News
World Travel Awards unveils nominees for Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016
Maldives.net.mv – World Travel Awards (WTA) has unveiled the nominees for its upcoming Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016.
The first event on the annual Grand Tour, the ceremony will this year be hosted by Diamonds La Gemma dell’Est in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on April 9th.
With more than 1,500 nominations now revealed, voting is expected to be highly competitive right up until the February 29th deadline.
World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “This is always an exciting time of year for World Travel Awards, as we unveil the nominees for the first Gala Ceremony of the year. As we have come to expect it is a stellar list, incorporating the leading lights of hospitality from across Africa and the Indian Ocean.
“With just four weeks of voting ahead of us I urge voters from around the world to cast their ballots at the first opportunity and to make their voices heard as we being the Grand Tour 2016.”
Each year WTA covers the globe with a series of regional Gala Ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.
Each WTA Gala Ceremony offers unrivalled networking opportunities to members of the travel and tourism industry, with the events welcoming government and industry leaders as well as international print and broadcast media.
WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
A full list of nominees for the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2016 can be seen here, while voters are requested to register their interest here.
Awards
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau secures Readers’ Choice Awards nomination
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been nominated in the “Resort” category of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of the travel industry’s recognised measures of guest preference and brand standing.
Located in Raa Atoll, the resort is continuing to build its profile through its all-Club concept, service model and guest experiences shaped by both location and programme. As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, the property includes a set of signature benefits with each stay, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening aperitif.
The resort features 81 beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences, along with seven restaurants and bars. Its guest offering combines private accommodation with a range of tailored experiences, including manta ray encounters in the Maamunagau lagoon, customised Dining by Design experiences, visiting wellness practitioners and its Artist in Residence programme.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is also positioned to serve both couples and families, through its family offering and adults-only Retreat enclave.
The nomination reflects continued recognition for a resort that combines service, experience-led programming and a natural setting within one of the Maldives’ established tourism atolls.
Cooking
You & Me Maldives announces gourmet week with Chef Andrea Berton
You & Me Maldives, the intimate adults-only island retreat in Raa Atoll, is set to present an exceptional culinary journey as part of its highly anticipated Gourmet Week, taking place from 02 to 09 May 2026, featuring the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton.
Set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, this exclusive week-long celebration invites guests to experience the art of fine dining through a curated series of immersive culinary moments, where refined technique meets the natural beauty of the island.
Chef Berton will personally host two signature evenings, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience his distinctive culinary philosophy in an intimate and inspiring setting. On 04 May, guests will be welcomed to a unique dining experience at Green Carpet, where nature and gastronomy come together in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. This will be followed by an elegant evening on 06 May at Sand, where the ambiance of the island’s refined beachfront setting enhances the overall dining journey.
More than just a dining event, Gourmet Week at You & Me Maldives is designed as a holistic experience bringing together exceptional cuisine, thoughtfully curated settings, and the signature warmth of Maldivian hospitality. Each moment is crafted to create a deeper connection between guests, the destination, and the artistry of one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs.
Nestled in a secluded corner of Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives is known for its focus on privacy, romance, and unforgettable experiences, making it the perfect setting for such an exclusive collaboration. With its distinctive dining concepts, including the iconic H2O Underwater Restaurant, the resort continues to elevate the culinary landscape of the Maldives.
This special Gourmet Week reflects The Cocoon Collection’s ongoing commitment to delivering unique, world-class experiences that go beyond the ordinary, offering guests moments that are both memorable and meaningful.
Action
Siyam World expands activity line-up with 3K run and race
Part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, Siyam World has never really done “ordinary.” And with two of its most high-energy island experiences now firmly on the weekly roster, families, groups and anyone with a competitive streak have even more reason to book that trip.
Lace Up: The Siyam World 3K Wellness Run
Every week, guests gather at the start line for the Siyam World 3K Wellness Run, where good vibes meet great views. Clearly marked pathways guide the way to a marathon-style route around the island but the rules are simple: go at your own pace, take in the views, and enjoy the moment. Run it, jog it, or power-walk it with a smoothie in hand. No judgment here. Cross the finish line and you’ll earn an exclusive Siyam World 3K Run badge, the most stylish souvenir you’ll take home, and the ultimate bragging rights for completing a 3K on the most epic island in the Maldives. It’s all about moving, smiling, and enjoying the moment.
Game Faces On: The Amazing Race
For families and groups ready to turn up the heat, The Amazing Race is exactly what it sounds like, chaotic, competitive, and seriously good fun. Teams of up to five kick off at the starting point before racing across the island, completing challenges and hunting down clues at every turn. Five challenges. Multiple locations. Zero time to waste. It’s a test of speed, teamwork and quick thinking with a generous helping of chaos thrown in for good measure. And the rewards? Very worth running for. The winning team takes home a complimentary excursion, second place hits the waves on a banana boat, and third place gets behind the wheel at the Maldives’ first-ever resort based electric go-kart circuit. Not a bad consolation prize.
Whether you’re chasing that runner’s high, racing your kids across the island, or just looking for something a little different from the usual sun-lounger routine, Siyam World delivers. Every experience is designed to bring people together, keep the energy high, and create the kind of memories that don’t fade with the tan.
A World Beyond Your Wildest
Siyam World’s summer offer makes it easier than ever to say yes. Save up to 45% off, enjoy USD 150 resort credit, and settle in to Premium 24hrs WOW! All-inclusive from the moment you arrive. Stay 4 nights and a seaplane transfer is on the house — stay 7 and that extends to two guests, plus a floating breakfast for two. And for families, children under 12 stay completely free when sharing with adults. The only question is how long you can stay. Book your stay now.
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