Maldivian design draws inspiration from the destination’s cultural heritage, blending contemporary comfort with the natural textures, colours and character of the Maldives.

At Fushifaru, authentic Maldivian hospitality is expressed through thoughtful gestures, heartfelt welcomes and the little moments of kindness that make each stay unique. From sharing local traditions and cultural heritage to helping guests discover hidden corners of the island, the team creates experiences that feel less like a planned itinerary and more like a collection of meaningful memories.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards recognition is therefore a tribute to everyone who contributes to that experience — the team working behind the scenes, those welcoming guests each day, and the people who make the island feel like a home away from home.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of Coco Collection, celebrates two prestigious accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. General Manager Siraj Ali Waseem was named South Asia’s Best GM – Maldives, while the resort was recognised as Silver Winner for Leading Eco-Friendly Resort, reflecting its commitment to exceptional hospitality, inspiring leadership and environmental responsibility.

The individual award marks a significant milestone for Siraj, whose leadership places people at the heart of the guest experience. Overseeing daily operations, he fosters a supportive workplace, encourages professional growth and cultivates a culture of personalised service. His success is also a testament to the colleagues whose warmth and genuine care reflect the essence of Maldivian hospitality.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition, which I share with our entire team at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Collection,” said Siraj Ali Waseem, General Manager. “Our colleagues are the foundation of everything we do, and their passion and dedication make this possible. Being recognised for our sustainability initiatives is equally rewarding, as we continue to care for our island and create lasting memories for those who visit.”

Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu integrates environmental care into everyday island life through marine conservation, mindful operations and fresh produce cultivated at Coco Farm for its culinary offerings.

A cornerstone of these initiatives is its partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, celebrating a decade of sea turtle conservation in 2026. The island is home to the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, providing specialist treatment and rehabilitation for injured turtles. Educational activities and conservation programmes also offer visitors opportunities to better understand marine ecosystems and their protection.

Established in 2016, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) recognise excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality industry. Celebrating its 10th edition this year, the awards bring together leading hotels, resorts, travel organisations and industry professionals from six countries: the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The annual event honours outstanding achievements in service, leadership, innovation and sustainable tourism, while promoting collaboration across South Asia.

Discover the natural beauty and warm Maldivian hospitality of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the resort’s Sun and Fun offer. For more information, visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been recognised among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean, earning the coveted No. 2 ranking in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most trusted honours, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards celebrates the finest destinations, hotels, resorts, and experiences worldwide, based on authentic guest feedback and voting. The accolade reflects the enduring appeal of The St. Regis Maldives and its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.

The recognition arrives during a particularly meaningful year for the resort as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of redefining luxury hospitality through bespoke service, distinctive design, world-class dining, and immersive island experiences in one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary destinations.

Nestled on its own private natural island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has captivated guests since its opening in 2016 with its striking architecture inspired by the surrounding environment, expansive overwater and beach villas, vibrant house reef, signature St. Regis Butler Service, and commitment to sustainability. Over the past decade, the resort has become a destination of choice for discerning travelers, couples, families, and multigenerational guests seeking transformative escapes in an unparalleled setting.

“To be recognised as the No. 2 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler US is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our hosts,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, this distinction makes the milestone even more meaningful. For the past decade, we have had the privilege of creating meaningful moments for our guests from around the world, and this recognition reflects the trust they place in us and the extraordinary experiences our team delivers every day. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and look forward to welcoming them to discover the timeless luxury, exceptional service, and natural beauty that define The St. Regis Maldives.”

From award-winning dining and wellness experiences to bespoke family adventures and immersive marine encounters, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to elevate the luxury travel experience while remaining deeply connected to the natural beauty of its island surroundings. As the resort enters its next decade, it remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks for exceptional hospitality in the Maldives and beyond.

Discover more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort at stregismaldives.com.